First responders giving everything they have to serve and protect. Trucks and boats and planes taking that which is needed. Shelters and homes opened up to provide food and bedding. Phone calls and messages of concern and love. Life is springing up in compassionate action for those in our community.

Tonight as we gather to support one another, as we gather to pray for our Maui ‘ohana. As we give thanks for and pray for our first responders. As we mourn and grieve the loss of loved ones, we gather with our ancestors past and present, knowing that we are surrounded by a community filled with empathy and compassion. We are so fortunate to be here. So together, we are continuing to offer resources–in whatever way we can–to be a present and visible sign of embodied love. Life is springing up even in the midst of unexplainable loss.

The brief readings from the Scriptures tonight speak to this, grounding us in hope, giving us a foretaste of joy. We heard from the prophet Job, who finds solace in the image of a tree. This tree is cut down, but is still sprouting. This tree is wounded. But at the first scent of water it will bud and grow up into beautiful majesty once again. This is an image for us tonight. Our community has been cut down in so many ways. But there is no doubt. We will still sprout. Our service to/and compassion for/one another will be the first scent of water for those who need relief and refreshment.

Tonight’s second reading spans the ages as well. This Letter reminds us that it is okay not knowing what to say. Not knowing what to pray. We are assured, when we don't know the answer to “What’s next?” the Divine Spirit at the heart of all things advocates for us. The Divine breath of life yearns and hopes with us, filling in the empty spaces where words fail, and joy seems mute. We are part of this Divine work too–bringing hope through the most simple of words and phrases: “we love you.” “We care for you.” “We are here for you.” “Let’s have a meal together.”

Finally, tonight’s reading from the Gospel of Matthew reminds us that we are not alone in our suffering. We are not alone in our uncertainties and our fears. Jesus’ wisdom assures us that God’s work and action in the world is not often what we think. That blessing doesn’t come from having a lot. But that blessing comes from offering all that we do have. We are assured that those who have little will be given all that they need. We are assured that those who mourn will be comforted. 

Friends, there’s a throughline here, an unmistakable message of resilience. An unmistakable message of hope. This is not hope born of naive or wishful thinking. This is not hope born of fanciful ideas or escapism. Rather, this hope is born of Divine and loving relationships, sacred bonds with our ancestors past and present, and with each other. In the coming weeks, months, and years, as we serve, love, and care for our Maui ‘ohana, together we are part of this hope springing up: springing up so that life will find a way.