Dear Right,

The Trinity refers to the triune nature of God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The word was coined in the second century to describe this reality. While it is not found in the Bible, it is meant to describe what we know about God and which is confirmed in the Scriptures. Namely, that the Father is God, Jesus is God, and the Holy Spirit is God. That much is clear from the teaching of the ancient Church and is confirmed in the Scriptures. Likewise, the distinction of these persons is also noted. Therefore, we say God is three persons in one nature. There is no other like God; it is a mystery beyond human understanding. But try this in your imagination.

You exist; you also think of yourself. Since you are only human, your thought of yourself is incomplete — you simply can't hold everything about yourself in one thought.

• But what if you could?

Imagine that your thought of yourself was an identical reflection of who you are. Now imagine that the thought of yourself, the refection, also holds a reflection or thought of self. For a visual, try standing in front of a mirror, and then place a mirror behind you.

• What happens when you look through the first mirror at the second?

If placed in view you will see an infinite reflection. That is kind of what it is like to be God. He holds the idea of Himself perfectly which, in itself, mirrors Him perfectly and spirates into infinity. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is a very imperfect analogy but it can plant the idea that what we imagine is mysterious at best and awe inspiring.

You said:

• What is the basis of going to a priest for Confession?

There are many places that can be used as references, but read the whole New Testament to see how that is revealed. Especially John's Gospel:

• the first chapter
• the 14th chapter (for the Holy Spirit) and
• chapter 20, particularly John 20:19-23 to see how Jesus gave the Apostles the authority to forgive men's sins in his name, which is the basis of Confession.

Peace,

Bob Kirby
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