Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop | Diocese of Honolulu

On May 26, 2024, during the homily for Trinity Sunday, Year B, the bishop addressed the congregation with a message about understanding and responding to God's love. He began by relating to the children in attendance, humorously noting that parents often need to repeat instructions before they are followed. He then extended this observation to all people, emphasizing that sometimes everyone needs repeated reminders of important truths.

The bishop highlighted that one such truth is God's persistent message of love. "God the Father made us in his own image and likeness and told us to enjoy ourselves in living as he created us," he said. However, he noted humanity's tendency to seek satisfaction elsewhere. He recounted how God chose Israel to demonstrate His love but faced their doubts and waywardness despite sending prophets.

"In the fullness of time," he continued, "God sent his only-begotten Son... named Jesus." The bishop detailed Jesus' miracles and teachings about God's love and forgiveness but also acknowledged humanity's rejection leading to His crucifixion and subsequent resurrection. Despite witnessing these events, even Jesus' disciples doubted.

To reinforce His message of love, God sent the Holy Spirit after Jesus' ascension. This act was meant "so that God himself could set them on fire with love and give them courage" to spread this message globally.

The bishop connected these divine actions with contemporary experiences by mentioning the sacrament of confirmation taking place during the service. Those being confirmed would be "marked, sealed, and branded with the gift of the Holy Spirit," which would remain with them throughout their lives as a reminder of God's enduring love.

Furthermore, he spoke about receiving Holy Communion as an embodiment of Jesus' presence: "Jesus... is going to come down from heaven and be physically present right here as the 'living bread come down from heaven.'" Through communion, believers are called to share God's love in various aspects of their daily lives—at home, school, sports teams, or dance classes.

In conclusion, the bishop reiterated that while people may not always respond immediately to God's declarations of love due to inattentiveness or doubt, God continuously communicates this message through various means: "I love you, and I want you to share my love with everyone in the whole world!"

---