FEAST OF THE HOLY TRINITY, why?

[Denise]

FEAST OF THE HOLY TRINITY

From Rev. Fr. Leonard Goffine's
THE CHURCH'S YEAR
(Imprimatur 1874)

This festival is celebrated on the Sunday after Pentecost, because as soon
as the apostles were instructed and consoled by the Holy Ghost, they began
to preach openly that which Christ had taught them.

Why do we celebrate this festival?

That we may openly profess our faith in the doctrine of the Holy Trinity,
which is the first of Christian truths, the foundation of the Christian
religion, and the most sublime of all mysteries; and that we may render
thanks, to the Father for having created us, to the Son for having redeemed
us, and to the Holy Ghost for having sanctified us.

In praise and honor of the most Holy Trinity, the Church sings at the
Introit of this day's Mass:

INTROIT Blessed be the holy Trinity and undivided Unity: we will give glory
to him, because he hath shown his mercy to us: (Tob. XII.) O Lord, our
Lord, how wonderful is thy name in all the earth! (Ps. VIII. 1.) Glory be
to the Father, etc.

COLLECT Almighty, everlasting God, who hast granted to Thy servants, in the
confession of the true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal
Trinity, and in the power of Thy majesty, to adore the Unity: grant that by
steadfastness in the same faith, we may ever be defended from all
adversities. Through our Lord.

EPISTLE (ROM XI. 33-36.) O the depth of the riches of the wisdom and of the
knowledge of God! How incomprehensible are his judgments, and how
unsearchable his ways! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath
been his counselor? Or who hath first given to him, and recompense shall be
made him? For of him, and by him, and in him, are all things: to him be
glory forever. Amen.

EXPLANATION St. Paul's exclamations, in this epistle, are caused by the
inscrutable judgment of God in rejecting the Jews and calling the Gentiles.
The Church makes use of these words to express her admiration for the
incomprehensible mystery of the most Holy Trinity, which surpasses our
understanding, and yet is the worthy object of our faith, hope and love.
Although neither angels nor men can fathom this mystery, it cannot be
difficult for the sound human intellect to believe it, since it is
indubitably and evidently revealed by God, arid we, in many natural and
human things, accept for true and certain much that we cannot comprehend.
Let us submit our intellect, there fore, and yield ourselves up to faith;
as there was indeed a time when men were martyred, when even persons of all
ages and conditions preferred to die rather than to abandon this faith, so
let us rather wait until our faith is changed to contemplation, until we
see the Triune God, face to face, as He is, and in the sight of that
countenance become eternally happy. Thither should all our hopes, wishes,'
and desires be directed, and we should cease all fruitless investigations,
endeavoring by humble faith and active love, to prove worthy of the
beatific vision; for if we do not love Him who is our all, our last end and
aim, and lovingly desire Him, we will have to hope of one day possessing
Him.

ASPIRATION O incomprehensible, Triune God! O Abyss of wisdom, power, and
goodness! To Thee all glory and adoration! In Thee I lose myself; I cannot
contain Thee, do Thou, contain me. I believe in Thee, though I cannot
comprehend Thee; do Thou increase my faith; I hope in Thee, for Thou art
the source of all good; do Thou enliven my hope; I love Thee, because Thou
art worthy, of all love; do Thou inflame ever more my love, that in Thy
love I may live and die. Amen.

GOSPEL (Matt. XXVIII. 18-20.) At that time Jesus said to His disciples: All
power is given to me in heaven and in earth. Going, therefore; teach ye all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you. And behold, I am with you all days, even to the consummation
of the world.

EXPLANATION Christ being God had from all eternity the same power that His
Father had; being man, He had this same power by the union of His divinity
with His humanity, and on account of the infinite merits of His passion. In
virtue of this power, He said to His apostles, before the ascension, that,
as His Heavenly Father had sent Him, even so He sent them to all nations,
without exception, to teach all that He had commanded, and to receive them,
by means of baptism, into the Church; at the same time He promised to be
with them to the end of the world, that is, that He would console them in
suffering, strengthen them in persecution, preserve them from error, and
always protect them and their successors, the bishops and priests, even
unto the consummation of the world.

(See Instruction on the doctrine of the infallibility of the Church for the
first Sunday after Easter.)

ASPIRATION Be with us, O Lord, for without Thee our pastors cannot produce
fruit, nor their hearers profit anything from their words. Be with us
always, for we always need Thy help. All power is given to Thee, Thou hast
then the right to command, and we are bound to obey Thy commands which by
Thy Church Thou hast made known to us. This we have promised in baptism,
and now before Thee we renew those vows. Grant now that those promises
which without Thee we could not have made, and without Thee cannot keep,
may be fulfilled in our actions. Leave us not to ourselves, but be Thou
with us, and make us obedient to Thee, that by cheerful submission to Thee
true may receive happiness.

INSTRUCTION ON THE HOLY SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

Going, therefore, teach ye all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Matt. XXVIII. 19.)

Is baptism a Sacrament?

Yes because in it the baptized person receives the grace of God by means of
an external sign, instituted by Christ.

What is this external sign?

The immersion, or the pouring of water, accompanied by the words: "I
baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
ghost:"

What does the baptismal grace effect?

It removes original and actual sin; causing ,man to be spiritually born
again, made a new creature, a child of God, and joint heir with Christ.

How many kinds of baptism are there?

There are three kinds: The baptism of desire, which consists in a heartfelt
desire for the baptism of water, joined with a perfect love of God, or a
perfect sorrow for sins committed, and with the purpose to obey all God's
commands; the baptism of blood, which is received by those who suffer
martyrdom for the true faith, without having received the baptism of water;
the baptism of water, which is the Sacrament of Baptism.

What do the different ceremonies of this Sacrament signify?

They are the external signs of the effects which baptism produces inwardly
upon the soul, and should impress us with deep reverence for this
Sacrament.

Why is it customary to have a godfather or godmother?

That there may be a witness that the child has received baptism; that in
case of the death of the parents, the sponsors may assume their place, and
have the child instructed in the truths of religion. St. Augustine speaking
of the duties of sponsors, very beautifully says: "They should use all
care, often to admonish in true love their godchildren that they may strive
to lead a pure life; they should warn them against all detraction, all
improper songs, and keep them from pride, envy, anger, and revenge; they
should watch over them that they may preserve the Catholic faith, attend
the church services, listen to the word of God, and obey their parents and
their pastors." Sponsors must therefore be true believers, and of
unquestionable morality. No one, unless a Catholic can be chosen for a
sponsor, because one who is not a Catholic would not instruct the child in
the Catholic faith, or see that others do it; but would be more likely, as
experience shows, to draw the child over to error.

What results from this sponsorship?

In baptism, as in confirmation, a spiritual affinity originates between,
the sponsors, the one who baptizes or confirms, with the one baptized or
confirmed, and with the parents, so that, by a decision of the Church a
godfather or godmother cannot contract marriage with any of these parties,
unless the impediment is removed by dispensation, that is, by a special
permission received from a spiritual superior. But the sponsors have no
spiritual relationship to each other.

Why has the Church instituted this spiritual relation?

From reverence for these holy Sacraments, and that by this spiritual bond
the sponsors may be more closely connected with their godchildren, and be
incited earnestly to discharge their obligation.

Why must the person to be baptized wait at the entrance of the church?

To indicate that until he has thrown off the yoke of sin, and submitted to
Christ, and His authority, he is unworthy to enter, because baptism is the
door of God's grace, to the kingdom of heaven, and the communion of saints.

Why does the person receive a saint's name?

That by this name he may be enrolled, through baptism, into the number of
Christians whom St. Paul calls saints; that he may have a patron and
intercessor, and that the saint, whose name he bears, may be his model and
example, by which he may regulate his own life.

Why does the priest breathe in the face of the one to be baptized?

In imitation of Christ who breathed on His apostles when He gave them the
Holy Ghost. (John XX. 22.) St. Chrysostom says that in baptism supernatural
life is given to the soul as God imparted natural life to Adam by breathing
on him.

Why does the priest impose his hand so many times upon the head of the
person to be baptized?

To show that he is now the property of God and is under His protection.

What do the many exorcisms signify?

That the evil spirit who previous to baptism holds the person in bondage is
now commanded in the name of God to depart, that a dwelling place may be
prepared for the Holy Ghost.

Why is the person so often signed with the sign of the cross?

To signify that through the power of Christ's merits and of His death on
the cross, baptism washes away original sin; that the person is to be
henceforth a follower of Christ the Crucified, and as such must fight
valiantly under the banner of the cross, against the enemies of his
salvation, and must follow Christ on the way of the cross even unto death.

What does the salt signify which is put into the person's mouth?

It is an emblem of Christian wisdom and of preservation from the corruption
of sin.

Why are his ears and nose touched with spittle?

That as Christ put spittle on the eyes. of the man born blind, thus
restoring his sight, so by baptism, the spiritual blindness of the soul is
removed, and his mind receives light to behold heavenly wisdom. Also, as
St. Ambrose says, the candidate is thus instructed to open his ears to
priestly, admonitions, and become a sweet odor of Christ.

Why does the priest ask: "Dost thou renounce the devil; and all his works,
and all his pomps?"

That the Christian may know that his vocation requires him to renounce and
combat the devil, his works, suggestions and pomps. Thus St. Ambrose very
beautifully addresses a person just baptized: "When the priest asked: 'Dost
thou renounce the devil and all his works,' what didst thou reply? 'I
renounce them.' 'Dost thou renounce the world, its lusts and its pomps?' 'I
renounce them.' Think of these promises, and let them never depart from thy
mind. Thou hast given thy hand-writing to the priest, who stands for
Christ; when thou host given thy note to a man, a thou art bound to him.
Now thy word is not on earth but preserved in heaven; say not thou knowest
nothing of this promise; this exculpates thee no better than the excuse of
a soldier who in time of battle should say he knew not that by becoming a
soldier he would have to fight."

Why is the person anointed on the shoulder and breast with holy oil?

As Sts. Ambrose and Chrysostom explain this is done to strengthen him to
fight bravely for Christ; as the combatants of old anointed themselves with
oil before they entered the arena, so is he anointed, on the breast, that
he may gain courage and force, bravely to combat the world, the flesh, and
the devil, and on the shoulder, that he may be strong to bear constantly
and untiringly, the yoke of Christ's commands, and pursue the toilsome
course of life in unwavering fidelity to God and His holy law.

Why are, the Lord's Prayer, and the Apostles' Creed said at baptism?

That, when the child is a grown person an acknowledgment of faith may by
this means be made m the face of the Church; when children are baptized,
these prayers are said by the sponsors who are thus reminded to see that
their godchildren are well instructed in these as in all other Christian
truths.

Why does the priest expressly ask the person if he will be baptized?

Because as man, through Adam, of his own free will obeyed the devil, so now
when he would be received among the number of Christ's children, he must,
to obtain salvation, of his own free will obey the precepts of God.

Why is water poured three times upon the person's head?

This is done, as St. Gregory the Great writes, in token that man after this
thrice-repeated ablution rises from the death of sin, as Christ, after His
three days' burial, rose from the dead. (Rom. VI. 4.5.) In early times the
candidate for baptism was immersed three times in the water. For many
'reasons this custom has been abolished.

Why is the person anointed on the top of the head with chrism?

This anointing is, so to speak, the crown of the young Christian. As in the
Old Law the kings were anointed, (I Kings X. 1.) as Jesus is the Anointed
One, and as the Apostle St. Peter calls the Christians a chosen race, a
kingly priesthood, a holy people, (I Peter II. 9.) so the baptized by means
of this unction is embodied in Christ, the Anointed One, and participates
in His priesthood and kingly dignity. What an exalted position is the
Christian's! He is the anointed one of the Lord, and in a spiritual sense a
priest, because he constantly brings himself to the Lord God as a pleasing
sacrifice in prayer, mortification, &c. He is king when he rules over his
inclinations, submits them to reason, and reason to the Lord. Besides this
he is king by the claims which, through baptism, he possesses to the
kingdom of heaven. Through the chrism he becomes the blessed temple of the
Holy Ghost, the sacred vessel which in time, through communion, will
contain the precious body and blood of Christ. How does he desecrate this
temple when, by grievous sin, he tramples this exalted dignity under his
feet and. stains the temple of the Holy Ghost, his soul!

What does the white robe signify?

The holy Fathers teach that this represents the glory to which by baptism
we are born again; the purity and beauty with which the soul, having been
washed from sin in the Sacrament of baptism, is adorned, and the innocence
which the baptized should preserve through his whole life.
Why is a lighted candle placed in his hand?

It is an emblem of the Christian doctrine which preserves the baptized from
the darkness of error, ignorance, and sin, illumines his understanding, and
leads him safely in the way of virtue; it represents the flame of. love for
God and our neighbor which the baptized should henceforth continually
carry, like the five prudent virgins, (Matt. XXV. 13.) on the path to meet
the Lord, that when his life is ended he may be admitted to the eternal
wedding feast; it signifies also the light of good example which he should
keep ever burning.

Who is the minister of this sacrament?

The ordinary minister is the priest of the Church; but in case of necessity
any layman or woman, even the father or mother can baptize. Parents,
however, should not baptize their own child unless no other Catholic can be
procured. The reason why lay persons are permitted to baptize is that no
one may be deprived of salvation.

What must be observed particularly in private baptism?

The person who baptizes must be careful to use only natural water, which
must be poured on the child's head saying at the same time the words: I
baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost; having at the same time the intention of baptizing as the Church
does, in the manner required by Christ.

INSTRUCTION ON THE RENEWAL OF BAPTISMAL VOWS

All the graces and dignities which we receive in baptism, God secures to us
for the future, only on condition that we keep our baptismal vows. Every
Christian in baptism makes a bond with God through the meditation of Christ
who has sealed it with His blood. This bond consists, on man's part, in the
promise to renounce forever the devil, all his works and all his pomps,
that is, constantly to suppress the threefold lust of the eyes, the flesh
and the pride of life, by which the devil leads us to sin, and to believe
all that God has revealed, and all that His holy Church proposes to our
belief, and diligently and properly to make use of all the means of
salvation. On the part of God this bond consists in cleansing us from all
sin, in bestowing the gifts of the Holy Ghost, in adopting us as His
children, and. in the assurance to the inheritance of heaven. This bond
will never be broken by God who is infinitely true and faithful, but it is
often violated by weak and fickle man. In compliance with the desire of the
Church we should often reflect upon it, and from time to time renew it in
the sight of God. This should be done particularly before receiving the
holy Sacrament of Confirmation, before first Communion, on the vigils of
Easter and Pentecost, at the blessing of baptismal water, on the
anniversaries of our baptism and confirmation, before making any solemn
vow, before entering into matrimony and when in danger of death. This
renewal of baptismal vows can be made in the following manner: Placing
ourselves in the presence of God, we kneel down, fold our hands, and say
with fervent devotion:

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was born and
suffered for us.
I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of
saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life
everlasting.
I renounce the devil; all his works and all his pomps.
Christ Jesus! With Thee I am united, to Thee alone I cling, Thee only will
I follow, for Thee I desire to live and die. In the name of the Father, and
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

DOCTRINE ON THE HOLY TRINITY

What is God?

GOD is the most perfect being, the highest, best Good, who exists, from all
eternity, by whom heaven and earth are create, and from whom all things
derive and hold life and existence, for of Him, and by Him, and in Him are
all things. (Rom. XI. 36.)

What is the Blessed Trinity?

The Blessed Trinity is this one God who is one in nature and threefold in
person, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

Is each of these three persons God?

Yes, because each of them has the divine nature and substance.

Are they not three Gods?

No, because all three of these persons have one and the same divine nature
and substance.

Is any one of these three persons older, mightier, or greater than the
other?

By, no means, they are all three from eternity entirely equal to each other
in divine omnipotence greatness and majesty, and must, therefore, be
equally adored and venerated.

Ought one to give himself up to the investigation of the most Blessed
Trinity?

No; "For," says the saintly Bishop Martin, "the mystery of the Trinity
cannot be comprehended by the human intellect, no one however eloquent can
exhaust it; if entire books were written about it, so that the whole world
were filled with them, yet the unspeakable wisdom of God would not be
expressed. God who is indescribable, can in no way be described. When the
human mind ceases to speak of Him, then it but begins to speak." Therefore
the true Christian throws his intellect under the feet of faith, not
seeking to understand that which the human mind can as little comprehend,
as a tiny hole in the sand can contain the immeasurable sea. An humble and
active faith will make us worthy some day in the other world, to see with '
the greatest bliss this mystery as it is, for in this consists eternal
life, that by a pious life we may glorify and know the only true God,
Christ Jesus His Son, and the Holy Ghost.