Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop | Diocese of Honolulu

In a recent homily for the Twenty-Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time, a bishop shared reflections on suffering and its place in life. The bishop recounted an experience from his time as a pastor when a couple sought advice after a marriage counselor recommended divorce. "They came to me to tell me that they did not want to divorce – which is why they went to a counselor in the first place – and asked if I could refer them to a counselor who valued the commitment of marriage," he recalled.

The homily drew parallels between this experience and the biblical exchange between James, John, and Jesus. The bishop explained that James and John sought glory without understanding the accompanying suffering. Jesus questioned their readiness to endure suffering similar to his own. "Jesus affirmed that they would indeed suffer, but that where one sits in the heavenly court is God’s decision, not theirs," he noted.

Reflecting on suffering's role, the bishop cited Isaiah: “The Lord was pleased to crush him in infirmity.” He interpreted this as God's way of purifying individuals through suffering rather than deriving pleasure from it.

Addressing modern issues, the bishop expressed concern over rising suicide rates among young people. A psychiatrist had informed him about children as young as ten considering suicide due to various pressures. He emphasized that many fail to understand that "suffering is a part of life and that it can be overcome with the help of God."

The homily also touched on broader themes relevant to all ages. It encouraged caretakers and women facing unplanned pregnancies to see their challenges as part of life's trials rather than sources of despair or decisions made solely based on personal desires.

Concluding his message, the bishop reiterated Jesus' teachings: focusing solely on personal fulfillment leads to emptiness, whereas serving others according to God's heart may involve trials but ultimately leads to glory.