Trinity Sunday Year A

• First reading – Exodus 34:4B-6, 8-9: God appears to Moses and speaks about His character. He is kind, patient, full of love, and ready to forgive, but He also brings justice. Moses bows down and worships Him.
• Responsorial Psalm – Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56: This psalm praises God’s greatness. It honors His name, His holiness, and His rule over all creation.
• Second reading – 2 Corinthians 13:11-13: Paul encourages the people to live in peace and unity. He blesses them with the grace of Jesus, the love of God, and the friendship of the Holy Spirit.
• Gospel – John 3:16-18: Jesus tells Nicodemus that God loves the world so much that He sent His Son to bring eternal life. Those who believe in Jesus will be saved, but those who do not believe miss out on this gift.

Lectionary Reference: 164

Upcoming dates: May 31, 2026, May 27, 2029, May 23, 2032

Trinity Sunday Year A invites us to reflect on the mystery of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is a time to remember that God is three persons but one in essence, showing us how they work together for our good. Here are some key themes for this special day:

• God’s Loving Nature: God shows us love through His actions. He is always ready to forgive and shows kindness to all.
• God’s Justice and Mercy: While God is loving and forgiving, He also brings justice. He helps us understand that mercy and justice work together.
• Peace and Unity: Paul encourages the people to live in peace. Unity among believers is important to God, and He calls us to be united.
• Blessing Through Christ: Through Jesus, God offers grace to everyone. We are blessed with His love and friendship through the Holy Spirit.
• Gift of Eternal Life: God sent His Son to give us the gift of eternal life. Those who believe in Jesus can be saved from death and live forever.
• The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit brings us closer to God. He helps us grow in faith and guides us in living out God’s will.
• Faith and Salvation: Belief in Jesus is key to salvation. Without faith, we miss the chance to receive the gift of eternal life.

In conclusion, Trinity Sunday Year A highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. It teaches us about love, justice, salvation, and unity through our faith in God.

What Is the Holy Trinity?

The mystery of the Trinity teaches that God is one substance and three persons, which we can only understand through divine revelation. Catholics believe in one God in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit, who are all the same divine substance.

The Trinity represents God’s relationship, and we can think of it as the Lover (Father), the Beloved (Son), and the Love flowing between them (Holy Spirit). It can also be represented by the Formlessness (Father), Form (Son), and Energy flowing between them (Holy Spirit). The Trinity is often depicted as a Triangle or a circle of movement, and it invites us to join in the dance of perfect relationship. Use this as background material for Trinity Sunday Year A.

The Glory Be Prayer

One of the most significant aspects of the Glory Be prayer is its focus on the Holy Trinity. The prayer recognizes that there is only one God, but that God exists in three distinct persons – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This doctrine of the Holy Trinity is a foundational belief of Christianity and is rooted in the teachings of the Bible. Think about the significance of this simple prayer on Trinity Sunday Year A.

Baptized as Beloved Children Lesson Plan

This reflection focuses on how God expresses His love to us as baptized members of His family. The Trinity, which consists of God the Father as the lover, God the Son as the beloved, and God the Holy Spirit as the love between them, represents God’s perfect relationship. When Jesus was baptized, the Spirit descended like a dove, and God the Father expressed His love for Jesus by saying, “You are my beloved son. In you, I am well pleased.”

Nicodemus: A Journey of Faith

The Gospel reading for Trinity Sunday Year A depicts Nicodemus, a Pharisee who was interested in knowing about eternal life, engaging in a dialogue with Jesus. John 3:16-18 is a section of the passage that narrates how Nicodemus approached Jesus in secrecy to discuss spiritual matters. This encounter served as a starting point for Nicodemus’ spiritual growth, as he gradually developed his faith over time.

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

Jeff Cavins reflects on the readings for Trinity Sunday Year A.

Trinity Sunday Year A gives us the opportunity to reflect on the mystery of God’s nature and how He reveals Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Through the readings, we are invited to consider how this unity and relationship shapes our faith and how we are called to live in communion with God and one another. These reflections explore key themes like God’s love, unity, and grace, offering insights into how we can live out our faith in practical ways.

The Mystery of God’s Unity

Trinity Sunday Year A invites us to reflect on the mystery of God’s unity. God is one but exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This mystery is difficult to understand fully, as our human minds cannot grasp the full depth of this truth. We are asked not to fully comprehend it, but to accept it as part of our faith. This is a central teaching in the Church, one that shapes how we relate to God.

The most important thing about the Trinity is the perfect unity between the three persons. Even though they are distinct from one another, they share the same nature and work together in harmony. There is no conflict, no separation, only perfect love and unity. This unity is not forced; it flows naturally from the very nature of God. It is a model for us in how we should live with one another.

In our own lives, we are called to reflect the unity of the Trinity. Just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are united in love, we are called to love one another. This love should not be based on what we get from others, but on a deeper connection that reflects God’s love. Working together in unity, especially in the Church, is part of our response to this mystery. It means putting aside our personal desires to serve the greater good of others.

The unity of the Trinity challenges us to overcome division in our own lives. Whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, God’s love calls us to build unity and peace. It asks us to recognize that we are all connected, and that unity in love is the foundation of a healthy relationship with God and each other.

Living in Relationship with God

Trinity Sunday Year A reminds us that God is not distant or far away. God is relational, and He invites us into a close, loving relationship. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct but completely united. Their relationship is one of love and giving, a model for how we should relate to one another.

The Trinity shows us that our relationship with God is not one-sided. Just as the three persons of the Trinity share life and love, God wants us to share our lives with Him. He is not a distant God who remains far away, but a loving God who desires to be close to us. The Trinity is about community, and we are invited into this community through faith in Jesus Christ.

As believers, we are called to reflect the loving, communal nature of God in our own lives. The way we live should reflect the love, unity, and mutual respect seen in the Trinity. We are made in God’s image, and as such, we are meant to live in loving relationships with others. This includes forgiving those who hurt us, offering our help to those in need, and working together in the community.

The readings for Trinity Sunday Year A also remind us of the gift of salvation. It is not something we can earn by our own effort, but something freely given by God. Jesus came to save us, and the Holy Spirit strengthens us to live as faithful followers of Christ. Through these gifts, we are able to enter into a deeper relationship with God.

God’s Love and Grace

One of the central themes of Trinity Sunday Year A is the incredible love and grace of God. The readings show that God sent His Son to save us, not because we deserve it, but because of His immense love for us. Through the work of Jesus, we are given the opportunity to have eternal life. This is a gift of grace, something we could never earn on our own.

God’s love is not based on our actions or how good we are. It is unconditional and constant. Jesus came to reveal this love, and through His life, death, and resurrection, He opened the way for us to be saved. The Holy Spirit, who dwells in us, is a constant reminder of God’s presence and love. He helps us live as faithful disciples of Christ and empowers us to share God’s love with others.

We are also reminded in the readings that God’s love is not just about us receiving grace, but about sharing it. As Christians, we are called to live out the love we receive by loving others. This means showing kindness, patience, and forgiveness, just as God has shown to us.

The gift of grace and salvation is a central part of what we celebrate on Trinity Sunday Year A. It challenges us to be more like the God we worship, sharing love and grace with everyone we meet. It is a call to live out our faith in practical ways that reflect the love of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

As we reflect on the readings for Trinity Sunday Year A, let us remember the importance of unity, love, and relationship with God. These reflections encourage us to think about how the Trinity works in our lives, shaping our relationships and calling us to be more like God in our actions toward others.

Prayer

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thank You for revealing Yourself to us in your perfect unity. Help us to reflect Your love and unity in our lives, working together in peace and faith. Empower us to live out the grace and love You give, sharing it with everyone we meet. Amen.

• How do you understand the mystery of the Trinity in your own life?
• In what ways does God’s unity challenge the way you relate to others?
• How can you live in closer relationship with God, following the example of the Trinity?
• How do you see God’s love and grace in your life?
• What does it mean to you that God is not distant but relational and close?
• How can we reflect God’s love in our actions toward others?
• What does the idea of being created in God’s image mean for your relationships with others?
• How does understanding the Trinity change the way you view salvation?
• How can the love of the Trinity help us overcome division in our communities?
• What steps can you take to live out the love and unity of the Trinity in your daily life?

The music selections listed here focus on key themes from the readings for Trinity Sunday Year A, particularly the unity of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Many of these songs celebrate God’s greatness, power, and the beauty of His creation, reminding us of the relationship within the Trinity and how we are invited to join in that relationship. The hymns and contemporary worship songs also emphasize themes of praise, love, and worship, encouraging us to respond to God’s love with our own. Whether through classical hymns or modern songs, the music invites us to reflect on God’s role in our lives and His call for us to live in unity and love with others.

• All Creatures of Our God and King by Rick Modlin & Ike Ndolo
• All Hail Adored Trinity
• All My Days by Dan Schutte
• Creator of the Stars of Night by Marty Haugen
• Doxology by Passion and David Crowder Band
• For the Beauty of the Earth
• God Beyond All Names by Bernadette Farrell
• God We Praise You by Christopher Idle
• Go Out in the World by Ed Bolduc
• Holy, Holy, Holy by John Bacchus Dykes, O.I. Cricket Harrison, Reginald Heber & Robert E. Kreutz
• Holy, Holy, Holy/God With Us by Matt Maher
• Holy Is the Lord by Chris Tomlin & Louie Giglio
• Holy / Jesus You Are by Charles Billingsley
• How Can I Keep from Singing by Chris Tomlin
• How Great Is Our God by Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves & Ed Cash
• How Great Thou Art by CeCe Winans
• I Sing the Mighty Power of God by Isaac Watts, Robert E. Kreutz, William H. Monk & Randall Debruyn
• Let All Things Now Living by Michael Card
• Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow by Dean Baskerville
• Praise the Father, Praise the Son by Chris Tomlin
• The Living God by Gael Berberick & Barney Walker
• This I Believe/The Creed by Hillsong Worship & Matt Crocker
• We Gather Together by Edward Kremser & Robert E. Kreutz

Music directors and musicians are encouraged to explore these songs and consider how they fit with the themes of Trinity Sunday Year A. Feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions for other songs in the comments. Your input can help others find music that supports the message of this special day and enriches the worship experience for the congregation.

What date is Trinity Sunday Year A?

The next date is Sunday May 31, 2026.
For other years see the links below:
Trinity Sunday Year B
Trinity Sunday Year C

What are the Mass readings for Trinity Sunday Year A?

The Mass readings for Sunday May 31, 2026 are:
First reading – Exodus 34:4B-6, 8-9: God’s Compassion and Justice
Responsorial Psalm – Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56: God’s Mighty Works
Second reading – 2 Corinthians 13:11-13: Unity and Peace in Christ
Gospel – John 3:16-18: God So Loved the World

What is the Trinity?

The Trinity is the belief that God is three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Even though they are three, they are all one God. This is a mystery we cannot fully understand, but it is a central part of our faith.

How does the Trinity relate to our lives?

The Trinity shows us how to live in unity and love. Just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are united, we are called to live in peace and harmony with others. The Trinity teaches us the importance of love in relationships.

What does it mean to live in communion with God?

Living in communion with God means having a close, loving relationship with Him. We do this by praying, following Jesus, and listening to the Holy Spirit. It also means living in a way that reflects God’s love and grace.

How can I reflect the unity of the Trinity in my life?

Reflecting the unity of the Trinity means being peaceful and loving toward others. It involves working together with others in the Church and treating people with kindness and respect. We are called to show the same love and unity that exists in God.

Why is the concept of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit so important for us?

This concept is important because it shows how God works in our lives. The Father creates, the Son saves, and the Holy Spirit empowers us to live as faithful followers of Christ. By understanding the Trinity, we learn about God’s love and how He cares for us in different ways.

How does the love of the Trinity affect our actions?

The love of the Trinity calls us to love others. It teaches us that love is not just a feeling but something we show through our actions. Just as God loves us, we are called to love one another, forgive each other, and help those in need.

What does it mean to be saved by Jesus?

Being saved by Jesus means that through His life, death, and resurrection, we can have eternal life with God. It is a gift of God’s love, not something we can earn. We receive this gift by having faith in Jesus and following Him.

How does the Holy Spirit help us?

The Holy Spirit helps us by guiding us in our faith. The Spirit gives us strength to live as followers of Jesus and helps us understand God’s will. The Holy Spirit also comforts us and helps us grow in love and understanding.

How can I apply the message of Trinity Sunday Year A to my daily life?

Trinity Sunday Year A reminds us of the importance of love, unity, and relationship. We can apply this by building stronger, more loving relationships with others. We are also encouraged to grow closer to God through prayer, faith, and following the example of Jesus.

What does it mean that salvation is a gift from God?

Salvation as a gift means that we cannot earn it by our own actions. It is something God gives to us freely because of His love. We accept this gift by believing in Jesus and trusting in God’s love and mercy.

Why is it important to be united in the Church?

Unity in the Church is important because it reflects the unity of the Trinity. When we are united, we show the world how God loves and cares for everyone. Working together in the Church helps us grow in faith and fulfill God’s mission.

How can I grow in my relationship with God?

To grow in your relationship with God, spend time in prayer and reading Scripture. Trust in God’s love and try to live as Jesus taught us. The more you focus on God, the deeper your relationship will grow.

What does the Trinity teach us about love?

The Trinity teaches us that love is about relationship, sharing, and giving. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit love each other perfectly, and we are called to share that love with others. Love is the key to strong relationships and building unity.

How can I live out the grace I receive from God?

Living out God’s grace means showing kindness, forgiveness, and love toward others. It involves helping those in need and sharing the message of God’s love. By living this way, we reflect the grace that God gives us.

How does the Trinity Sunday Year A message affect my view of God?

Trinity Sunday Year A shows us that God is relational and loving. It helps us see that God is not distant but wants to be close to us. By understanding God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we realize how much He cares for us and wants us to grow in relationship with Him.