Homily – The Most Holy Trinity – (C)

The most important beginning for any Christian is usually Baptism. Most often this beginning is decided by their parents. Nowadays the choice to be baptised is not uncommon among adults and teenagers. There are recent reports about the surprising increases of non-infant baptisms in the UK and France. Even across the major dioceses in Australia have reported slight increases.

There are several reasons that might explain such a shift; parents from mixed marriages delaying their child’s baptism until they can decide for themselves; a spouse may play an influential role in sharing their faith. Friendship groups is also a factor.

Leaving baptisms to a later age is not a disadvantage – meaningful relationships are developed later in life which can have a powerful impact on the question of faith. Faith and relationship recognise we cannot live on our own.

Relationship is a key part of baptism – during the celebration parents, godparents and grandparents are not only witnesses but are also supporters. Parents and godparents explicitly state their commitment to support.  As the person’s name is called upon they are received into the communion of persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Communion is exercised whenever the Word of God is kept. By keeping the Word we welcome the Lord.

Christ is connected to the other persons of the Trinity just as we are connected to important people in our lives – the nearest example we can give in our experience. Christ made it possible for us to call the transcendent God as “Our Father” as a way to develop a relationship between parents and children.

We are all invited to discover more as a way to deepen this communion – the onus is on us to follow the Spirit’s lead.

By Fr Hoang Dinh