Trinity Sunday Year B

• 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.

The readings for the Trinity Sunday Year B affirm that we are members of God’s family and that God desires the whole world to be united into his relationship of love. The second reading tells us that we are truly God’s children. In the gospel Jesus tells his followers to baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Trinity Sunday Year B reflects on the nature of God as three persons in one essence and the relationship between God and believers. Here are some themes from the readings of this day:

• God’s singular might and choice: Moses reflects on God’s unique acts for Israel, emphasizing His unmatched power and choice of Israel as His people. This underscores the uniqueness and sovereignty of God.
• Identity and inheritance in Christ: Paul speaks about believers being children of God, led by the Spirit. This shows the intimate relationship believers have with God, highlighting their identity and inheritance in Christ.
• Great Commission: Jesus commands His disciples to teach and baptize all nations, emphasizing His authority and continuous presence. This directive, known as the Great Commission, calls for spreading the Christian faith globally.
• God’s continual presence: The promise of Jesus’ continual presence underscores His unending support and guidance to His followers in their mission.
• Unity in the Trinity: The readings collectively highlight the unity and diversity within the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and their cooperative work in the salvation of mankind and the life of believers.

These themes for Trinity Sunday Year B celebrate the mystery of the Trinity and the Christian call to evangelism and obedience.

See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for Trinity Sunday Year B.

What Is the Holy Trinity?

This resource explains the concept of the Holy Trinity, which is central to understanding Trinity Sunday Year B. It describes the Trinity as a relationship within God, made up of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This relationship reflects perfect unity and love. The site uses metaphors to make the idea more accessible, like viewing the Trinity as a lover, a beloved, and the love between them. This can help deepen understanding and appreciation of how God interacts with us.

Where Is God? Lesson Plan

This lesson plan that uses the Gospel reading for Trinity Sunday Year B, Matthew 28:16-20, to explore how we experience Jesus’ presence in our lives. The plan includes activities and questions to help participants recognize Jesus’ continual presence, as He promised to always be with us. This resource is designed to engage participants in deepening their understanding of how Jesus remains active and present in everyday situations.

The Mystery of the Trinity

Jeff Cavins discusses the Trinity’s revelation throughout the Bible in his reflection for Trinity Sunday Year B. He explains how the Old Testament, through figures like Abraham and Moses, introduces us to the concept of one God. In the New Testament, this evolves into the understanding of God as a Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Cavins emphasizes our personal relationship with the Trinity, particularly through our identity as God’s children, which Paul discusses in Romans. This relationship invites us into God’s love, making us heirs to His kingdom alongside Christ.

The Trinity as Call to Action

Bishop Robert Barron’s homily for Trinity Sunday Year B describes the Trinity as both a complex doctrine and a simple reality present in everyday Catholic life. He explains how the Trinity is central to our faith, reflected every time we make the sign of the cross or celebrate baptism. The homily emphasizes that understanding the Trinity enriches our understanding of God’s actions in the world and our mission as Christians. This deepens our appreciation of being part of God’s family and our role in sharing this with others.

Trinity: MIA

Father Richard Rohr reflects on how the doctrine of the Trinity, historically seen as complex and unapproachable, is integral to everything and deeply relational. He mentions that understanding the Trinity can transform relationships, culture, and politics. Rohr emphasizes that the mystery of the Trinity isn’t something to be solved but continually explored, reflecting a reality where everything is interconnected. His perspective invites a humble and ongoing engagement with the mystery of God, challenging traditional views that it should not or cannot be understood.

Family of Love

Scott Hahn reflects on Trinity Sunday Year B, emphasizing the intimate connection between the recent feasts of Pentecost, Trinity Sunday, and Corpus Christi. These feasts celebrate our deep relationship with God, who reveals Himself as a Trinity of love and invites us to share in His divine nature. The readings for the day highlight the historical preparation for the revelation of the Trinity through God’s actions with Israel and His blessings through Jesus Christ. Hahn connects these themes to our calling to live faithfully in response to God’s love and to participate in the Eucharist, affirming God’s eternal presence with us.

Praying with the Trinity

Joe Paprocki discusses teaching children about the Trinity by connecting it to their experiences of God as Creator, Savior, and Guide. He suggests using prayer walks, visio divina, and lectio divina to explore God the Father as Creator. To understand Jesus as Savior, he recommends Mass participation, Adoration, and presenting Jesus as a friend they can always turn to. For the Holy Spirit, he advises praying for the strengthening of gifts from Baptism and Confirmation, and incorporating music in lessons to make the experience engaging and memorable.

Understanding God’s Uniqueness

On Trinity Sunday Year B, the first reading from Deuteronomy invites us to reflect on the unique ways God has interacted with Israel. Moses speaks to the people, reminding them of the extraordinary acts God has done for them. They saw God speak from the fire and perform miracles to choose them above all other nations. This reading highlights God’s unmatched power and His closeness to His people.

Moses emphasizes that there is no other God besides the LORD. He is the only true God, and understanding this truth is crucial for our faith. Moses calls the people to obey God’s commands. If they listen and follow His ways, they will prosper. This message is not just for Israel but for us today. By obeying God, we align our lives with His will, leading to true happiness and peace.

Living as God’s Children

The second reading for Trinity Sunday Year B, from Romans, tells us about the spirit of adoption we receive from God. Through the Holy Spirit, we are not just followers but children of God. This Spirit leads us and frees us from fear. We can call God “Father” with confidence and love.

This relationship is not something we earn; it is a gift. As children of God, we share in everything Christ has, including His suffering and His glory. The Spirit confirms this to us, making us feel secure in our divine inheritance. This means we are never alone, and we share a special bond with Christ and our fellow believers.

Making Disciples of All Nations

The Gospel for Trinity Sunday Year B takes us to a mountain in Galilee, where Jesus meets His disciples after His resurrection. Even though some doubted, they all worshiped Him. Here, Jesus gives them a great mission: to make disciples of all nations, baptize them, and teach them to follow His commands.

Jesus’ command is a foundation for our mission as Christians. We are to share the good news with everyone, no matter where they are from. The task of baptizing and teaching is not just for the apostles but for all of us who follow Christ. Jesus also promises to be with us always, until the end of time. This assurance gives us the courage to carry out His commands.

Joining God’s Family

On Trinity Sunday Year B, we think about the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This idea can seem hard to understand, but it really shows us how God is all about relationships. God is three Persons who share love and purpose. We are made to want friendship and love, just like God.

Being part of this relationship with God fills us with peace and happiness. It feels right because it meets our need for being close to others. This happiness is so strong that we want to share it with everyone.

Trinity Sunday Year B reminds us that our faith is more than just following rules or doing church activities. It’s about being part of God’s family. Jesus tells us to bring more people into this family. As we learn more about the Trinity, we want to help others feel this joy too. We spread God’s love by inviting more people to join us.

Trinity Sunday Year B brings together these profound messages from the Scriptures. Each reading helps us understand our relationship with God. We see His uniqueness and power, our role as His children, and our mission to bring others into this relationship. As we reflect on these readings, let’s ask for the grace to appreciate more deeply the beauty of our faith and the responsibilities it carries. God’s presence and promises are with us, guiding and strengthening us in our journey.

• Understanding God’s Uniqueness: Reflect on how Moses described God’s actions for Israel. How does recognizing God as the only true God influence your daily life and decisions?
• Living as God’s Children: What does being a child of God mean to you personally? How does this identity help you face challenges in your life?
• Making Disciples of All Nations: Jesus calls us to make disciples and teach His commands. What are some ways you can participate in this mission within your own community?
• Joining God’s Family: Reflect on your own experiences of community and relationship. How do these experiences help you understand the concept of the Trinity?
• Sharing the Joy: When have you felt a strong sense of peace and joy from your faith? How can you share that joy with others who may not yet know about God’s love?

For Trinity Sunday Year B, the music selection should focus on themes that honor the Holy Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It’s good to choose hymns and contemporary songs that praise the majesty and mystery of the Trinity, which is a central belief in Christianity. Hymns that directly address or celebrate the Trinity are especially appropriate. They help the congregation reflect on the unity and diversity of God in three persons. This day is a powerful opportunity to deepen our understanding and appreciation of how God interacts with us in different forms.

• All Creatures of Our God and King
• All Hail Adored Trinity
• Doxology
• God Beyond All Names
• God We Praise You
• Go Out in the World
• Holy God We Praise Thy Name
• Holy, Holy, Holy
• Holy, Holy, Holy/God With Us
• Holy Is the Lord
• How Great Is Our God
• I Sing the Mighty Power of God
• Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow
• Praise the Father, Praise the Son
• Psalm 33: Blessed the People
• The Living God
• This I Believe/The Creed
• We Gather Together

Songs that are robust in their praise and reverence towards God’s power and creation fit well with the celebration of Trinity Sunday Year B. This music that speaks about God’s greatness and the blessings He bestows. These hymns not only enhance worship but also reinforce the teachings about the Holy Trinity through their lyrics and melodies.

What date is Trinity Sunday Year B?

The next date is May 23, 2027.
For other years see the links below:
Trinity Sunday Year A
Trinity Sunday Year C

What are the Mass readings for Trinity Sunday Year B?

The Catholic Mass readings for May 23, 2027 are:
First Reading – Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40: Moses’ Call to Remember
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 33: Trust in the Lord’s Love
Second Reading – Romans 8:14-17: Children and Heirs of God
Gospel – Matthew 28:16-20: The Great Commission

What is the main message of the First Reading for Trinity Sunday Year B?

The First Reading from Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40 tells us that the LORD is the only God. Moses reminds the people of Israel about God’s unique acts for them, like speaking from fire and choosing them through miracles. He tells them to obey God’s laws to live well.

What does the Second Reading for Trinity Sunday Year B teach us about our relationship with God?

In the Second Reading from Romans 8:14-17, we learn that we are God’s children and He has adopted us. The Holy Spirit helps us feel secure in calling God “Father” and confirms that we will inherit what God has promised, just like Christ.

How are suffering and glory connected in the Second Reading for Trinity Sunday Year B?

The Second Reading explains that suffering for Christ leads to sharing His glory. As children of God, our hardships are part of our journey toward receiving the full benefits of God’s kingdom.

What command does Jesus give in the Gospel for Trinity Sunday Year B?

In the Gospel from Matthew 28:16-20, Jesus tells His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to follow His commands. He promises to be with them always.

How does the Gospel for Trinity Sunday Year B describe Jesus’ authority?

Jesus says that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. This shows that He has the power to command and lead not just on earth, but also in heaven.

What assurance does Jesus provide at the end of the Gospel reading for Trinity Sunday Year B?

Jesus assures His disciples that He will be with them always, even to the end of time. This gives them confidence to carry out His commands.

What is the significance of baptism in the Gospel reading for Trinity Sunday Year B?

Baptism is important as it is the way new disciples are welcomed into the faith, signifying their acceptance of Jesus’ teachings and their entry into the community of believers.

Why is obedience important according to the readings of Trinity Sunday Year B?

Obedience is important because it connects us with God’s promises. In Deuteronomy, obedience leads to prosperity and life, and in Matthew, teaching obedience to Jesus’ commands is part of making disciples.