Subject: Embracing the Divine Call to Serve Our Neighbors (06/28/'24) -Message

Subject: Embracing the Divine Call to Serve Our Neighbors Introduction: Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Today, we gather to reflect on a question that has resonated through the ages: "Who is my neighbor?" This question, posed in the context of the Good Samaritan's tale, calls us to examine the depth of our compassion and the breadth of our love. It challenges us to see beyond mere proximity and recognize the divine mandate to serve one another with the heart of Christ. Body: 1. The Essence of Neighborly Love: In our journey of faith, we are called to embody the commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves. This is not just a suggestion but a divine imperative, shining as a beacon in the darkness of indifference. To serve our neighbor is to serve God, and in this service, we fulfill the very essence of the gospel. 2. The Call to the Lost Sheep: Jesus' mission was to seek out the lost sheep of Israel, proclaiming the nearness of the kingdom of heaven. This mission extends to us today. Among the homeless and the marginalized, we find baptized wanderers—sixty percent of whom already bear the mark of faith. These individuals, our brothers and sisters, struggle against the harsh realities of life and cry out for the tangible manifestation of God's love. 3. Pasturing the Flock: The words of Zechariah urge us to pasture the flock doomed to slaughter. This is a call not only to duty but to divine service. We are invited to protect, nurture, and save those in need. This sacred service is where we discover our true purpose and align our hearts with God's will. 4. Seeing the Divine in Every Face: Every face we encounter, every soul in need, carries the image of God. In serving them, we serve the Divine. The kingdom of heaven, ever so near, becomes tangible through acts of love and mercy. Through our hands, our hearts, and our deeds, we bring this kingdom closer to reality. Conclusion: In every crossroad, in every plea for help, we hear the eternal call: to love our neighbor, to serve with grace, and to live out the gospel through tangible actions. By doing so, we not only answer the question of who our neighbor is but also affirm our place in the divine tapestry of creation. Let us commit ourselves anew to this holy calling. Let us see our neighbors through the eyes of Christ and serve them with the same love and compassion He has shown us. In this way, we bring the kingdom of heaven nearer and reveal the heart of God to a world in need. May God bless us all as we strive to serve Him by serving one another. Amen. Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 28, 2024)