Triangles are everywhere. In the pyramids, in geodesic domes (thank you, Buckminster Fuller), in bridge supports and trestles, and lots of other things. They have three angles, three sides, and a host of wonderful mathematical properties. Triangles combined can make up lots of other shapes. But it turns out that, unlike squares, rectangles and circles, triangles cannot be deformed into any other shape.
Don’t worry—I’m not going to delve any deeper into math and physics. But it strikes me that knowing about the strength of this simple shape can help deepen our imperfect understanding of the mystery of the Holy Trinity. It’s the idea that a triangle cannot be deformed—pushed, prodded, punctured, whatever—into any other shape fascinates me. It’s difficult to imagine the Trinity without any one of its Persons. Other denominations and faiths can try this, and do, but Christianity needs the succinct completeness of the Trinity: the Person who, with the others, breathes life into the world; the Person who, with the others, redeems God’s beloved; the Person who, with the others, inspirits us: three bound together as one in unconditional love.
Let me recommend World Library’s “Holy Trinity” (WLP 08911), a simple, beautiful, haunting melody by the remarkable Timothy R. Smith, for SATB choir and assembly, with descant. It’s in triple rhythm—graceful, peaceful and accessible. I fell in love with the tune the first time I heard it; it took me three weeks to write the verse texts.
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from Religious Clip Art for the Liturgical Year (A, B, and C).
This art may be reproduced only by parishes who purchase the collection in book or CD-ROM form. For more information go http://www.ltp.org