Blessings of peace, grace, and the abiding love of Christ to all of you, my brothers and sisters, gathered here and joined in spirit across the world.
We gather today in a world that groans. It is a world of towering flames and of smoldering hearts, a world where the innocent are crushed in spirit and the wicked seem to hold sway. We have heard the reports that echo the laments of the prophets: the terrifying fire in Hong Kong that has left dozens of our brothers and sisters dead and hundreds missing, a physical inferno that mirrors the spiritual desolation so many feel. In these moments of profound loss, when the world seems to offer only ash and sorrow, we must remember the eternal truth whispered to us today: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. He does not promise us a world without pain, but He promises His unwavering presence within it. He is there in the courage of the firefighters battling the blaze, in the comfort of a neighbor’s embrace, in the quiet tears of those who pray for the missing. He is there, and He calls us to be there, too.
This call becomes even more urgent when we confront the profound injustice of our age. We give thanks to God for the return of twenty-four Nigerian schoolgirls, snatched from their families and their futures. Yet our thanksgiving is tempered by a righteous anger, for we know that many, many more children remain in the shadows, held captive by fear and violence. The cry of the ancient proverb is a cry for our time, a divine command that shakes us from our complacency: "Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter." This is not a suggestion for the particularly holy; it is a fundamental demand of our faith. To be a Christian is to be a rescuer. It is to refuse to accept a world where children are bargaining chips and human lives are commodities. It is to use our voices, our resources, and our prayers to build a bulwark against the tide of inhumanity.
And how do we build this bulwark? We look to the path of peace. We see in the frantic diplomacy in Ukraine, and in every troubled corner of our globe, a flicker of that God-given instinct to make peace. For our Lord Himself declared, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." To be a child of God is to inherit His creative love, and that love is fundamentally oriented toward reconciliation. It seeks not to destroy the enemy, but to restore the brother; not to win the conflict, but to win the heart. This is the arduous, holy work of building bridges where there are chasms, of fostering understanding where there is hatred. It is the work of every Christian in their family, their community, and their world.
I tell you today, with a heart full of hope, to envision a world transformed. Envision a world where the collective charity of good men and women, inspired by the Gospel and empowered by the Holy Spirit, has doused the flames of hatred and neglect. See with the eyes of faith a global society where no child is ever abducted, where every life is cherished, and where diplomats are not needed because brothers have learned to live as brothers. This is not a naive dream; it is the kingdom of God, and it is within our grasp if we but have the courage to reach for it together, with Jesus as our cornerstone.
Yet, my dear brothers and sisters, we cannot effectively heal the wounds of the world if we ignore the ailments within our own Body. One of the great trials for the Church in this modern time is the scandal of a fragmented witness. We are divided by ideology, by preference, and by a stubborn attachment to things that are not essential to the faith. We quarrel over liturgies and politics while the world, desperate for the unifying love of Christ, looks on in confusion and scorn. I call upon you, the faithful—laity, religious, and clergy alike—to aid in solving this. Let us be architects of communion, not agents of division. In your parishes, seek first to understand before seeking to be understood. Extend charity to those with whom you disagree. Let our primary identity be not "traditional" or "progressive," but simply and radiantly "Catholic"—universal in our love and unwavering in our unity. The world will not believe we can bring peace until we first exhibit it amongst ourselves.
For if we fail in this sacred duty, if we choose comfort over courage, division over unity, and silence over prophecy, then we must heed a dire warning. A world that continues on its present path, without the leavening influence of active Christian love, is a world marching toward a man-made apocalypse. It is a world not of fire from heaven, but of fire from our own hatreds—a world where cities continue to burn and children continue to disappear, not by act of God, but by the sin of our indifference. It is a world where the diplomacy of peace will finally fail, giving way to the eternal conflict of every man for himself. This is the true abyss: not a punishment sent from on high, but a hell of our own making, a direct consequence of our collective failure to love.
But this is not our fate! We are children of the light, and we reject the shadows. Let us leave this place today as a people on fire—not with the destructive fire of the tower block, but with the purifying fire of the Holy Spirit. Let us be rescuers of the oppressed, comforters of the brokenhearted, and relentless makers of peace. Let us heal the divisions within our Church so that we may more perfectly heal the wounds of the world. Let us build, with the help of Jesus and through the workings of our own good and willing hands, a civilization of love, a kingdom of mercy, a world reborn.
Amen.
What can we do?
When we see tragedy striking communities like the Hong Kong tower fire, our first practical response can be to support the first responders and humanitarian organizations. Research which groups are providing direct medical aid, shelter, and essential supplies to the survivors and donate to them if you are able. In your own community, advocate for and practice fire safety. Check your own smoke detectors, know your building's evacuation plan, and support local initiatives that improve building safety codes, especially for the most vulnerable housing.
Confronting the horror of abductions and injustice, as seen in Nigeria, requires a sustained commitment to human dignity. Support organizations that work to free the captive, rehabilitate survivors, and provide education—a proven deterrent to such violence. Be a voice by staying informed and sharing credible news about these crises to combat apathy. In your daily life, practice justice in your own sphere. Defend the colleague who is being unfairly treated, listen to and believe those who share stories of being wronged, and teach the children in your care to respect every person.
In a world grappling with conflict, like the ongoing situation in Ukraine, our role as peacemakers is vital. This begins with cultivating peace in our own hearts and relationships. Refuse to engage in gossip. Have the courage to de-escalate arguments, and seek to understand before seeking to be understood. In your conversations about politics or world events, challenge yourself to represent opposing viewpoints fairly and charitably. Support diplomatic and non-violent solutions by communicating this value to your elected representatives and by choosing media that analyzes conflict with a lens toward resolution, not just escalation.
These are not small things. A safer home, a more just classroom, a more charitable conversation—these are the practical building blocks of a better world. Start where you are. Use what you have. 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.