June 5, 2025 - Rise as One in Christ

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

Today, we gather under the gaze of the Almighty, who calls us to be instruments of His mercy, justice, and love in a world that so desperately needs them. The cries of the suffering reach the heavens, and the Lord asks us—each one of us—to respond.

The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: A Call to Compassion

In Gaza, the suffering has surpassed what any human being should endure. The words of our Lord in the Gospel of Matthew echo 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 sick and you looked after me." (Matthew 25:35-36). These are not mere words—they are a divine command.

What does it mean when the world looks upon such suffering and turns away? When children perish under rubble, when mothers weep for bread, when hospitals crumble—what does our silence say of our faith? We must not grow numb to these horrors. The Church cannot be a bystander. We must demand justice, yes, but we must also act—through prayer, through aid, through relentless advocacy for peace.

Imagine, dear brothers and sisters, a world where the faithful rise as one—where nations lay down their weapons, where food and medicine flow freely, where hatred is replaced by the love Christ commands. This is not a dream; it is our duty. If we do not act, the abyss of despair will deepen, and history will judge us for our inaction.

Immigration Laws and the Dignity of the Stranger

In our time, nations build walls—not just of stone, but of fear and indifference. The Lord speaks clearly in Leviticus: "The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt." (Leviticus 19:34). Yet, in places like Denmark, even those who claim to champion justice enact laws that reject the stranger.

We must ask ourselves: Have we forgotten that Christ Himself was a refugee? That the Holy Family fled persecution? The migrant is not a threat—they are a child of God, deserving of dignity. If we harden our hearts, we betray the Gospel we proclaim.

But imagine a world where borders do not divide but unite—where the displaced are welcomed, where no child sleeps in the cold, where nations compete not in exclusion but in generosity. This is the Kingdom we are called to build.

War Crimes and the Demand for Justice

War has ravaged the Holy Land and beyond, and the innocent pay the price. The Book of Proverbs warns: "When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers." (Proverbs 21:15). Yet today, justice is too often absent.

Are we witnessing war crimes? The question should shake us to our core. When hospitals are bombed, when civilians are slaughtered, when the rules of war are cast aside—what then is our response? The Church must be a voice for the voiceless, demanding accountability, refusing to let evil hide behind politics.

A Crisis Within the Church: The Need for Renewal

Yet even as we confront these global injustices, we must also look inward. The Church herself is wounded—by scandal, by division, by a failure to live the radical love we preach. Too often, our witness is marred by hypocrisy, our unity fractured by pride.

We must repent. We must reform. We must return to the humility of Christ, who washed the feet of sinners. The world will not listen to our message if our actions betray it.

A Choice Between Two Futures

My dear brothers and sisters, we stand at a crossroads. One path leads to a world redeemed—where love conquers hate, where justice prevails, where the Church shines as a beacon of hope. The other path leads to ruin—where suffering is ignored, where the stranger is cast out, where war consumes all.

The choice is ours. Will we be the generation that heeds the call of Christ? Or will we be the generation that let the darkness win?

Let us rise. Let us act. Let us be the hands and feet of Christ in a broken world.

Amen.


What can we do?

The world faces deep challenges—humanitarian suffering, unjust policies, and the erosion of moral accountability. But change begins with us, in our daily choices and actions. Here’s how we can contribute practically:

1. Support Humanitarian Relief in Gaza


  • Donate wisely: Research and give to reputable organizations providing food, medical aid, and shelter in Gaza. Even small contributions add up.

  • Raise awareness: Share verified information from trusted sources to counter misinformation and keep the crisis in public consciousness.

  • Advocate for peace: Contact elected officials, urging diplomatic solutions and humanitarian protections for civilians.



2. Welcome Immigrants and Refugees

  • Volunteer locally: Help refugee resettlement programs with language tutoring, job training, or simply offering friendship.

  • Challenge prejudice: Speak up against xenophobia in conversations, social media, or community discussions.

  • Support fair policies: Engage with organizations advocating for just immigration laws that respect human dignity.



3. Demand Accountability for War Crimes

  • Stay informed: Follow investigations by international bodies like the UN or ICC, and amplify their findings when credible.

  • Pressure leaders: Write to representatives, demanding they uphold international law and condemn violations, regardless of political alliances.

  • Promote dialogue: Encourage discussions that focus on justice, not division—whether in classrooms, workplaces, or online spaces.



Small Acts, Big Impact

  • Live with kindness: Every act of generosity—helping a neighbor, listening to someone in distress—strengthens the fabric of society.

  • Consume ethically: Support businesses that treat workers fairly and avoid those profiting from conflict or exploitation.

  • Vote with conscience: In elections, prioritize candidates who uphold human rights, peace, and justice.



Change doesn’t happen overnight, but it happens because ordinary people choose to act. Start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can.

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.