May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii
ODE TO MAY
May has come in flowered lei
With many rainbows on display
And fields of green
Are quite serene
Unlike the brown of summer's burn
The smell of budding orchards sate
The air with nectar 'round my gate
And birds and bees
Are searching trees
And every flower, shrub, and fern
The bees for honey for the comb
The birds for twigs to make a home
They buzz and sing
And often bring
A rhythm to the poets ode
Oh May, we thank you ever more
You touch our hearts and you restore
The waking sod
Our faith in God
And peace where e'er we abode.
Aloha F.H.
“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” Quoting those words of St. Catherine of Siena, the Bishop of London began his message to Prince William and Kate Middleton at their wedding in Westminster Abbey. Many watching on TV were deeply touched as the bishop affirmed their choice “to be married in the sight of a generous God who so loved the world that He gave Himself to us in the person of Jesus Christ.” Then he urged the couple to pursue a love that finds its center beyond themselves.
From Romans 12, the bride’s brother read: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect” (vv.1-2 NRSV).
That royal wedding reminds us all, single or married, of two great truths: (1) God’s great love for us expressed in the sacrifice of Jesus and (2) God’s desire that we find life’s greatest joy and transformation in our relationship with Him. Aren’t those the keys to becoming the persons God meant us to be?
Read: Romans 12:1-2,9-18
