On Sunday, October 12, 2025, His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak celebrated the Holy Liturgy at St. Mark’s Cathedral, assisted by Rev. Fr. Joseph Shammas, in the presence of V. Rev. Fr. Joseph Chamoun and V. Rev. Fr. Joseph Shabo. In his sermon, His Eminence spoke about the true meaning of mercy revealed by our Lord Jesus Christ through both His words and His actions. He reminded the faithful that in Matthew 12, when the Pharisees accused the disciples of breaking the Sabbath, Jesus responded by teaching that God values mercy above ritual sacrifice. He told them that the healing of the man with the withered hand was not only a miracle, but a declaration that the heart of the Sabbath is compassion, and that doing good, restoring life, and lifting burdens are always lawful in the eyes of God.
His Eminence went on by saying that this act teaches us that true holiness is not about restriction, but restoration, that God desires a sacrifice of compassion and mercy, not rigid observance. He also reminded the faithful of the Parable of the Good Samaritan, where the priest and the Levite passed by the wounded man, but the Samaritan stopped, cared for, and showed mercy. His Eminence said that, like Jesus, the Samaritan used his hands to heal, lift, and love, showing that true holiness is not separation from pain but participation in it. He urged everyone to stretch out their hands toward those who are suffering, just as Christ healed the man, so that he could help others. He concluded his sermon by telling the faithful that mercy is the heartbeat of God’s kingdom. Faith without compassion is lifeless, and worship without love is empty. He urged everyone to hear Christ’s voice saying, “Stretch out your hand” toward the poor, the lonely, and even those who have hurt us, for that is the sacrifice that pleases God.
