Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop | Diocese of Honolulu

On March 30, 2025, the message conveyed in a sermon centered on the meaning of hunger, both physical and spiritual, using historical and religious anecdotes. The sermon referenced the Israelites in the desert, who subsisted on "a steady diet of manna and quail," contrasting their situation with their later experience in the Promised Land. This change symbolized progression from scarcity to abundance, "eating from the produce of this rich land."

The Gospel was cited as an illustration of personal transformation and redemption. A young man, having squandered his inheritance, finds himself destitute yet returns to his father in repentance. "The father threw all resentment to the wind when he saw his son approaching and treated him like a king returning from a successful battle."

Another theme was God's unyielding love for humanity, akin to the unwavering hope a father holds for his returnee son. It was emphasized that, "God feeds us with the Bread of Life and the Cup of Eternal Salvation, the very Body and Blood of his Son."

The homily encouraged self-reflection, particularly during Lent, by urging individuals to scrutinize their actions and desires. "We scrutinize ourselves, even as our Elect who are preparing for the Easter sacraments do so as they celebrate the Scrutinies."

The issue of misplaced desires was examined. The sermon pointed out, "If they instead hungered for God and putting their talents at the service of God, they would have their fill of the finest food possible, the food of God’s love."

The discourse concluded by emphasizing the enduring satisfaction found in spiritual fulfillment, noting, "The challenge is to attune our hungers to what will really satisfy, what will bring us the most lasting happiness."