Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop | Diocese of Honolulu

On September 28, 2025, the Bishop of the Diocese of Honolulu delivered a homily addressing the issue of homelessness and spiritual poverty during the Twenty-Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time. He acknowledged the visible presence of homeless individuals and encampments in the community, noting that many people are responding with outreach efforts such as feeding programs, shelters, and rehabilitation initiatives.

"I am actually very impressed with how many people are reaching out to the homeless through feeding programs, shelters, and rehabilitation programs of various kinds. So, while I know there is much more we can all do, I am not sure we could be accused of totally ignoring the Lazaruses at our door, unlike the rich man in the gospel," he said.

The Bishop emphasized that not all blessings are material and encouraged parishioners to consider whether they are sharing their spiritual resources. He described participation in the Eucharist as "the most sumptuous banquet of all," stating: "There is no restaurant or home anywhere that serves us the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation. It is here at this Eucharistic banquet that we physically encounter the risen Lord Jesus, Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity."

He urged those present to reflect on whether they keep these spiritual riches for themselves while others remain unaware or deprived. "Do we hoard these riches for ourselves, while Lazarus languishes at the gate? Perhaps in this case, Lazarus may not even know how nourishing this banquet can be to his or her soul," he said.

The Bishop linked issues such as addiction and family breakdown to deeper spiritual needs rather than only economic factors. He stated: "If we look at the root causes of poverty, we might be surprised to learn that they are not primarily economic disadvantages but rather spiritual poverty... And what is the antidote to these spiritual ills that corrupt our culture and put all of us into a kind of hell? None other than this rich, sumptuous banquet of the Body and Blood of Christ for which we have gathered."

He concluded by commending young leaders within the parish who would soon be commissioned for service. The Bishop encouraged them—and all parishioners—to reach out beyond church walls: "Their service here in the church is very important and appreciated, but they too are sent out to notice their classmates, their neighbors – of whatever age – who are living in spiritual destitution and reach out to them with the love of Christ that has so richly nourished them."