First Communion Sunday.

Today we welcome some of the children to the Lord's Table for the first time. Most were Confirmed in their Baptism last Friday evening. Like the Easter initiation of adults a few weeks ago this weekend is a central celebration in the life of the Church. For today, once again, we see the Body of Christ, the Church, being renewed, finding new life, in these children.

To receive Jesus in the Eucharist is both the climax of our initiation into the Church and the centre of Catholic life. For it is gathered here that we are most what Christ wants us to be, one in faith, hope and love. It is here that we are reminded of who we are and what our mission is in the world. To witness to that faith, hope, and love to the world. As Jesus was sent by the Father so he sends us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit to live as disciples.

It is always a bit challenging to preach on the Trinity, the doctrine of the Christian churches that God is three persons equal in divinity yet one God. It is just as challenging to preach on a First Communion day. Because we have that responsibility to offer these children that same faith in God.

We can, however, enter into that mystery of God. That is what God wants us to do. That is what we do in a special way through the Sacraments. Did you hear that beautiful line from the first reading from Exodus. Moses went up the mountain with two tablets of stone. And we are told that the Lord came down from the cloud and "stood with him there." That is what God always wants to do. God wants to stand with us whatever happens. God does this in a unique way in Jesus as we heard in the Gospel today, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life" (John 3:16).

The Eucharist is Jesus' pledge to us that God does not go back on his word. Our children have embarked on a remarkable journey of faith with us from today. We welcome them to join us in faith. Jesus stands with you, boys and girls, as your friend. Jesus wants to stand with you always. He gives himself to us as food and drink in the Eucharist. He is the source of our Christian life in ways that we do not always understand. When I give Holy Communion to the sick in hospital it really strikes you how much that gift is valued by those who suffer. Jesus stands with them giving them hope in their need.

Today and always pray to Jesus. Thank Jesus for being that kind of friend.

There is a quote from St Augustine in the newsletter which says, "If you see love, you see the Trinity." That makes it easy to speak of the Trinity and it makes it easy to speak to these children. Because it is love that has brought them here. The love of their parents, sponsors, teachers and catechists. The Trinity is not a problem to be understood but the very life we live with God.

Fr Graham