May 16, 2025 - Rise as Soldiers of Mercy

Blessings of peace to all of you, my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Today, as we gather under the gaze of our merciful Lord, we cannot ignore the cries of suffering that echo across our wounded world. The Holy Spirit stirs within us, calling us to rise above indifference and to act with the love of Christ—for in every suffering face, in every desperate plea, we see the face of Jesus Himself.

The Cry of Gaza: A Test of Our Humanity

In Gaza, the innocent endure unimaginable suffering—hunger, thirst, displacement, and the terror of violence. The words of our Savior in Matthew 25 ring with piercing urgency: "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink… I was a stranger and you invited me in." These are not mere words, my brothers and sisters; they are a divine command. When we see the starving child, the grieving mother, the wounded elder—do we see Christ? Or do we turn away, numbed by distance or despair?

The world stands "troubled" by these horrors, yet mere concern is not enough. We must act. We must pray without ceasing, we must demand justice, we must open our hands and hearts to those who suffer. Imagine, dear faithful, a world where Christians everywhere rise as one—where food reaches the starving, where medicine heals the sick, where the displaced find shelter. This is not a dream; it is the Kingdom of God breaking into our broken world through our hands.

The Scourge of Violence Against the Innocent

And what of the blood spilled in hatred? The Lord declares in Proverbs: "There are six things the Lord hates… hands that shed innocent blood." A pregnant mother, slain in violence—her child delivered into a world already stained by cruelty. How long, O Lord, must the innocent perish while the world looks on?

We must reject the lie that violence brings security. We must condemn every act that destroys life, whether in Gaza, in the West Bank, or in any corner of this earth. The Gospel does not permit us to choose sides in hatred; it commands us to stand on the side of life. Let us be builders of bridges, not walls; let us be voices of reconciliation, not division.

The Church’s Call to Be Peacemakers

Pope Leo XIV, in his recent address, called for an end to global conflicts, and the crowds cheered—not for him, but for the hope he proclaimed. "Blessed are the peacemakers," Jesus tells us, "for they will be called children of God." But peace is not made by applause—it is made by sacrifice, by courage, by relentless love.

Yet even as we labor for peace abroad, we must confront a crisis within our own Church: the scandal of division, where factions quarrel while souls drift away. The world watches, and when they see us divided, they doubt the Gospel we preach. Let us repent of our pride. Let us seek unity, not in compromise of truth, but in the humility of Christ.

A Choice Between Two Futures

Beloved, we stand at a crossroads. One path leads to a world where love triumphs—where wars cease, where the hungry are fed, where the Church shines as a beacon of hope. The other path leads to darkness—where indifference allows suffering to multiply, where violence begets more violence, where the light of faith grows dim.

If we do nothing, the abyss awaits. But if we act—if we pray, if we give, if we demand justice, if we live the Gospel without fear—then Christ will work miracles through us. The Kingdom is at hand, but we must reach out and grasp it.

Let us leave this place not as passive observers, but as soldiers of mercy, as builders of peace, as living witnesses to the Resurrection. The world is waiting for us to rise.

Amen.

What can we do?

The suffering in our world can feel overwhelming, but every person has the power to contribute to healing, justice, and peace in practical ways. Here’s how we can act in response to the crises we see today:

1. Support Humanitarian Relief in Gaza and Other Crisis Zones


  • Donate responsibly: Research and give to reputable organizations providing food, medical aid, and shelter to those affected by war and displacement.

  • Advocate for peace: Contact elected officials to urge diplomatic solutions and humanitarian protections for civilians.

  • Educate yourself and others: Share verified information about the crisis to counter misinformation and foster empathy.



2. Stand Against Violence and Protect the Innocent

  • Support victims: Contribute to organizations that assist survivors of violence, including women and children in conflict zones.

  • Promote dialogue: Encourage conversations in your community about nonviolence and the value of every human life.

  • Reject hatred: Challenge harmful rhetoric in daily life—whether online, in conversations, or in media—that dehumanizes others.



3. Be a Peacemaker in Your Own Sphere

  • Listen before reacting: In disagreements—whether at home, work, or online—seek understanding rather than escalation.

  • Build bridges: Engage with people of different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs to foster mutual respect.

  • Support reconciliation efforts: Volunteer with or donate to groups that mediate conflicts locally and globally.



4. Live with Intention

  • Consume ethically: Be mindful of how your purchases (food, clothing, technology) might be connected to conflict or exploitation.

  • Reduce waste: Simple acts like conserving resources and donating unused items can ease global inequalities.

  • Practice kindness daily: Small gestures—helping a neighbor, comforting someone in distress—ripple outward in ways we may never see.



Change begins in the heart, but it grows through action. No effort is too small when it is done with love and purpose.

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.