The Holy Trinity is three persons in one God: Father, Son, and Spirit. An easier way to understand it might be to say that the Holy Trinity is three natures in one God. There is only one God, but God is revealed and acts in the world in different ways, sometimes as Creator and Father, sometimes as Savior and Son, and sometimes as Inspiration and Holy Spirit.
We are the Image of the Holy Trinity
Since we are created in God’s image, we can use our own natures to explain and understand the Holy Trinity. We are alive, our hearts are beating and our brains are working. God the Father created us and makes our hearts and brains work to keep us alive. We have bodies, human flesh. God the Son also had a human body and experienced all the senses that we, too, experience: sight, touch, taste, smell, sound. We breathe – inhale and exhale – in order to live. God the Holy Spirit is the breath of God that gives us life. God the Holy Spirit is also our conscience, helping us to choose the right thing to do and say.
Also consider: A man is a Father, a Son, and a Husband; a woman is a Mother, a Daughter, and a Wife – three natures or roles, but the same person.
Using Water to Explain the Holy Trinity
Water can also be used to explain the concept of the Trinity. As you use water to make food, such as macaroni and cheese, consider this: Water is generally liquid. In its liquid state, water quenches our thirst, cleanses us, keeps plants alive, gives life – like God the Father gives life. When water freezes, it becomes solid, ice. When water is in its frozen state, you can touch it and hold it, it has substance – like God the Son took on flesh. When water evaporates, it becomes steam, floating into the air. We know the water/steam is still there even though we cannot see it – like God the Holy Spirit is unseen but present.
Using an Apple to Explain the Holy Trinity
Have you ever examined an apple in relation to God? As you eat an apple, consider this: The core of the apple is at the center of the apple. It holds the seeds, which, when planted, create new apples. The core of the apple is like God the Father who is at the core of our being and creates life. The pulp of the apple is “fleshy.” It’s also the tasty part of the apple, the part we eat. The pulp of the apple is like God the Son who took on human flesh and gives us his Body and Blood to eat in Holy Communion. The skin of the apple surrounds the pulp and holds the apple together, like the Holy Spirit surrounds us, the Body of Christ, and holds us together.
What other images and props can you find to help explain and understand the Holy Trinity?
