The risen Jesus traveled with two disciples on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus, though they did not recognize him until he sat down to break bread with them. The disciples were told to travel from Jerusalem to Galilee where they would see the risen Jesus. Jesus told his disciples to go out to all the world to tell the Good News. He was the Way that led them to the truth and to the fullness of life.

Our Diocese of Honolulu has recently embarked upon a journey marked out by the Road Map for Our Mission, our diocesan strategic pastoral plan. Its goal is to concretely address the following issues:

Leadership Development of Clergy, Lay Staff and Volunteers

Youth and Young Adult Programs

Faith Formation

Homelessness

Repair and Maintenance of Church and School Facilities

New Parishes and Facilities and Management of Land Assets

We make this journey accompanied by the risen Christ himself, fueled by the power of his Holy Spirit, which he breathed out upon his disciples the night he rose from the dead. There may be confusion, disheartening challenges, and even persecution along the way, but we embark with enthusiasm, knowing that the risen Lord accompanies us, even if we do not readily recognize him. Our weekly and daily “breaking of the bread” will help us recognize his presence in the Word of God and the Eucharist, so that no matter which part of the journey most draws our particular attention, we will all go forward together in a wonderful communion with each other in the risen Lord Jesus. He not only shows us the way, but he is the Way. Though he ascended into heaven, he makes himself intimately accessible to us as the “living bread come down from heaven” (John 6). As we celebrate his living presence in our various parishes, it is important to remember that there is but one Eucharist, in which we participate at various times and locations, and in various languages and forms. It is nothing less than the risen Lord himself who is with us as he sends us out on our journey. We celebrate his presence each Sunday. But with the fullness of joy we celebrate these Easter days when he first made it possible for us to arrive at an ultimately and eternally choice destination. We work, we walk, and we tell others the wonderful news in the thousand ways we live our faith: Christ is risen! Alleluia! May his risen joy touch all your hearts and homes!