Lutheran Church of Honolulu, 1730 Punahou St., Honolulu, HI 96822; ELCA; 808-941-2566

LCH E-News—An occasional electronic newsletter for the LCH congregation

LCH E-News—October 14, 2009

From Pastor Jeff

Pastor Jeff Lilley This last week our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters canonized five individuals into sainthood. Among those elevated to sainthood was Father Damien. One does not have to be in Hawai‘i long to hear about the amazing Father Damien. He is best known for his incredible mission to the people of Kalaupapa, where he ministered to those living and dying with Hansen’s disease. The many biographies about Father Damien paint a picture of man who was driven, who cared deeply for those he served, who did not suffer foolishness, and who was as good with a shovel and hammer as he was with his tongue. He was an advocate and a messenger of Christ, but he also built houses and relationships, built coffins and dug graves.

It seemed strange to me to see his story unfold at his canonization amidst huge crowds, golden steps, and silken banners. His life was characterized by simplicity and even poverty as he struggled to get supplies and education for those in Kalaupapa. Damien’s straw hat and dirty smile contrasted markedly to the cardinal-red robes and gold crosses of those telling his story to thronging crowds last week. There is a certain irony to our willingness to spend vast amounts of time and money on his memory, when during his life it was so hard for him to assure the basic needs of those whom he served.

I am glad that Father Damien is now an “official” saint. But as a resident of Kalaupapa remarked, “He has always been a saint to us.” I hope that in the light of such a saint of old, we might better see the work of present day saints—those who work for justice and peace, those who feed the hungry, those who give love and comfort to those suffering from AIDS and other "untouchable" illnesses. Let’s not wait until these “daily saints” die to pour out time, money, and effort in support of their (and our) mission. Let’s not wait.

Pr. Jeff

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