Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop | Diocese of Honolulu

On the Third Sunday of Easter, a significant event took place as seminarian Deepak Bobbarala was instituted as a lector. The bishop shared an anecdote from his past, recalling a lector at one of his previous parishes who struggled with reading skills but was deeply respected for her love and understanding of the Word of God. Despite her challenges in articulation, she continued to serve due to her profound connection with the teachings.

The bishop admitted that during his time as a pastor, he often faced temptations to prioritize efficiency over personal relationships. He noted instances where lectors were either late or mispronounced words, humorously recalling an occasion when "dromedaries" were read as "dormitories." Despite these issues, he emphasized that technical perfection should not overshadow the living message of the Word of God.

Drawing parallels between this principle and other aspects of life, the bishop mentioned his mother's chocolate chip cookies and a gas station he frequented because of its friendly staff. Both examples highlighted how love and genuine relationships can outweigh mere skill or convenience.

Reflecting on a biblical story, the bishop spoke about Jesus' disciples fishing unsuccessfully until Jesus intervened. This led to a scene where Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him, underscoring that love is paramount over skills for serving in the Church. The bishop stressed that while skills are important, they become truly effective when combined with love for Jesus.

As the congregation gathered for breakfast with Jesus symbolically through communion, the bishop encouraged them to nurture their responsibilities in various roles—be it as spouses, parents, citizens, or professionals—grounded in their love for Jesus. This experience serves as a foundation not only for building necessary skills but also for continuously renewing their devotion to the Living Word of God.