Imbued with Sacred Potential
As we come to understand the profound mystery of the Trinity, we discover that it is not just about abstract theological concepts, but a dynamic metaphysical process that can transform our lives and our world. At its core, the Trinity reveals an ancient principle of change and growth - the Law of Three.
This principle states that in every new arising, there are three essential forces at work: affirming, denying, and reconciling. The interplay of these three produces a fourth, something new that emerges in a higher dimension. Importantly, these forces are not fixed, but shift and must be discerned in each unique situation.Let's consider a simple example from the teachings of Jesus. He spoke of a seed that must "fall into the ground and die" in order to sprout and grow. [John 12:24] Here we see the three forces at work: the seed as the affirming force, the ground as the denying force, and the sunlight as the reconciling force. Together, they generate the new life of the sprout, a fourth that transcends the original seed.
We can even apply this principle to the central event of our faith - the Paschal Mystery of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. If we assign the affirming force to Jesus as the teacher of love, the denying force to the crucifixion and the hatred that drove it, and the reconciling force to the self-emptying love that Jesus willingly embraced, then the fourth that emerges is the Kingdom of Heaven, visibly manifest in the midst of human brokenness.
This is the transformative power of the Trinity - not just an abstract doctrine, but a living metaphysical process that is at work in every moment of our lives. When we learn to discern the affirming, denying, and reconciling forces at play, we open ourselves to the new possibilities that can arise. We become co-creators with the divine, participating in the ongoing transformation of ourselves and our world.
As we reflect on these principles, we are invited to a deeper engagement with the mystery of the Trinity. It calls us to a posture of openness and flexibility, to let go of our fixed ideas and preconceptions. It challenges us to be attentive to the shifting dynamics in our lives and communities, and to seek the reconciling third force that can move us forward.
Ultimately, the Trinity points us to a vision of reality that is fluid, interconnected, and imbued with sacred potential. It is a wellspring of hope and transformation, reminding us that even in the midst of darkness and difficulty, new life is always possible. May we have the courage to embrace this profound mystery, and allow it to shape the way we live and love in the world.
(adopted from: Cynthia Bourgeault, The Holy Trinity and the Law of Three)