Mahalo Ke Akua
My family and I just got back from Oahu in the beautiful state of Hawai’i. Not only was it a time to rest, it was also a time to take in the culture of the land and of the people. We had the opportunity to attend mass at St. Augustine by-the-sea, a church right off of Waikiki beach. It was recommended by a Priest-friend of mine, Fr. Jayson Landeza, to attend the 5:00pm mass as the choir sang in their traditional Tongan tongue. Although I was not able to sing along, I appreciated the deep sense of spirituality as exuded by the congregation. Most of us were visitors to the church but I’m sure we left with a great sense of connection to God and to His creation.
All over Hawai’i I was reminded of God’s greatness. In a place like that, what most people would call paradise, it’s difficult to look upon it’s beauty and not see God’s hand in it all. The native people also had a great appreciation for their home.
One day we were fortunate to make it up to North Shore and visit Haleiwa, a quaint little town boasting of little shops and ono grindz (good eats). We made our way to HE>I, a Christian clothing shop and brand that I had admired for years. Their whole motto and mission statement was just a reminder of John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” This was a bold reminder of the Gospel...amongst the land, however, the message was a bit more subtle yet still appreciated.
We met local craftsmen who put such grace and effort into the things that they made. They blessed their wares with God’s grace through their hands. They offered their creations to the One, giving all praise back to Him. This Spirit of Aloha was so profound in this land, that one can really understand Aloha ke Akua (God is Love).
This has left me in a state of contemplation. Upon arriving home, how can I bring the Aloha back and live it in my every day life? That's certainly the challenge every time we come to mass or service, right? How do we go from Church? How do we take up the mantle and face the challenge of being connected to God in all facets of our lives? especially in a pervasive culture that pulls us away from God? As we come down from the mountaintop after seeing the Transfiguration, as we come back home from vacation, we face the every day challenges of work, bills, school, assignments, family, friends, relationships...etc. How do we extend what we saw, and what we experienced into our daily lives?
Surely, with a lot of prayer. Prayer is the intention to walk with God's spirit and grace.
“Dedicate yourself to Love. Decide to let Love be your intention, your purpose, and your point. And then let Love inspire you, support you and guide you in every other dedication you make thereafter.”– Robert Holden
Christ, at the Transfiguration, on top of that mountain told Peter, James, and John to tell no one of what had transpired. He told them to hold on to this encounter, for one day they'll need to draw from it. We too must remember and bring the Aloha (the Love) that is God, and we must draw from what we have encountered and answer the call to also be the Sons of Thunder.
Mahalo ke Akua. (Thanks be to God)
