Rev. Doo Seung-yeon, Director General, World Mission Headquarters, gave a sermon during the special Devotional Worship Service for the Beginning of a New Era and New History, held on September 14, 2025, in the main hall of Cheonbo Training Center
Beloved and respected Cheon Il Guk leaders — Good Morning!
On this meaningful holy Sunday, I am truly glad to deliver this message in the presence of the leaders and senior members who have convened for this Special Devotion for the Beginning of a New Era and a New History. Above all, I offer deep gratitude and glory to Heavenly Parent and to the True Parents of Heaven, Earth, and Humankind for permitting and guiding this precious gathering.
True Mother has devoted her life to the path of eternal peace and has endured all suffering and hardship silently for the sake of her children as the True Mother. Yet now True Mother is facing a heavy ordeal comparable to the way of the cross. As sons and daughters, we cannot help but feel deeply solemn.
In these solemn times, all of us, members of the Unificationist community, must attend True Mother with one heart and one will. For that purpose, I earnestly and respectfully ask you to observe the following three requests.
First, we must be deeply aware of True Mother’s situation, fully empathize with her heart in this very moment, and be absolutely united with True Mother.
Second, we must change. To change, we must first engage in deep self-reflection and reflection as a community, and, through courageous renewal, bring about a new beginning.
Third, we must be more faithful to the essentials. Focusing on the era-defining values of harmony and peace in our families, our communities, and in society at large, and while working toward the completion of a Cheon Il Guk of lasting peace, we must concretely practice a life befitting the kingdom of God on earth.
Today I will speak about these three practical tasks: “Empathy and Unity,” “Reflection and Renewal,” and “Faithfulness to the Essentials.”
1. Empathy and Unity
First, we must deeply understand True Mother’s situation, fully empathize with her heart at this time, and be absolutely one with her.
I will read from True Parents’ words:
“Have you taken time to pray, longing for the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus – who had fought for and looked forward to the day of the fulfillment of his hopes – prayed, accompanied by his three disciples? Jesus prayed without sleeping, sweating blood and tears, while the three disciples dozed. Those who did not understand Jesus’ heart all betrayed him when he was nailed to the cross on Golgotha. Therefore, the time has come to find a group of people who will pray in his stead, sweating blood, as he did in the Garden of Gethsemane.” (April 26, 1959; Original Headquarters Church)
Crucifixion was the most brutal and demeaning punishment of that age. The Scriptures tell us that Jesus was already aware of the terrible suffering he would endure on the cross. That suffering would not only be physical pain. Added to that was the deep sorrow of having to end His life without fully accomplishing the mission of the salvation of humankind and without meeting the match prepared by Heaven — a pain beyond imagination, which led him to pray in indescribable agony.
The day before Jesus was nailed to the cross, in the Garden of Gethsemane He said to His disciples, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” Seeing the disciples asleep from sorrow and fatigue, he urged them to stay awake and pray to overcome the coming trial.
The other day, True Mother told me to convey this message to our worldwide members. The message was: “True Mother is fine because Heaven is with her. Do not be shaken by the present situation; each of you, please faithfully carry out the work given to you!”
We believe with absolute certainty that Heavenly Parent and True Father will be with True Mother. For that reason, we will remain awake and faithfully complete the mission True Mother has given us to the very end. Brothers and sisters, we will all do that, right?
The incident at Gethsemane mirrors our present situation. How deeply are we able to perceive True Mother’s heart? How fully do we empathize with and understand True Mother’s circumstances? In front of these words, I too cannot help but confess my own shortcomings before True Mother.
Brothers and sisters, in this time we must not repeat the history of two thousand years ago, when the disciples regretted failing to stay awake in a gravely serious time. With eyes wide open and hearts alert, we must become true sons and daughters who can testify properly to the new era and new history!
2. Reflection and Renewal
Second, we must change. In order to change, we must first engage in deep reflection individually and across our communities, and, through courageous renewal, bring about a new beginning.
Let us read from True Father’s speech, given at the United Nations Headquarters on August 18, 2000: “Now has come the time for religion to demonstrate its true leadership in the world. I believe religious people must first feel responsible for the situation of this age and its deep corruption, and engage in profound self-reflection. Religious people have failed to set the standard in the practice of love. Absorbed only in their own personal salvation or the benefit of their own religion, they have neglected to devote themselves to the salvation of the world. It is time for us to repent. This is the time that demands not only a life of faith, but a life of practicing love.”
In accordance with these words, we must now sincerely reflect on our individual shortcomings: we have failed to properly understand True Parents’ will and heart, and even become secularized. We must repent deeply for the missions and responsibilities that we did not adequately fulfill. It is time to reflect on our faith and actions that were limited to our individual salvation or resulted from limited understanding – and, in this new era and new history, to renew ourselves on the path that aligns with the original mission True Parents sought to fulfill.
This process can be compared with the life of an eagle. When its aging bill, talons, and heavy feathers make it unable to hunt, the eagle does not choose the easy way. Instead, it goes into lonely seclusion in the cliffs and endures a time of pain. Only after reshaping its bill, sharpening its talons, and plucking out worn feathers to gain new strength can it once again soar into the sky.
This is a living example of the wisdom in True Mother’s words: “A crisis is an opportunity.” Too often, we take comfort in that phrase and become complacent. However, that is like being mired in a swamp while consoling ourselves by imagining that we are soaring skyward. True opportunity comes to us, as for the eagle, only after bloody efforts to overcome a crisis. We must never forget this reality, even for a moment.
Like the eagle, we too must not fear, but accept this time of reflection and renewal. When we let go of past mistakes and old habits, and discipline ourselves anew, then we can live a stronger life and soar powerfully toward a broader heaven.
3. Faithfulness to the Essentials
Finally, we must be more true to the essentials.
True Mother has reminded us that the realization of the kingdom of heaven on earth is our responsibility. That is correct. True Mother guides us on the providential timetable, but the responsibilities to be carried out within that time are entirely ours. Based on the era-defining values of harmony and peace, we must concretely practice the Cheon Il Guk lifestyle on earth – in our families, in our communities, and in society at large – while working for the realization of everlasting peace.
Recently, True Mother gave a blessing to the Pure Water youth who will lead the future: “Become great trees with deep roots in Cheon Il Guk, growing into majestic trees that can embrace all humankind and be loved by the world.” (Aug. 25, 2025)
These words contain a profound message for all of us.
Brothers and sisters, do you know the ginkgo tree standing at Yongmunsa in Yangpyeong? True Father once admired its grandeur so deeply that he wished he could transplant it to the plaza in front of Cheon Jeong Gung. That tree’s majestic form captivates the hearts of all who behold it. Reaching a height of 42 meters — equal to a 15-story building — it is one of the largest ginkgo trees in the East, and is estimated to be about 1,100 years old. For more than a millennium, it has silently kept its place, and it still lives and breathes, providing unchanging joy and hope to those who visit it.
The very first thing this ginkgo tree had to do to withstand a thousand years of storms and trials was to send its roots deep and wide. It was the unseen roots beneath the ground that preserved its vitality, allowing it to grow into the majestic tree that the world now admires.
When I went to America, there was something that surprised me. In every town and every neighborhood, there stood tall trees reaching up to the sky, towering over the houses. Yet, when the rainy season came and strong winds blew, I was astonished to see trees two or three stories high topple over so easily.
The reason was in the roots. The soil of the Eastern United States is generally fertile, so trees can grow quickly and easily. But because of that, many of them do not send their roots deeply into the ground; instead, their roots spread only shallowly, near the surface. Thus, the taller trees grow, the more likely it is that strong winds can completely uproot and topple them.
Reflecting on this experience, we can see that the words True Mother has given us at this time carry profound meaning. Just as a great tree’s deep roots in the earth safeguard its life, so too, when we establish the deep roots of a mature life of faith, we will be able to live unshaken, no matter what storms or trials may come.
A tree, by its very existence, offers us profound insight. Through photosynthesis, it sustains life across the globe, and through its roots, trunk, branches, and leaves, it continues its own life. Through sustaining itself and the world around it, the tree stands as the very example of the principles of mutual prosperity. Within this, we find the essence of creation and the divine order of harmony. True Mother’s message to the Pure Waters conveys this meaning: “Become a great tree that can embrace all humankind and be loved by the world.”
Under the guidance of True Parents, the Family Federation has tirelessly pursued the establishment of Cheon Il Guk—the kingdom of heaven on earth—for more than 70 years. Along that path, members have laid down their personal lives, leaving behind their families to devote themselves to Heaven’s will. At the end of that sacrificial journey, True Mother triumphantly proclaimed the opening and settlement of Cheon Il Guk, and victoriously dedicated the entrance into Cheon Won Gung Cheonil Sanctum, boldly declaring to the world that the gates of Heaven have been opened wide. Now, we all stand in the glory of being able to live substantially in the kingdom of heaven on earth.
Through the Cheon Won Gung Entrance Ceremony, Holy Mother Han, True Mother, who perceives the providential time and fulfills Heaven’s will, proclaimed the beginning of a new era and new history. She gave us the heavenly command that we live lives that are substantially of the kingdom of heaven on earth.
That starting point is not far away. If we attend True Parents in our hearts, within our families, and in our churches, then it means living in harmony and peace with our brothers and sisters, and sharing love with one another.
The greatest act of filial piety children can offer their parents is none other than harmony among siblings. That small beginning—caring for and loving one another—naturally extends to society, the nation, and ultimately world peace. And this will become the most beautiful and precious gift we can offer to our Heavenly Parent.
4. Conclusion
Beloved leaders of Cheon Il Guk,
What we need right now is not eloquent words or grand ceremonies. Nor is it a sweeping love that tries to embrace the universe all at once. Rather, it is the humble love that gently reaches out to a family member who feels left out, whispering warmth and care. That simple touch—this is the true starting point of true love.
It is not about becoming a grand hero who embraces all of humanity at once, but about living out the blessed family mission given by True Parents—starting from within our own families. It is about extending that love to blessed families around and building a community where all people share in heart. These small beginnings and sincere efforts will, in time, establish us as protagonists of true love who can embrace the universe. And our families will ultimately become central families that embrace all humankind.
Everyone, I gently propose that we dedicate tomorrow, the 15th, as a day of fasting—engraving deeply in our hearts the three messages we shared today: empathy, reflection, and essence. This will be a precious time to offer our resolution as a promise to Heavenly Parent and True Parents.
Let me close with this thought.
When we look back on our lives, there are moments when what felt like a long journey suddenly seems like a fleeting instant. It feels like just yesterday that we received the blessing from True Parents, and now the children who were once newborns have grown up and received the Blessing themselves. Today, we find ourselves as grandparents. A hundred years of life is by no means long—it is but a moment compared to the eternal life in our original homeland.
When I was a child, my greatest dream was to meet a beautiful bride, pack a lunchbox, and go on a picnic to a lovely place. That’s why I chose the path of the Blessing. Since then, one thought has always stayed in my heart: “Our hundred-year life is like a brief stop at a marketplace called earth, where we prepare what we need for a picnic in a beautiful place called the kingdom of heaven in heaven.”
If we prepare well and finish our shopping here on earth, our picnic will be joyful and fulfilling. But if we become distracted by other things and waste our time, that picnic will never be a complete joy.
Though I’ve spoken at length about something I should have said more briefly, my conclusion is simple: I wanted to tell you that your tears, your sacrifices, and your noble efforts are never in vain.
To conclude, I would like to share an episode I experienced with True Mother as I took on this important responsibility.
I received a sudden call and arrived in Korea from the United States at 4:30 a.m. Later that day, at 2 p.m., I was summoned to Cheon Jeong Gung, where I was entrusted with a new mission. The first task True Mother gave me was this:
“Take the night flight to Japan immediately and convey my heart and words of comfort to the leader who has worked so hard until now.” That was my first mission, and though I do not know when it will end, it has become the calling I will carry through to the very end.
At this very moment, I believe True Mother would say to each of us:
“You’ve worked so hard. I love you. Just hold on a little longer, and let’s share the moment of victory together! Thank you! I love you!”
Before your sacrifice and dedication, I humbly bow my head in gratitude and respect.
Thank you.
Let us all pray.
Benediction
Most honored and precious Heavenly Parent,
Beloved True Parents of Heaven, Earth, and Humankind,
We offer our deepest gratitude for Your presence in this place and within our hearts today.
Please guide us to deeply empathize with True Mother’s heart and circumstances, and to become one with True Parents, living according to their will.
Heavenly Parent,
Grant us grace so that we may reflect sincerely on our past shortcomings, mistakes, and limitations, and awaken to the original mission bestowed upon us by True Parents, renewing ourselves with a fresh spirit.
Help us not to seek after personal interests or a narrow faith, but to live a life that practices love and peace for the world with all our heart and will.
Following the words and example of True Parents, may our lives bear the holy fruits of reflection and renewal, and through life in the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth, may we substantiate the ideal of Cheon Il Guk and Your divine will.
Let each of our lives become a light that spreads harmony and peace in the world and allow us to grow into a community that supports one another and thrives together.
Heavenly Parent and True Parents of Heaven, Earth, and Humankind,
Pour Your grace upon us so that, united with True Mother, we may take deep root and grow strong like a great tree, embracing all humanity and living a life of sharing love and grace.
May all our words and actions bear holy fruit, and may we live as true children who fulfill the new era and new history according to the will of True Parents.
Let our commitment to reflection and renewal, and for the realization of the substantial Cheon Il Guk and life in the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth, become light and salt to the world, and through Your love and the example set by True Parents, please guide us to walk the path as true children.
Please accept this earnest prayer offered before You and True Parents, and pour abundant grace and blessings upon each of us, our families, and our communities.
We hope that Your glory will be with all of us as we open and seek to fulfill the new era and new history in oneness with True Parents.
All these words I offer with heartfelt gratitude in my name Doo Seung-yeon, a Blessed family who attends Holy Mother Han. Aju