Bishop Silva urges trust in God during Lenten homily
During his homily for the Second Sunday of Lent, Bishop Larry Silva of the Diocese of Honolulu reflected on the theme of trust and guidance in one’s journey. He began with a personal story about using conflicting GPS directions while traveling on the Big Island, noting, “Knowing where you are going is important. Or is it?”
He connected this experience to biblical narratives, mentioning Abram who was told by God to leave his homeland without knowing his destination. Silva said, “But God did not tell him where he was going, simply to go wherever he directed. And Abram had such a beautiful relationship with God that he obeyed him without having to ask too many questions.”
The bishop also referenced the disciples’ journey with Jesus, highlighting their challenges and resistance when learning about Jesus’s path toward suffering and death. He stated, “They thought they were going in one direction to glory and honor, but they found their Master – and themselves – being criticized, rejected and persecuted.” He explained that despite difficulties, their love for Jesus led them forward.
Silva emphasized that everyone faces different journeys in life—whether discerning careers or vocations, seeking freedom from addictions, finding forgiveness or acceptance, or determining how best to use their gifts. “We all need a guide for the journey,” he said. He suggested that Lent is a time to deepen one’s relationship with Christ: “If anything is the project of Lent, it is to deepen our relationship with the risen Lord and to submit ourselves more and more to his guidance.”
He concluded by reminding listeners of the importance of keeping faith even when life takes unexpected turns: “The challenge is to trust in Jesus…the journey may take us in directions that seem to be completely opposite to the destination.” Silva added that spiritual practices during Lent can help believers focus on Jesus’s death and resurrection as guiding lights through darkness.
The Diocese of Honolulu operates 66 parishes across Hawaii and serves multicultural faith communities throughout the islands according to its official website. The diocese is affiliated with the Catholic Church and focuses on spreading the Gospel as well as addressing spiritual needs through various ministries. Bishop Clarence Silva has led the diocese since his appointment.
