Very often, when we hear about the divine mysteries, especially the Blessed Trinity, many people think about a doctrine that is very difficult to understand and expect analogies that may help deepen their grasp of the mystery. People want to draw inspiration from our earthly experiences, from things that surround us to make some sense of the divine mysteries. I remember when I was doing prison ministry in a women’s correctional facity; once I was teaching about the Blessed Trinity and asked the detainees to tell me through an analogy the way they understand this mystery (the Blessed Trinity). One lady raised her hand and said the “3 in 1” coffee helps me understand the mystery of the Blessed Trinity. For those who don’t know it, 3 in 1 is a coffee mix very common in Thailand. It a mixture of coffee, sugar, and creamer. I was amazed by this analogy, while aware of it’s limits. 

This analogy of 3 in 1, like most of analogies, can help us understand one aspect of the mystery, while obscuring others. So, let’s focus on what it can teach us, especially for those who are beginning their journey of understanding the divine mysteries. The analogy of 3 in 1 tries to explain unity amid plurality: we do not have 3 separate beverages, but one reality containing three distinct elements. Once mixed, we only experience the coffee as one cup. In a limited way, this can resemble the fact that the Divine Persons are inseparable in their actions, although they remain three distinct Persons in One God.  Again, let’s remember that this analogy helps understand only one aspect. Thus, going further with it may be tricky and misleading. Coffee, sugar, and creamer remain impersonal substances, not capable of relation, of love or of knowledge. 

The liturgy of this Sunday invites us to contemplate this communion of love that exists within God Himself. The Father is not the Son, the Son is not the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit is not the Father. They are three distinct persons, but perfectly One God. There is diversity, but no division. There is unity, but not uniformity. In the second reading, Saint Paul concludes his address to the Corinthians with the beautiful blessing that emphasizes the “communion” that is in God. “The Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God and the communion of the of the Holy Spirit be with you all”. Hence, God is not solitude, but communion. 

Because we are created in the image of God, we too are called to foster unity and live in communion. In the second reading, Saint Paul tells us: “ brother and sisters,  be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you”. However, unity is a great challenge in Christian life. We even live in a world of divisions: divisions in families, in communities, between nations, sometimes even within the Church. People separate because they see some diversities among them, either the diversity of language, tribe, nationality, culture, opinion, or worldview. However, the solemnity of the Blessed Trinity calls us to live unity amid diversity. The Father and the Son are not identical Persons, but their distinction is not a threat to unity. Their distinctiveness makes love possible. Our diversity must lead us to deeper relationships, to love and self-gift. 

In the family, in a group, or in the Church, unity does not mean we must think, speak, or act in the same way. It doesn’t mean that we cannot not disagree sometimes on certain points. We must be aware that God has created each person differently: some are talkative, others are quiet; some pray deeply, others serve more, and so forth. We have all different gifts, but we are one Body in Christ. The Church is called to become a reflection of the Trinity. Our families, communities, and groups of prayer are also called to do the same.

This analogy of 3 in 1, when applied to human unity, becomes even more meaningful. It can teach us important things about the Church, marriage, family, teams, communities and nations. It clearly illustrate the idea of unity in diversity. 3 in 1 teaches us clearly that differences don’t destroy unity. Coffee, sugar and creamer are different in taste, function and properties, but produce one drink that many people enjoy. In the same way, in family, communities or in the Church, when we reconcile our differences, they become a source of growth. To form healthy communities, we must recognize complementary roles. We must avoid such erroneous thinking: “everyone must be like me”. Sugar alone is not a beverage, creamer alone incomplete, and coffee alone is bitter and rejected by some people. But all together give an amazing taste that refreshes and energizes. May our families, communities, and Church mirror the unity of the Father, the Son, And the Holy Spirit. Amen.