Choose a topic from Part 1:
1. The name Trinity as applied to God means the determinate number of three Persons in one and the same undivided God.
2. We rightly use the term distinction when we speak of the Persons of the Trinity. But we avoid the vagueness or the plain error of the terms diversity and difference; these words appear to suggest a cleavage in the undivided divine essence. We may, however, use the term other when we contrast the divine Persons, for this word stresses the distinction of Persons without implying a difference of essence or nature. Hence we may say, "The Son is other than the Father."
3. The terms alone and only are properly applied to God's name when we speak of God in comparison with creatures. Thus we say, "God alone is eternal," and "Only God is infinite." But we do not use the words alone and only in such a way as to suggest that God is solitary or lonely; such use would be an implied denial of the Trinity of Persons in God. Therefore, it is misleading to say,"Before there were creatures, God was alone."
4. The terms alone and only may be added to the name of one Person of the Trinity as distinct from the others when what is expressed is proper to that one Person. These words alone and only are not to be added to the name of any one divine Person if such expression would or could suggest the excluding of the other Persons from what is attributable to God in unity. Thus we may say, "The Son alone is begotten or generated." But we cannot rightly say,"The Holy Ghost alone gives us grace."
"The greatest glory we can give to God is to do his will in everything."
St Alphonsus de Liguori
* * *
"It is vanity to love what passes quickly and not to look ahead where eternal joy abides.
"
Thomas á Kempis
* * *
"Lord, take from me everything that hinders me from going to You. give me all that will lead me to You. Take me from myself and give me to Yourself."
St Nicholas Flue
* * *