Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop | Diocese of Honolulu

The Bishop's homily on Palm Sunday reflects on the profound traditions and meanings associated with the events of Holy Week. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of this significant period, during which Jesus's entry into Jerusalem is commemorated.

In the homily, the Bishop recounted a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where he witnessed Jewish pilgrims participating in a procession from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem. He noted his surprise upon seeing them "lined up on the Mount of Olives with palm branches in their hands." The Bishop explained his discovery that this was not a Christian novelty but a Jewish tradition carried out for centuries.

Regarding the Passover meal, the Bishop remarked that "Jesus did what Jews had been doing for centuries," referring to the prayers of blessing over bread and wine. However, Jesus imparted new meaning to these longstanding rituals, declaring, "This is my body, which will be given for you" and "This is the cup of the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you."

The Bishop highlighted the concept of a "new covenant," marked by Jesus's sacrificial role as the Lamb to take away sins, drawing parallels to the traditional Passover sacrifice. He pointed out how the tearing of the Temple veil at Jesus's death symbolized God's presence becoming accessible to all people, emphasizing Jesus's proximity to humanity in his sacrificial act.

The homily also touched on the routine nature of life and religious practice. The Bishop urged reflection on how Jesus seeks to alter these routines through his death and resurrection. "We Catholics come here to Mass every Sunday," he said, encouraging the congregation to remember that Jesus offers himself each time as "food and drink."

The Bishop encouraged embracing forgiveness, citing the example of Jesus's love and mercy. He mentioned the routine nature of sin and forgiveness, reflecting on Jesus's pardon to "the criminal on the cross" and his merciful gaze towards Peter, which inspired repentance.

Throughout the homily, the Bishop reminded the faithful that life with Jesus often challenges routine, offering "amazing surprises of healing, love, and liberation."