Opening Game
Musical Statues
Start the lesson by playing Musical Statues to get the group moving and engaged. Explain the rules briefly: when the music plays, everyone dances, but when it stops, they must freeze like statues. Encourage everyone to have fun and not worry about how they look. This game is meant to be lighthearted and a great way to start thinking about movement, freedom, and connection. Full instructions for the game can be found here.
After the game, gather everyone together and ask the following questions to reflect on the experience:
- Why do you think it is fun to dance?
- Do you feel free when you are dancing, or do you worry about how you look?
- When you were dancing, did you pay more attention to yourself, or were you aware of the people around you?
Dancing can feel like freedom, can’t it? When the music is playing, you let yourself move, have fun, and enjoy the moment. Sometimes, though, we might feel self-conscious, wondering what others think or if we’re doing it “right.” That’s normal, but part of the beauty of dancing is letting go of those worries and simply being in the moment. Dancing reminds us that we don’t have to be perfect to experience joy.
Now, think about how dancing connects us with others. Did you notice the people around you while you were playing? Maybe you saw someone laughing, or maybe you noticed their creative moves. Dancing together brings a sense of connection. It’s not just about you; it’s about how you move with the group. In the same way, our faith is not something we live out alone—it’s something we share and experience together with others and with God.
The Trinity is a lot like a dance. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit move together in perfect love and harmony. They don’t focus on themselves; instead, they give and receive love in a constant flow. This relationship is active and alive, and the amazing thing is that God invites us to be part of it. Just like we danced to the music, God calls us to join His movement of love. Let’s dive into today’s Scripture reading to learn more about this divine dance.
Scripture Reading
Read John 16:12-15 (The Promise of the Holy Spirit). This is the Gospel for Trinity Sunday Year C.
Jesus said to his disciples: “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.
But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth.
He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming.
He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.
Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.”
Discussion
When you think of the Trinity, what comes to mind? Maybe you imagine God the Father as an older man with a long beard, full of wisdom and strength. Perhaps you see Jesus, the Son, suffering on the Cross, His body bruised but His love unshaken. Or maybe you picture the Holy Spirit as a dove, or flames of fire, or the rush of wind. These are all familiar images, but they only give us a small glimpse of who God is. The Trinity is much more than pictures or symbols—it’s about movement, energy, and relationship.
In John 16:12-15, Jesus gives us a deeper understanding of the Trinity. He tells His disciples that the Holy Spirit will guide them into all truth. The Spirit doesn’t speak on His own but shares what He hears from Jesus, and everything Jesus has comes from the Father. This shows us how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work together perfectly. They are like a team, each playing a role but sharing the same mission. Together, they guide us, love us, and invite us into their unity.
Think of the Trinity as a living relationship. The Father is the source of everything. He created the world and gives us life. Jesus, the Son, brings God’s love to us in a way we can understand. He became human, died for us, and shows us how to love through His example. The Holy Spirit is like the bridge that connects us to God. The Spirit helps us feel God’s love, understand His truth, and live it out. Together, they form a perfect circle of love where each person gives and receives endlessly.
The early Christians used a special word to describe this relationship: Perichoresis. It’s a Greek word that means “going around,” like a dance. Imagine three people dancing together, moving in perfect rhythm. They are not competing or stepping on each other’s toes. Instead, they are in harmony, each movement connected to the others. That’s what the Trinity is like—a divine dance of love, grace, and connection. And here’s the amazing part: this dance isn’t closed off. The Trinity invites you to join in.
So how do we step into the divine dance? First, we need to listen to the Holy Spirit. Jesus said the Spirit would guide us into all truth, and that’s still true today. We can pray and ask the Spirit to help us understand God’s will. When we listen for the Spirit’s voice, we take our first step onto the dance floor.
Next, we follow Jesus’ teachings. Jesus showed us how to love through His words and actions. When we forgive others, care for the poor, and stand up for what is right, we reflect the love of God. By living like Jesus, we take another step into the dance.
Finally, we share God’s love with others. The Trinity’s love isn’t something we keep to ourselves. It’s meant to flow through us to the people around us. When we help someone in need, encourage a friend, or simply show kindness, we are part of the movement of God’s love in the world.
The Trinity is not distant or far away. God is alive and full of energy, and He wants us to be part of His life. The divine dance is about moving closer to God and to one another. It’s not about standing still or being stuck on the sidelines. It’s about living in the love and truth that God offers us every day.
So, let this be your invitation to join the dance. Picture the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit moving together in perfect love. They are not just watching from a distance; they are reaching out to you. Step onto the dance floor. Pray, listen, and let the Spirit guide you. Follow Jesus’ example and share God’s love with the world. The divine dance is happening right now, and you are invited.
Small Group Reflection Questions
Encourage everyone in the small group to participate in the discussion. Remind them that this is a safe space to share their thoughts and experiences. There are no wrong answers, so everyone’s perspective matters. Be sure to listen carefully to each person and allow for moments of silence if someone needs time to reflect before speaking.
- What comes to mind when you think about the Trinity?
- How does the image of the divine dance help you understand the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
- Have you ever felt God inviting you into a closer relationship with Him? What was that like?
- What are some ways you can listen for the Holy Spirit in your daily life?
- How can following Jesus’ example bring you closer to God?
- What does sharing God’s love with others look like in your life?
- Do you ever think of your faith as something active, like joining a dance? Why or why not?
- How can seeing the Trinity as a relationship change the way you think about God?
- What is one step you can take this week to join the divine dance?
- What does it mean to you that the Trinity is always inviting you into their love?
Challenge
Here’s your challenge for the week: Find ways to step into the divine dance by sharing God’s love with others. This can be as simple as showing kindness or taking time to listen to someone who needs it. Start by praying each day and asking the Holy Spirit to guide you. Pay attention to those moments when you feel a nudge to help or encourage someone—that’s often how the Spirit works.
Here are a couple of practical ideas to get you started. First, do one intentional act of love for someone. It could be helping a friend, writing a kind note, or doing a chore without being asked. Second, take time to reflect on the Trinity during your prayers. Thank the Father for creating you, Jesus for loving you, and the Holy Spirit for guiding you. These small steps can help you live out what you’ve learned and draw you closer to God this week.
Prayer
Loving God,
Thank You for inviting us into the divine dance of Your love. Father, You are the source of all goodness and life. Jesus, You show us how to love through Your words and actions. Holy Spirit, You guide us and help us grow closer to God.
Teach us to listen for Your voice, to follow Jesus’ example, and to share Your love with others. Help us to live in unity and harmony, just as You do. Draw us closer to You this week and let us reflect Your love in all we do.
Amen.
More Resources
For more information and resources, see https://young-catholics.com/69493/divine-dance-lesson-plan-on-perichoresis/