Bishop Clarence Silva delivers homily for Fifth Sunday of Easter in Honolulu Diocese
Bishop Clarence Silva delivered a homily for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, released on May 3, addressing the presence of Jesus and the significance of the sacrament of Confirmation. In his message, Silva spoke to those gathered about recognizing Jesus in their lives and communities.
The homily is significant as it highlights the spiritual mission and community focus of the Diocese of Honolulu, which supports multicultural and inclusive faith communities throughout Hawaii according to the official website. The diocese operates 66 parishes across the Hawaiian Islands and focuses on spreading the Gospel and addressing Catholics’ spiritual needs through various ministries, as reported by its official site.
Silva said: “Can you see me? Can you see Father? Can you see the altar? Can you see Jesus? We are a little more tentative in our answer about seeing Jesus. It’s a little more tricky than seeing people or things that are in this room. But the fact is that Jesus is present to us, and this is the reason we are celebrating these sacraments. Jesus’s presence, however, is not always as obvious as we might like it to be.” He reflected on biblical stories where disciples did not immediately recognize Christ after his resurrection but came to understand his presence through faith.
“That is why we are gathered here today to celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation. You will receive the Holy Spirit, God himself, so that you will have wisdom and understanding to see Jesus today,” Silva said during his homily. He explained how believers can encounter Christ through sacraments such as Communion: “We will not see Jesus with our eyes, but he is truly physically present with us… From then on, when people see us, they should see Jesus because he truly lives in us.”
The Diocese of Honolulu extends across all Hawaiian Islands and remains affiliated with the Catholic Church according to its official website. Silva has led as bishop while guiding efforts toward fostering vibrant faith communities throughout Hawaii.
In concluding his message about living out faith beyond church walls, Silva said: “Like early disciples we may not always recognize presence of Jesus with us or see it clearly but he is definitely with us alive and active within us… And he sends us out so that in us everyone will be able to experience his hope his mercy his compassion and his love.”
