Ask a Priest Anything: How can God be three things?

Sometimes people think the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) is like a puzzle we have to solve about what God is.

But actually it may better to say the Trinity is a way of describing the different ways in which we experience God.

• We recognise God as the one who creates - like a Father or Mother, or an artist or inventor.

• We learn what God is like when we look at Jesus - a kind, devoted, and caring companion - like a loving son (or daughter).

• And we encounter God working inside us, warming our hearts - like a compassionate Spirit.

It’s still one God but experienced by us in three ways - a little like how a flower might experience the sun as light, warmth, and energy - each different but working together to make the flower grow.

None of us completely understand the mystery of God but the important thing the Trinity tells us is this: God is creative, loving, and always with you.

I wonder—what words would you use to describe how you experience God?