I still have many things to say to you
but they would be too much for you.
But when the Spirit of truth comes
he will lead you to the complete truth

Many of us know the beautiful icon of the Trinity painted by the Russian monk, Rublev. It presents the three sitting around a table with the chalice of blessing. The fourth space around this square table is left deliberately open for you. On this Trinity Sunday, there is a special place for you at the table of the Lord: you are more than welcome because you are needed. As St John Henry Newman reminds each of us, "God has created me to do Him some definite service." Time and time again Jesus made it clear that EVERYONE was invited to the table, especially if they were poor or sinners; he was totally cavalier in his welcome, even if the religious leaders of his time disagreed. So, we cannot allow the modern day scribes and Pharisees who try to stop you either. We know them well in our parish or family: they seem to take great delight in pointing out the weakness of others, all the time conveniently forgetting their own failures. In these difficult times we must take our place with dignity and not be afraid. That place at Rublev's table is yours by right; you have dignity, as you are made in the image of likeness of the Trinity. As we are all honoured members of the family of God, then we are all called to show deep and lasting respect.

In our feast today we glory in the family of the Trinity; today we pray for our own families, those we have spent lockdown with and those from whom we have been separated. We remember those families separated by the scourge of war. We remember families who are fleeing from their homeland—those living the perilous life of refugees. Family should encourage and support us and, even the blessing of a global of lockdown, gave us chance to reimagine our family dynamic. While there probably have been wobbles, the odd problem and even raised voices, I pray that you have seen the strength and beauty of your family. You have received support, a listening ear and care, and you have brought these gifts to your family also. That is what we do as families: we are there for each other.

Jesus reveals the love of the family of the Trinity in his words, actions, and teaching. As families, gathered around your table of friendship, let us follow that example of Rublev: let us pray that the hungry, the lost, the lonely and stressed find a space in our hearts. The Trinity reminds us that God is there for us, especially in these times of difficulty and stress. The challenge is to realise just how loved we are and how each of us can make a real difference if we just follow that example of the Trinity. As we unite in prayer today, we remember our own families and those friends who have become family to us. We remember the family that is our Church and enjoy the fact that we can fully use our Parish buildings again. Our care and concern for each other is expressed through such sacrifice. Together, as one, we will make a difference; we will need each other in the Church of the new normal when new demands will be placed on us. We need not fear as the Trinity walks with us to give inspiration and new light for new ways. Happy family day!

More than ever in this divided world, today is a challenge to see beyond the limits and human divisions of religion, politics, social class, and ethnic background. Those who seek to divide by extreme political rhetoric have no place in a civilised society. Those who pursue a narcissistic and personal agenda, especially in the family that is our Church, have really failed to grasp the beauty of today's celebration. A true living of the values of the Trinity would mean that a Ukrainian War could not happen. As Pope Francis reminds us, we must live a life that promotes unity:

And this unity I dare to say is essential to the Christian … because it is the unity that is born from love, from the mercy of God, from the justification of Jesus Christ and from the presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. (30/05/2021).

Author: Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB

Image: Photo by Sharon Santema on Unsplash