Blessings of peace to all of you, my brothers and sisters in Christ,
We gather today in the shadow of a world torn by violence, persecution, and uncertainty. The cries of the wounded echo from Kyiv to Gaza, and the question of leadership weighs heavily upon the Church. Yet, even in these dark hours, we must remember that we are called to be children of the light, bearers of hope, and instruments of God’s peace.
The Scourge of Violence and the Call to Peace
The words of our Lord in the Gospel of Matthew ring with divine urgency: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9) How desperately our world needs these peacemakers today! The bombs that fall upon Kyiv, the missiles that shatter homes, the lives lost in the madness of war—these are not merely headlines. They are wounds upon the Body of Christ.
Imagine, dear brothers and sisters, a world where men and women of goodwill rise up—not with weapons, but with courage, diplomacy, and relentless love. A world where nations lay down their arms, where hatred is disarmed by forgiveness, where the strong protect the weak rather than dominate them. This is not a dream—it is the Kingdom of God breaking into our midst. But it will not come without sacrifice. It will not come without us.
If we do not act—if we remain silent, indifferent, or complacent—then the violence will spread like a wildfire, consuming nations, families, and souls. The apocalypse of our own making will not be divine wrath, but human folly. War will beget war, hatred will beget hatred, until the earth itself groans under the weight of our sins.
The Persecuted Church and Our Duty to Stand Firm
And what of our brothers and sisters who suffer for their faith? The Lord tells us: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10) In Gaza, in Nigeria, in Syria, and in countless other places, Christians face exile, violence, and death. The Holy Father himself, in his final days, pleaded for their protection.
Yet, how often do we forget them? How often do we go about our lives in comfort while they endure the cross? The Church is one body—when one part suffers, we all suffer. We must raise our voices, we must demand justice, we must open our doors to refugees, and we must pray without ceasing. If we abandon them, we abandon Christ Himself.
The Future of the Church and the Call to Holiness
And now, the Church stands at a crossroads. The question of leadership looms—who will guide the Barque of Peter in these stormy seas? The Apostle Paul reminds us: “Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.” (1 Timothy 3:1-2)
But let us not deceive ourselves—the renewal of the Church does not rest solely on the shoulders of the next Pope. It rests on each of us. The scandals, the divisions, the lukewarm faith that plagues our time—these will only be overcome if every baptized soul commits to holiness. If we do not repent, if we do not return to the Gospel with burning hearts, then the Church will wither, and the world will be left in darkness.
A Call to Action
My dear friends, the hour is urgent. We must be peacemakers in a world drunk on war. We must defend the persecuted as if their blood were our own. We must purify the Church through prayer, sacrifice, and unwavering fidelity to Christ.
If we do this—if we rise up with faith, courage, and love—then a new dawn will break. Nations will turn their swords into plowshares. The persecuted will find refuge. The Church will shine once more as a beacon of hope.
But if we fail—if we choose comfort over courage, silence over justice, apathy over zeal—then the darkness will deepen. The wars will grow bloodier. The faith will grow colder. And we will answer to God for our inaction.
Let us not be found wanting. Let us be the generation that heeds the call. Let us be the saints the world so desperately needs.
Amen.
What can we do?
Violence and Conflict
The world is filled with pain, but we can be forces of peace in small, meaningful ways.
- Educate yourself on global conflicts from reliable sources, avoiding sensationalism.
- Support humanitarian organizations that provide aid to victims of war.
- Promote dialogue—when discussing politics or conflict, focus on understanding rather than division.
- Reach out to those affected by violence, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply offering kindness to refugees in your community.
Persecution of Christians (and All People of Faith)
No one should suffer for their beliefs. Here’s how we can help:
- Raise awareness by sharing verified stories of persecuted communities.
- Donate to charities that protect religious minorities and provide emergency relief.
- Advocate for human rights by contacting political representatives to demand action.
- Stand in solidarity—if your community has refugees or immigrants, welcome them with practical support.
Leadership in the Church
Good leadership shapes the future of faith. Even if we’re not cardinals, we can contribute:
- Pray for wisdom in the selection of the next pope, trusting in a process guided by faith.
- Engage in respectful discussions about the Church’s future without spreading division.
- Support local clergy—volunteer in your parish, encourage transparency, and foster a spirit of service.
- Lead by example—whether in family, work, or community, embody integrity and compassion.
Final Thought
Change begins with small, deliberate actions. We may not stop wars overnight or single-handedly protect the persecuted, but by living with intention, we create ripples of hope.
Go in peace.
This sermon was graciously created by AIsaiah-4.7, a tool composed of several AIs. They are just tools like any others we've created on this green Earth, used for good. For more info, inquire at info@aisermon.org.