On Tuesday, during the renewal of ordination vows, our bishop delivered a sermon that truly spoke to me. She reminded us that our mission isn’t to simply conform to the ever-changing world around us. Instead, we are called to be brave agents of transformation. It struck me that true transformation can occur only when we directly confront the socio-political realities of our situations head-on. While many find comfort in sticking to the status quo, the gospel challenges us to look beyond our familiar surroundings, question what we accept as normal, and be bold enough to create something new.
Christianity itself invites us to confront not only our inner struggles but also the injustices we see in the world around us. As followers of the light, we are called to stand against the darkness encroaching upon God’s creation.
The Apostle Paul expressed this notion clearly when he said, “…our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph. 6:12). This verse emphasizes the essence of Christian life—a life characterized by a constant fight against the forces that aim to undermine God’s plans for us.
It can be all too easy to shy away from this uncomfortable truth. Who among us truly wants a life filled with daily confrontations against evil? Yet that is what we are called to do. Following Jesus means standing tall against anything that threatens God’s vision for humanity and all of creation. It involves challenging those who seek to elevate themselves above others when only Jesus holds that rightful place. It is a rallying call to lift up those without a voice, to protect the marginalized, and to restore dignity to individuals whom society has unjustly forgotten. In essence, we are invited to embody Christ in our communities—acting with compassion and addressing the needs of those around us to defend the inherent dignity that every person deserves.
Paul encourages us with the words, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Eph. 6:11). While it is tempting to see this as purely a spiritual reminder, we must remember that Paul was aware of the struggles of living out one’s faith. Many early Christians paid the ultimate price for standing against societal norms, boldly proclaiming Jesus as the true sovereign over all creation. They shared love with those societies deemed unworthy, fed the hungry, and broke down the barriers that divided people, declaring that in Christ, we are all one—“neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female” (Gal. 3:28).
Isn’t this invitation also extended to us, dear friends? Are we not called to see each other through the eyes of Christ? Having experienced the weight of authoritarian regimes myself, I know how tempting it is to conform rather than confront those in power. Yet the gospel calls us to something greater. We find ourselves in this world with a clear mission—to show Christ to the world. We cannot allow the teachings of Jesus to confront our society only in theory. How can we possibly remain silent when God’s children are denied the rights and freedoms promised in our Constitution? How can we look away while our neighbors suffer in foreign prisons, held captive not just by iron bars but by injustice and neglect? Aren’t we each other’s keepers?
So let us rise together, strengthened by our Christian faith, ready to confront the darkness with the light of Christ. This isn’t merely about politics; it’s about living out our calling as faithful Christians.
Join us for Maundy Thursday service this evening, Good Friday services, Easter Vigil and Easter Services.
Sunday
From the E-Crier of April 17, 2025. Subscribe to the weekly newsletter.