Big Island Learning & Arts Center / Hale Lokahi

From now on, we will post our readings and spiritual examinations on this platform. Hopefully, readers here will find these essays and commentaries informative and inspiring. As we approach the Christmas celebration, we wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season.

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12-22-2024 Commentary: - Humility, Sacrifice & Joy
Fourth Sunday of Advent

(This is a more in-depth examination of the readings)

Micah 5:2-5 In the first reading, the prophet Micah, speaking in the 8th century BC, foretells the coming of a new ruler from Bethlehem, a small and seemingly insignificant town. This prophecy highlights God's tendency to choose the humble and unexpected to fulfill His plans, as seen in the past with figures like David. Micah himself, has been called “the defender of the poor,” “the prophet of the coming Deliverer,” and “the common man’s prophet.” It is believed that he lived close to his people in a small country village similar to areas he prophesied about.
The prophecy presented here appears at first ambiguous, leaving questions about the identity of the ruler and the woman who will give birth. Some 700+ years later however, early Christians recognized this prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus, thereby emphasizing His humble origins and His role as a shepherd and ruler who will bring peace.
Hebrews 10:5-10 In the second reading, the author emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy through Jesus Christ, who came to end the sacrificial system that God never truly delighted in. This notion is powerfully illustrated in Psalm 40, which is quoted in Hebrews 10:5-7, where Jesus articulates His commitment to doing God’s will. This highlights a pivotal shift from ritualistic sacrifices to genuine obedience, underscoring that God’s true desire lies not in the offerings themselves but in the heart of the worshipper.
The law, while prescribing various sacrifices, cannot bring true satisfaction to God if not accompanied by sincere obedience. Verse 9 explicitly states that what pleases God is the one who offers themselves fully to His will. This is precisely what Christ achieved through His complete self-offering, establishing a new covenant that transcends the old. By doing so, He sanctified humanity, as articulated in verse 10, and provided a pathway to holiness that was previously unattainable.
Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus’ sacrifice continues to perfect humanity, restoring the relationship between God and His creation. Thus, this reading encapsulates the transformative impact of Christ’s obedience, marking a profound transition from the old covenant of sacrifices to the new covenant of grace and redemption.
Luke 1:39-45 In our Gospel reading Luke narrates the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth, where Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizes Mary's blessedness and the significance of her unborn child, Jesus. This meeting underscores the joy and prophetic fulfillment surrounding Jesus' birth. Elizabeth's proclamation of Jesus as "Lord" and her acknowledgment of Mary's faith highlight the divine plan unfolding through these humble women.
The readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent weave a narrative of hope and divine fulfillment. Micah's prophecy of a ruler from humble Bethlehem sets the stage for God's unexpected ways of bringing salvation. Hebrews emphasizes the inadequacy of old sacrifices, pointing to Christ's ultimate sacrifice as the fulfillment of God's will. Luke's Gospel captures the joy and prophetic recognition of Jesus' significance, as Elizabeth and Mary embody faith and divine purpose. Together, these readings highlight the anticipation and joy of Christ's coming, fulfilling ancient prophecies and establishing a new covenant.
Reflecting on humility invites us to recognize how God often works through the humble and unexpected. In times of uncertainty, embracing a posture of humility opens our hearts to divine possibilities beyond our comprehension. When we let go of our need for control, we make space for God’s plans to unfold in beautiful and surprising ways.
Embracing sacrifice is another essential aspect of our journey. Christ’s ultimate self-giving love serves as a powerful reminder of the impact we can have through our actions. By embodying this selflessness in our daily lives—whether through acts of kindness, service to others, or simply being present for those in need—we can reflect Christ’s love and create ripples of hope in our communities.
Finally, celebrating joy is crucial. Like Elizabeth in the Scriptures, we are called to recognize and rejoice in the blessings around us. By acknowledging the divine purposes in our own lives and the lives of others, we cultivate an atmosphere of gratitude that fosters hope and encourages those around us. Together, by reflecting on humility, embracing sacrifice, and celebrating joy, we can inspire one another to live lives filled with purpose, love, and unwavering hope.

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Essay: A Reflection on Humility, Sacrifice and Joy
As we gather on this fourth Sunday of Advent, we are called to reflect on three profound themes: humility, sacrifice, and joy. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in our spiritual journey, especially as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Humility is exemplified in the humble beginnings of Jesus, as foretold in Micah 5:2-5. The prophecy speaks of a ruler coming from Bethlehem, a place of insignificance, reminding us that greatness often emerges from the unexpected. This humility invites us to embrace our own limitations and recognize that God can work through the least among us. In our lives, moments of humility can lead us to profound insights and connections with others. When we approach life with an open heart, we allow God's plans to unfold in ways we may never anticipate.

Sacrifice is vividly illustrated in Hebrews 10:5-10, where we see Christ embodying the ultimate self-giving love. His coming into the world was marked by a willingness to set aside earthly comfort for a greater purpose. As we reflect on this, we are reminded that our own acts of sacrifice—whether they be time, resources, or comfort—can mirror Christ’s love. Each selfless act creates a ripple effect, inspiring others to extend their hands and hearts in love. In our daily lives, we can choose to prioritize the needs of others, embodying the sacrificial love that Christ demonstrated.

Joy, as seen in Luke 1:39-45, is a celebration of blessings and divine purpose. The encounter between Mary and Elizabeth exemplifies this joy as they rejoice in the miraculous work God is doing in their lives. Their shared joy is a reminder that we are not alone in our journey; we are part of a larger tapestry woven by God’s hands. In our own lives, recognizing and celebrating the blessings we receive, both big and small, can fill our hearts with gratitude and inspire us to spread joy to those around us.

On this fourth Sunday of Advent, let us celebrate the intertwining of humility, sacrifice, and joy. As we prepare for the arrival of Christ, may we embrace our roles in His story, allowing His example to guide our actions. By cultivating humility, practicing sacrifice, and celebrating joy, we open ourselves to the transformative power of love and grace in our lives and in the world around us. Let us carry these themes into the days ahead, ready to greet the miracle of Christmas with hearts full of hope and thanksgiving.

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THESE ARE THE READINGS FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT 12/22/2024
(These are paraphrases of the featured scriptures)

Micah 5:2-5 “You, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, you who are one of the little clans of Judea, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel.”

Editor’s Note: Although written seven hundred plus years in advance, today's reading focuses on the coming of a new, righteous ruler arising out of humble beginnings.

Hebrews 10:5-10 “See, I have come to do your will. He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. And it is by God's will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all.”

Editorʻs Note: The 2nd century writer of the book of Hebrews had the perspective to understand that the child Jesus had become a great teacher in his time and would further become a savior to all of his disciples.

Luke 1:39-45 “Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed... The child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”

Editorʻs Note: Elizabeth rejoices in Mary's blessed role in God's plan for his people. Her final words emphasized Mary’s blessedness, for she is the one “who believed.”

QUESTION: How do we express our faithfulness in the context of this final week of Advent?

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READINGS FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT 12/8/2024

Baruch 5:1-9​“God has ordered that every high mountain and the everlasting hills be made low and the valleys filled up, to make level ground so that Israel may walk safely in the glory of God.”

Editor’s Note: All the glorious things described in this reading “splendor, justice, peace, eternal glory, and the safe arrival of Jerusalem’s children” come from her benevolent God who is accompanied by mercy and righteousness.

Phil. 1:3-6,8-11“I thank my God every time I remember you constantly praying with joy…that your love may overflow more and more…so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless.”

Editorʻs Note: Paul is full of thanks for Philippian congregation’s sharing in the gospel. These first century Christians are a model for us today as they are partners in prayer, in the gospel and in love.

Luke 3:1-6 ​“The word of God came to John in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins...[to] prepare the way for the Lord

Editorʻs Note: Luke places John the Baptist within the historical context of various political powers, as the “voice of one crying out preparing people to see the salvation of God.”

ESSAY FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
As we enter the second sunday of Advent, we find ourselves immersed in themes of faith, hope, and restoration—concepts that resonate profoundly in a world often overshadowed by darkness and despair. Much like the first century, we are surrounded by circumstances that can seem oppressive, whether they manifest in political regimes that stifle freedom or societal pressures that undermine our spiritual beliefs. However, this season calls us to look beyond our present challenges and into the light of God’s promises.

In the first century, the early Christians lived under Roman rule, facing persecution and trials. These oppressive circumstances challenged their faith but also spurred them to form deep connections with one another and to seek the hope found in Jesus Christ. Advent beckons us to hold steadfastly to this same hope, reminding us that darkness does not have the final word. Just as the early Church placed their trust in God's redemptive plan, we too are invited to anchor our faith in the assurances of restoration which only God provides.

Throughout Scripture, we see that God has a profound ability to bring clarity in moments of chaos and light in times of despair. The prophetic promises of the Old Testament often spoke to a future restoration, a hope that was fulfilled in the coming of Jesus. In seeing Christ as our light, we are assured that hope is ever-present even amid the most challenging seasons. Just as the flickering flame of a candle can pierce through the darkest nights, our faith illuminates our journey, offering reassurance that we are not alone.

This Advent, we are challenged to engage in active hope. As believers, we have the capacity and responsibility to not only nurture our faith but to extend it to those around us. By cultivating a spirit of community, we can uplift one another, providing support and encouragement as we navigate a world filled with anxiety and uncertainty. In doing so, we create a space of restoration not only within our hearts but also in our wider communities—reminding others that the hope we possess is not passive but actively seeks the welfare of all.

As we await the celebration of Christ’s birth, let us embrace our calling to be vessels of hope, drawing from our faith to illuminate paths for others. Amid a godless world, we carry the light of Christ, demonstrating that restoration is possible through His love. Together, as we anticipate the arrival of our Savior, we reaffirm our commitment to live out our faith, embodying hope in every aspect of our lives, and carrying that promise into a world that desperately needs it.


QUESTION: How do we embrace and express our hope during this season of Advent?

Aloha One and All,
It is with great pleasure and honor that we are announcing the revitalization of this account. BILAC is a 501-c3 non-profit organization seeking to reach out in service to our community. This organization is the legacy of our founder Fr. George Decosta who on November 30, 2024 passed into the Light.

Our board of directors has decided to carry on his fifty year mission of spiritual inspiration and community outreach in helping the poor in our area.

Our community “is an inclusive, ecumenical, welcoming, safe and joyful place where music, prayer, culture and sacred truths create a community guided by LOVE AND COMPASSION. Its participants walk their spiritual path engaging in gospel values such as prayer, teaching, healing, feeding, music and culture.”

All are welcome at the table (or via ZOOM) to encourage one another on Sundays 10:30am HST.

Civil Defense has just announced an island wide power outages will commence throughout the night due to one of our generators going down.

Please be prepared with flashlights and buckets of water by your toilet if you are on a catchment with an electric water pump. Be prepared and smart!

Aloha Everyone on this second Sunday of Easter amid the Covid-19 Pandemic. Our mini-retreats have been temporarily postpone for the safety of all of our participants. We will however, be offering a Proclamation of the word and open discussion via our ZOOM connection. If you are unable to participate via ZOOM you can request to be added to our YouTube Channel to watch a recording of our virtual service. If you have questions please leave your request and we will do our best to get you included. Please stay safe, wash your hands often, and stay healthy. Aloha nui loa

The resurrection cross. Thank you, Jonathan Sudler.

Pretty amazing what this one man is doing to really change the world.

The Pope Just Helped the US and Cuba Make Up. What International Conflict Will He Fix Next? |... Great Pope, or Greatest Pope?

At the home of the Maryknoll Sisters in Lanikai, ret. Bishop Remy shared a story of his meeting Pope Francis.

Another beautiful hula by Joe Camacho to the music of Gary Daigle. Thank you both for your service to the family of God.