Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop | Diocese of Honolulu

The Bishop delivered a homily for the Thirtieth Sunday of Ordinary Time, focusing on the theme of spiritual blindness and the power of prayer within families. He introduced the concept of "hale pule," which means "house of prayer" in Hawaiian, and discussed an initiative called "Every hale a hale pule." This movement encourages families to engage in regular prayer, not only for their own benefit but also as a service to the broader community.

The Bishop emphasized that while physical blindness is one form of impairment, there are other types of blindness that can affect individuals and families. He pointed out that excessive screen time or unresolved family conflicts can lead to people becoming blind to each other's needs. He suggested that prayer could help open people's eyes to these issues.

He referenced the biblical story of Bartimaeus, who was healed by Jesus after expressing his faith. The Bishop explained that this healing was possible because Bartimaeus engaged in dialogue with Jesus through prayer. He encouraged families to adopt similar practices, suggesting that opening one's heart in prayer could lead to personal and communal healing.

According to the Bishop, family prayer has the potential to transform relationships by helping individuals see each other's virtues and faults more clearly. It can also encourage action against social issues such as homelessness and domestic violence.

In conclusion, he stated that incorporating prayer into daily life could be transformative for many households, just as it was for Bartimaeus when he regained his sight. By making every home a "hale pule," he believes people can overcome various forms of blindness and follow a path toward spiritual growth.