Blessings of peace to all of you, my brothers and sisters, on this sacred day of the Lord, Sunday, when we gather to celebrate the Resurrection and the promise of eternal life.
Today, as we reflect on the state of our world, we are called to remember the words of our Lord: "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me." These words, spoken by Christ to comfort His disciples, echo now in our own hearts as we face the trials of our time. The recent passing of Pope Francis, a shepherd who tirelessly worked for the poor, the marginalized, and the forgotten, reminds us that the mission of the Church does not end with any one man. It continues through us—through every baptized soul who dares to love as Christ loved.
Yet, even as we mourn, we must open our eyes to the suffering that surrounds us. In Sudan, men, women, and children are reduced to eating charcoal and leaves to survive. They walk under blistering heat, fleeing horrors we can scarcely imagine. And what does the Lord say to us? "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink…" These are not mere words, my brothers and sisters. They are a command—a divine mandate to act. If we call ourselves Christians, then we cannot turn away while our brothers and sisters starve. The world has enough food, enough resources, enough wealth to end this suffering. What it lacks is enough love, enough courage, enough sacrifice.
And what of the wars that tear nations apart? In the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, leaders now speak of peace, and we pray that their words become deeds. "Blessed are the peacemakers," Christ tells us, for they reflect the very heart of God. But peace is not made by politicians alone. It is made by ordinary men and women who refuse to hate, who refuse vengeance, who choose forgiveness over retaliation. The Church herself must be a beacon of reconciliation, yet too often, we are divided—by politics, by pride, by petty disputes that distract us from our true mission.
Let me speak plainly: if we do not act—if we do not feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and work for peace—then we invite disaster. A world that abandons the weak, that glorifies violence, that worships wealth over God, is a world rushing toward ruin. The fires of war, the scourge of famine, the collapse of justice—these are not mere possibilities. They are the bitter fruits of indifference.
But there is hope. For Christ has promised: "I will come again and will take you to myself." He does not abandon us. He walks with us, even now, as we labor for His Kingdom. Imagine, my brothers and sisters, a world where no child goes hungry because Christians refused to let it happen. A world where wars end because Christians dared to forgive. A world where the Church stands united, not in comfort, but in radical love. This is the world we are called to build.
So today, let us rise. Let us give until it hurts. Let us pray without ceasing. Let us demand justice, not with violence, but with relentless mercy. And let us remember that on the Last Day, we will be judged not by our words, but by our deeds.
Amen.
What can we do?
The events of our time—whether the passing of a beloved leader, the suffering of those in crisis, or the fragile hope for peace—call us to action. Here’s how we can respond in practical ways:
Honoring Pope Francis’ Legacy
Pope Francis spent his life advocating for the poor, the marginalized, and the planet. To continue his work:
- Serve locally. Volunteer at shelters, food banks, or community centers. Small acts of kindness ripple outward.
- Listen deeply. Follow his example by engaging with people who are often ignored—the elderly, refugees, or those struggling with loneliness.
- Care for creation. Reduce waste, support sustainable practices, and advocate for policies that protect the environment.
Alleviating Human Suffering
Stories like those from Sudan remind us that suffering is not distant—it demands our response. Here’s how to help:
- Donate wisely. Support reputable aid organizations working in crisis zones. Even small, regular contributions make a difference.
- Raise awareness. Share reliable information about humanitarian crises to counter indifference.
- Welcome the displaced. If possible, support refugees in your community—through mentorship, job assistance, or simply friendship.
Building Peace
Peace is not just the absence of war—it’s built through daily choices. To contribute:
- Reject division. Challenge prejudice in conversations, whether online or in person. Seek common ground.
- Support dialogue. Encourage and participate in efforts that bring conflicting groups together—interfaith gatherings, cultural exchanges, or community mediation.
- Advocate for justice. Peace requires fairness. Support policies and leaders who prioritize diplomacy, human rights, and equitable development.
Final Thought
Change begins where we are. No effort is too small when it’s rooted in compassion and sustained action.
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.