Breaking the Cycle of Violence

Sermon by Amjad Iraqi | July 27th 2026

https://youtu.be/ehZDztEBUTM

How can a single conversation become the beginning of peace?

On the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, we welcomed the young people and staff of Jerusalem Peacebuilders to Emmanuel Episcopal Church Geneva. In this inspiring reflection, peacebuilder Amjad Iraqi shares his own journey—from a teenager reluctant to join an interfaith encounter to helping lead an international movement that brings together Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Druze young people to build friendships across deep divisions.

Drawing on Jesus' parables of the mustard seed, the treasure, and the net in Matthew's Gospel, this message reminds us that even the smallest acts of courage, dialogue, and compassion can grow into something far greater than we imagine. What begins as a single seed can become a place of refuge and hope for many.

Reflecting on the stories of Jacob in Genesis and St. Paul's words in Romans, the sermon explores how cycles of deception and violence can be broken—not through fear or retaliation, but through mercy, forgiveness, human dignity, and peace. These are values shared across the Abrahamic faiths and are at the heart of the work of Jerusalem Peacebuilders.

This is a message of hope for anyone who longs for reconciliation in a divided world. Peace is not easy, but it is possible when people choose to listen, learn, and walk alongside one another.

Readings: Genesis 29:15–28 | Psalm 105:1–11, 45b | Romans 8:26–39 | Matthew 13:31–33, 44–52

About Jerusalem Peacebuilders: Jerusalem Peacebuilders is an interfaith organization that equips young people from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds to become future leaders for peace through dialogue, education, and relationship-building.