Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop | Diocese of Honolulu

On August 3, 2025, the Bishop of the Diocese of Honolulu delivered a homily for the Eighteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, addressing children who were about to receive Confirmation and First Holy Communion. The bishop noted the special nature of the day and acknowledged that while children may remember their attire or gifts received, these material things are temporary.

He emphasized that what endures is "the major gift you will be given today, the physical embrace of God’s love." The bishop explained that through Confirmation, recipients are marked with an invisible sign showing they belong to God. "This little anointing on your forehead with Sacred Chrism is God’s way of kissing you, and letting you know how much he loves you and wants you to be his disciple," he said. He encouraged those present not to forget this gift of the Holy Spirit.

The homily also highlighted the significance of receiving Holy Communion for the first time. According to the bishop: "Jesus Christ himself, who died, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven, is the living bread come down from heaven who will feed you today for the first time with the very gift of himself." He reminded participants that they would not simply receive bread and wine but "the Body and Blood of the risen Lord Jesus himself."

The bishop spoke about how Jesus desires to be present in all aspects of life—at home, school, on sports teams—and that by carrying Jesus within them after receiving these sacraments, young people can share his love wherever they go.

Reflecting on recent events such as a near-tsunami and referencing wildfires in Maui two years ago—which caused significant loss—the bishop pointed out how easily material possessions can disappear. He stated: "These things are passing, 'vanity of vanities' as the Scriptures say," reminding listeners not to focus solely on earthly matters.

He concluded by urging those receiving sacraments not only to cherish God's love but also to share it: "Or, it can fade away if you horde it for yourself rather than share this love with others... Now you will have the privilege and means not only to experience this wonderful gift of God’s love but to share it more powerfully with all you meet!"