Blessings of peace to all of you, my brothers and sisters, on this holy Saturday, as we gather to reflect on the call of Christ in our troubled world.
Today, we stand at a crossroads—between justice and indifference, between mercy and hardness of heart, between the protection of the innocent and the silence that permits their suffering. The Lord has shown us what is good, as the prophet Micah reminds us: "To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." Yet, in our world, we see justice delayed, mercy withheld, and humility forgotten.
Consider the fate of the powerful who fall—like the former leader of Colombia, now facing the consequences of his actions. Justice, when it comes, must be tempered with mercy, but it must never be denied. For too long, the powerful have acted with impunity while the weak suffer. But the Kingdom of God is not built on the shifting sands of corruption and deceit—it is built on righteousness. If we do not demand justice for the oppressed, if we do not extend mercy to the repentant, then we allow the foundations of society to crumble.
And what of the innocent? The children of Gaza, like Layan and Mira, whose lives were cut short by violence—do we not hear the voice of Christ in Matthew’s Gospel: "See that you do not despise one of these little ones"? Their angels stand before the face of God, and their blood cries out from the earth. We cannot turn away. We cannot grow numb to the suffering of children, whether in war-torn lands or in our own cities. If we do not act, if we do not raise our voices against the machinery of war and indifference, then we will answer for our silence before the throne of the Almighty.
And what of the stranger among us? The migrant worker who labors in obscurity, the refugee who flees violence, the foreigner who seeks only dignity—do we not remember the command of Leviticus: "Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt"? In Singapore, the bravery of migrant workers who rescued a driver from a sinkhole has reminded the world of their humanity—yet still, they are too often treated as disposable. If we do not welcome the stranger, if we do not defend their rights, then we betray the very heart of the Gospel.
My brothers and sisters, the Church herself is not immune to the failings of our age. One of our greatest struggles today is the loss of trust—trust broken by scandal, by hypocrisy, by the failure to live as Christ commands. We must rebuild this trust through transparency, through humility, through relentless service to the poor and the marginalized. I call upon every one of you—clergy and laity alike—to be living witnesses of integrity, so that the world may see Christ in us once more.
Imagine, if you will, a world where justice flows like a river, where no child fears the sound of gunfire, where no migrant is treated as less than human. This is not a dream—it is the Kingdom of God breaking into our midst. But it will not come without struggle. It will not come without sacrifice.
And if we fail? If we choose comfort over courage, if we choose silence over solidarity, then we risk a world where mercy is forgotten, where the innocent are crushed, where the stranger is cast aside. A world without justice is a world without peace—a world that teeters on the brink of chaos.
But take heart, for Christ is with us. He walks beside the prisoner, He weeps with the grieving mother, He stands with the migrant in his loneliness. And if we join Him in this work, if we act with courage and love, then His light will scatter the darkness.
Let us go forth, then, as bearers of justice, as ministers of mercy, as defenders of the innocent. Let us rebuild the Church’s witness through our deeds. Let us not rest until the Kingdom of God is reflected in the world we shape with our hands and our hearts.
Amen.
What can we do?
The world often feels heavy with injustice, suffering, and division—but each of us has the power to make a difference in small, practical ways. Here’s how we can contribute:
Justice and Mercy
The case of Colombia’s former president reminds us that no one is above accountability. Justice begins in our own lives.
- Speak up when you see unfairness. Whether at work, in your community, or online, challenge discrimination and corruption.
- Support organizations that fight for transparency and human rights—donate, volunteer, or amplify their work.
- Practice fairness in daily choices. Treat people with respect, even when no one is watching.
Protection of the Innocent
The tragic deaths of children in conflict zones should move us to act, no matter where we live.
- Advocate for peace. Support humanitarian efforts that protect children in war zones through donations or awareness.
- Be vigilant in your community. Report neglect or abuse when you see it. Volunteer with groups that support at-risk youth.
- Teach empathy. Model kindness to children in your life—show them how to stand up for others.
Migrant Rights and Dignity
Migrant workers often face exploitation, yet they contribute so much to societies.
- Challenge stereotypes. Listen to migrants’ stories and correct misinformation when you hear it.
- Support fair labor practices. Buy from ethical businesses, and advocate for fair wages and safe conditions for all workers.
- Welcome newcomers. Simple acts—helping someone learn the language, offering friendship—can restore dignity.
Change doesn’t always require grand gestures. It starts with how we treat people, where we direct our attention, and the small choices we make every day.
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.