Henrik,

In the Catholic understanding of the Trinity, the Son is begotten by the Father before all ages, without the need for a mother. This eternal generation of the Son from the Father is a mystery beyond human comprehension, where the Son is begotten, not made, of the same substance as the Father (CCC 240). The relationship between the Father and the Son is one of eternal generation, where the Son is generated by the Father in a spiritual sense, not through a physical birth involving a mother (General Audience of 10 March 1999 2). This divine generation is part of the eternal mystery of the Trinity, where the Father begets the Son and the Holy Spirit proceeds from both, all sharing the same divine essence (CCC 255). The analogy of the Trinity in marriage is often used to highlight the self-giving love between spouses that can mirror the self-giving love within the Trinity, where the complete gift of self between the Father and the Son yields the Holy Spirit. (Theology, Christology, Anthropology 3)

While the analogy is valid in illustrating the selfless love within marriage, it is important to remember that the Trinity is a unique divine mystery involving three distinct persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - in eternal relationship, and not a familial relationship like that of a father and a son. (General Audience of 10 March 1999 2)

According to the Catechism of the Council of Trent, the eternal generation of the Son from the Father is a divine mystery that surpasses human understanding. The Son is begotten of the Father before all ages, not in a temporal or physical sense, but in a way that reflects the unity of the divine essence. This eternal generation is likened to the production of thought in the human mind, where the Son is referred to as the Word, emphasizing the communication of the divine nature from the Father to the Son (Catechism of the Council of Trent: The Creed - Article 2).

According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, the eternal generation of the Son from the Father is part of the mysterious triad of the Trinity, which also includes the Incarnation and the Eucharist. The Son, as the Word of God, communicates the divine nature received from the Father to His human nature, culminating in the Eucharistic presence where Christ delivers Himself to the Church. This eternal generation is intricately linked to the Incarnation and the Eucharist, forming a precious chain that unites heaven with earth and God with man (Catholic Encyclopedia: Eucharist).

According to the Compendium of the Social Doctrine, the revelation of the Trinity as Trinitarian love sheds light on the vocation of the human person to love. The communion of love within the Trinity serves as a model for human relationships, emphasizing the importance of self-giving and unity. The Trinity reveals the origin and goal of human existence, calling individuals to live in communion with one another as the divine Persons are united in truth and love (Compendium of the Social Doctrine 34).

According to Pope John Paul II, the feminine dimension evokes the capacity for communion, enabling a reflection on God's fatherhood within the Trinity. The relationship between the Father and the Son, as well as the Incarnation of the Son through the Virgin Mary, sheds light on the feminine dimension and emphasizes the dignity of woman in God's plan. The fatherhood of God is intimately connected to the Incarnation, highlighting the significance of Mary as the Mother of God and the model of woman willed by God (General Audience of (17/24) November 1999 3)

References

1. CCC 240
2. General Audience of 10 March 1999 2
3. CCC 255
4. Theology, Christology, Anthropology 3
5. CCC 240
6. Catechism of the Council of Trent: The Creed - Article 2
7. Catholic Encyclopedia: Eucharist
8. Compendium of the Social Doctrine 34
9. General Audience of (17/24) November 1999 3

Mike