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Amplifying God’s Whispering Voice of Aloha and Hope in Maui

August 28, 2023

From the Office for Social Ministry

“We are here to worship the God who never abandons us, but who embraces us with his whispers of comfort, love, and care. And despite the difficulties you have had . . . know that God’s hand is moving in thousands of people throughout Hawaii, the United States, and the world is reaching out to you in this greatest hour of need.” Bishop Larry Silva August 13^th Sermon, Maria Lanakila Parish in Lahaina, Maui.

Just days after the devastating wildfires that engulfed and burned the historic town of Lahaina to the ground, Bishop Larry Silva traveled to Maui to pray with parishioners for the missing victims and to compassionately comfort the suffering survivors who lost loved ones, their homes and livelihoods.

Bishop Larry Silva embraced all in Maui with his compassionate presence and consoling words which are worth repeating during these difficult days of relief and recovery. “If we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. He can calm the storms, give us the ability to accomplish miraculous deeds, and keep us afloat when we think we are drowning in the overwhelming misery that surrounds us.”  

During his Sunday sermon, Bishop Larry shared words of solace with all who were seeking some message of hope during these difficult days of relief and recovery. “We are gathered here today, after having experienced these dramatic events, to hear a tiny whispering sound, the voice of God, who assures us of his love and care for us, despite whatever horrors or tragedies may befall us.”

In his homily, Bishop Larry recognized that God’s “tiny, whispering voice may very well be drowned out by grief, anxiety, and frustration,” but he assured all that “Countless prayers have been offered for you, and donations and services for recovery and rebuilding are pouring in. We gather to give thanks that this whisper of God’s love is stronger than the noise and drama of any disaster.”

The Bishop also reminded the Sunday parish gathering that  “We who have the blessing of believing in God and in the power of the Lord Jesus also have a responsibility to stand in the midst of winds and fires of grief and frustration to amplify...this tiny voice of God that indicates his never-failing presence and care for us...so that this whispering voice of God will be our guide and our hope…“Countless prayers have been offered for you, and donations and services for recovery and rebuilding are pouring in. We gather to give thanks that this whisper of God’s love is stronger than the noise and drama of any disaster.”

To donate directly to our Diocese’s Maui relief efforts, please make a tax-deductible contribution to the Hawaii Catholic Community Foundation at https://tinyurl.com/MauiCatholic. Let us all be a part of amplifying God’s whispering voice of aloha and hope in Maui. For more information on the diocese efforts to help persons impacted by the catastrophic Maui wildfires, please visit the Diocese website  www.catholichawaii.org  Mahalo.