Learning to See Truthfully

ALOHA kākou! This Lent, we’ve been learning to live more openly and honestly before God. First, in the wilderness, we learned to trust God’s promises and tell the truth. Then, with Nicodemus at night, we learned to trust God enough to be born from above. Last week, at the well, we learned to name our true spiritual thirst. Now Jesus invites us into something even more unsettling: learning to see clearly and honestly.

THIS SUNDAY we will hear the remarkable story about Jesus healing a man who has been unable to see since he was born (John 9:1-41). Yet as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that physical sight is not the real issue. The deeper question is about who truly understands what they are seeing, and who does not. In this week’s sermon, “Learning to See Truthfully,” we’ll explore how Christ challenges our assumptions and invites us into a clearer, more compassionate way of seeing. And on this Laetare Sunday, our beautiful rose vestments and altar hangings offer a glimpse of Easter joy already beginning to dawn. Please join us Sunday at 9 a.m. in the Chapel, or on Facebook Live.

LAST SUNDAY, we went to the well with Jesus and the Samaritan woman (John 4:5-42). In the midst of ancient divisions and suspicions, Jesus told this woman about “living water” — a holy gift that can satisfy the deeper thirst beneath our surface concerns. We explored the longings that drive us and the grace that meets us where we are. God encourages us to bring our deepest needs into the light and discover the One who alone can satisfy them.

DON’T FORGET, during Lent we have some special opportunities for spiritual growth: Our Sunday morning series of adult classes led by Laurie Luczak on “Ho‘imi Pono,” seeking right relationships. And our Wednesday evening Lenten Soup & Study at 6 p.m. in Sumida Hall—if you’d like to join us, please sign up on the Soup & Study clipboard in the chapel and let us know if you can bring soup or bread.

Beloved brothers and sisters, I hold you in my prayers. I ask your faithful prayers for St. Timothy’s Church, for those who lead and serve, for every member of our ‘ohana, and for your vicar. May the blessing of Almighty God be upon you and remain with you always. 

Aloha Ke Akua!
Fr. Pete+