Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop | Diocese of Honolulu

Bishop's Homily for the Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Aug 11, 2024

When I meet people who visit Hawaii for the first time, I am often asked if I ever take the incredible natural beauty of the islands for granted. While I still marvel at the beauty, I must admit that seeing it for the 600th time is not the same as seeing it for the first time. There is a certain freshness of vision that, while not disappearing entirely, can be greatly diminished.

Perhaps this was the case with the beautiful town of Lahaina. And it was not only its natural beauty that was attractive; but the beauty of neighbors, of work, and of the simple comforts of home were also treasures that we appreciated. But perhaps they were not as much appreciated as when they were suddenly taken away in last year’s devastating fire. Now they are only memories – often very painful memories – of what was. But I dare say, even those memories are treasures that bring us hope and joy. And in the days since the fire, other beautiful things have been revealed: the outpouring of prayers and support from people all over the country and the world; the donations of supplies, services, and money that flowed in from caring, though unknown, neighbors; the stubborn hope expressed in restarting a school that had been destroyed; the consistent hope of continuing to gather as a community for worship; the resilient vision that looks forward to rebuilding and renewing the life of a suffering community and not giving up on its future.

In these summer days, the Church has presented us with the opportunity to reflect on another gift that is so beautiful but that we can often take for granted: the Eucharist. We have been reading from the Gospel of John, Chapter 6, which teaches us about Jesus as "the Bread of Life," "the living Bread come down from heaven." It is incredibly awesome to think that God loves us so intimately that he gives himself to us as food and drink. It is shockingly astounding to think that we, who live 2,000 years after "the death and resurrection" of Jesus can encounter "the physical presence" of that same Jesus right here in this sacred assembly. It is something that we can easily take for granted making it so routine that it may not only lose its divine luster but even become boring to some. And so we are encouraged to renew our vision to see with ever-new eyes what we have seen and experienced for decades: "the Real Presence" of Jesus Christ among us today.

As "the prophet Elijah" was overwhelmed with weariness as he prophesied in "the name" of "the true and living God" and was hunted down because he did so, we also see that God provided him food to continue his journey—to take up once again "the overwhelmingly difficult task" of rebuilding "the Kingdom" among a people who had strayed far away from it. He was able to go on because of "the strength he received from food" provided by God himself even though he just wanted to curl up and die.

And so it is today—God gives us this holy food: this Bread of Eternal Life and this Chalice of Salvation. He gives us once again his only begotten Son so that we may be strengthened for "the arduous journey" ahead—rebuilding this town our lives—and this community. Even if we do not live here in West Maui there are always parts within our lives needing renewal. This Eucharist—the true presence—strengthens us for what lies ahead ensuring no matter how hard our journey may be—we will reach our final goal.

As we perform this holy action remembering Jesus' saving death & resurrection—he renews awe at creation’s beauty—in places peoples communities livelihoods—for everyone's benefit refreshing us—to restore small towns like Maui—or God's Kingdom itself.

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