Homily – The Most Holy Trinity – Year B

For many families, when a newborn is welcomed into the world the child’s future is already discussed. Many questions are already on the minds of parents. Questions such as “What arrangements will we make to ensure they get the best possible care to grow into strong, healthy individuals?”  “Where will they be enrolled to help nurture their learning ability?” “Which parish has the programs to support their child’s faith development?” “Will my child fit into this particular community?”

Questions such as these are to prepare the child with the best possible chance of succeeding in life. Perhaps this is one definition of success. The definition might vary depending on who you ask. Success might mean achieving a goal no matter how small or significant. It could come down to how it makes one feel if success is to be happy. It depends if the goal is to be effective or affective.  Our life is not simply functional defined by work or study alone. Healthy relationships with others contribute to our overall well-being and success in life.

If a child knows they are supported and loved unconditionally they learn to develop life-giving and trusting relationships.  How important it is for a child to experience the warmth and love in their early years.  The ability to create and build healthy relationships is an important mission in life and in faith.  We can see this part of life in relation to the faith that we profess.  Each Sunday we profess our faith in the Three Persons of the Trinity. Each statement shows how the Trinity accompanies us from the beginning.

From God, the Father, who gave life to creation and who doesn’t leave us on our own. God sets the vision for a future that includes every person. In Christ, God shows us the loving mercy.  And in the Holy Spirit who strengthens, renews and completes the good work that has already begun from our birth into the world. The connection and unity of the Three Persons shows that they are of one heart and one mind in their mission. We are invited into this wonderful union and communion.

This Sunday’s Feast of the Most Holy Trinity is a celebration of life in a community.  We are baptised in the Trinitarian formula to go out and reach out to others.  At Baptism, the child is surrounded by a chorus of support in their parents, godparents, grandparents, extended family, and friends to ‘educate’ and ‘form’ them to have the best possible chance in their mission.

As a community we make the promise to support the newest member of the community and we make good of this promise through prayer and faithful witness.

By Fr Hoang Dinh

Published: 24 May 2024