Trinity Sunday

Trinity Sunday celebrates the mystery of one God in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The readings from all three years highlight how God is active in the world. In Year A, Jesus tells His followers to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Year B speaks of the Spirit of adoption, where we are made children of God. Year C shows Jesus speaking of the Spirit guiding the Church.

This Sunday helps us reflect on how the Father creates, the Son saves, and the Spirit stays with us. The message is about God’s closeness and love through all time. We are invited to trust this holy mystery and live with faith in all three Persons. Trinity Sunday reminds us that God is not distant, but fully present and working in our lives.

Click on the appropriate year below to see resources, themes, homilies, and more. See how to determine the correct year.

Trinity Sunday Year A
Trinity Sunday Year B
Trinity Sunday Year C

Mass Readings for Trinity Sunday Year A

See resources, homilies, and more for the Trinity Sunday Year A readings here.

• First reading – Exodus 34:4B-6, 8-9: Moses, following God’s instructions, ascends Mount Sinai, where God proclaims His compassionate nature; Moses worships and pleads for God’s presence despite the people’s stubbornness.
• Responsorial Psalm – Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56: Blessed is the Lord, God of our ancestors, exalted and praised in His sanctuary, on His majestic throne, and above all creation, forever renowned and glorious.
• Second reading – 2 Corinthians 13:11-13: We should find joy, improve ourselves, support each other, strive for harmony, and live peacefully, ensuring God’s presence among us. Greet each other warmly, as all saints do, and may the grace of Jesus, God’s love, and the Holy Spirit’s communion be with us all.
• Gospel – John 3:16-18: God expressed immense love for humanity by giving His only Son, so that believers would gain eternal life and not perish. The purpose of this divine act was not condemnation, but to offer salvation. Belief in His Son brings salvation, while disbelief results in condemnation.

Mass Readings for Trinity Sunday Year B

See resources, homilies, and more for the Trinity Sunday Year B readings here.

• First Reading –Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40: Moses urges reflection on God’s unique acts for Israel: speaking from fire, choosing them miraculously, and showing unmatched power. He emphasizes that the LORD is the only God and calls for obedience to ensure prosperity.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 33: The Lord’s word is true, His actions dependable, creating the heavens and earth with His command. He watches over and sustains those who revere Him and hope in His love.
• Second Reading – Romans 8:14-17: As God’s children, led by His Spirit, we’re freed from fear, adopted, and can call Him “Father”. This Spirit affirms our divine inheritance with Christ, linking suffering with shared glory.
• Gospel – Matthew 28:16-20: On a Galilean mountain, the eleven disciples met Jesus as instructed. Despite some doubts, they worshipped Him. Jesus declared His divine authority and commanded them to make disciples of all nations, baptize them, and teach His commands, assuring His continual presence until the end of time.

Mass Readings for Trinity Sunday Year C

See resources, homilies, and more for the Trinity Sunday Year C readings here.

• First Reading – Proverbs 8:22-31: God’s wisdom declares it was created first, before the earth and oceans. Present during creation, it rejoiced beside God, delighting in the formation of the world and humankind.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 8: In awe of the heavens and stars, I marvel at human significance and dignity, honored by God with dominion over all creatures of earth, sea, and air.
• Second Reading – Romans 5:1-5: Justified by faith, we are at peace with God through Jesus, and rejoice in hope. Our sufferings produce endurance, character, and hope, filled with God’s love through the Holy Spirit.
• Gospel – John 16:12-15: Jesus acknowledged the disciples’ limitations in understanding and promised the coming of the Spirit of truth. This Spirit would guide them into all truth, speaking not independently, but revealing future events and glorifying Jesus by sharing His teachings. Jesus affirmed that the Spirit’s revelations are from His divine authority.

Lookup Other Liturgical Dates in the Lectionary

The Bible and the Lectionary both contain Scripture, but they are used in different ways. The Bible includes all the books of the Old and New Testaments and can be read in any order. The Lectionary is a book that arranges selected Bible passages for use at Mass. It follows a set schedule, so Catholics hear important readings throughout the year. Each Mass has assigned readings marked with a lectionary number.

The Lectionary is divided into Sundays, weekdays, and feast days. It follows a three-year cycle for Sundays and a two-year cycle for weekdays. Each reading has a lectionary number that makes it easy to find and prepare for Mass. For example, Trinity Sunday has its own lectionary number and set of readings that focus on the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This system helps Catholics stay connected to the Church’s seasons and teachings. Reading ahead helps people understand and reflect more during Mass.

How to Determine the Liturgical Year

The liturgical cycle is a three-year sequence of A, B, and C.

• 2024 is Year B
• 2025 is Year C
• 2026 is Year A
• 2027 is Year B
• 2028 is Year C
• 2029 is Year A
• 2030 is Year B
• 2031 is Year C
• … and so on

Trinity Sunday is a day to remember that God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These are not three gods but one God in three Persons. It is a mystery we cannot fully explain, but we believe it because Jesus showed us this truth.

The readings from all three years help us see how the Father, Son, and Spirit work together. In Year A, Jesus tells His followers to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In Year B, Paul says we are children of God and can call Him “Father.” In Year C, Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit who will guide the Church.

Trinity Sunday reminds us that God is close to us. The Father made us, the Son saved us, and the Spirit helps us live each day. The Trinity is part of everything we believe as Catholics.

We celebrate Trinity Sunday by remembering God’s love in three Persons. We are invited to trust God and follow Him with our whole life.

Trinity Sunday is a good time to stop and think about how God is working in your life. The readings show the love of the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. Each Person of the Trinity helps us in a special way. Try reading the Gospel and ask yourself, “What is God saying to me?”

Take a moment to share in the comments. How do you experience God as Father, Son, or Spirit? Others may be helped by your thoughts. Trinity Sunday is a chance for us to grow together as a Church family by listening to Scripture and each other.