If you read the Bible is clear Jesus is mythical - there is no evidence of any reserection .

From Ireland. Fr John, I am concerned by your message. Are you not selective in your representation of Ps Trump? He has said he is motivated by protection of US women & youth at risk, children at risk of trafficking & family’s at risk from perilous journeys to the US. Is it not likely that his policies will reduce that risk to vulnerable souls in the short to long term? He is the only world leader who laments the tens of thousands dead and dying in Ukraine and wants to make peace. Many parents of gender confused children will applaud their protection afforded by Ps T. Sadly Bs Budde has voiced her support of 1.2 million US babies aborted annually in the US, the ‘least of these’. Whose voice do they have if not yours and mine? Jesus first ministry was made by his mere presence as a little embryo in Mary’s womb visiting Elizabeth. Is not all this evidence concerning Jesus proclamation in Nazareth concerning the poor, as reflected in the actions of Ps Trump? Prayers 2u from Ireland 🇮🇪 paul. I look forward to your response.

Thank you for reminding us what our priorities should be. We are ALL created in Gods image and as such we all to show love , grace and mercy to all we come in contact with.

Nazareth was a small rural village, so I'm wondering what kind of synagogue it had?

Thank you so much for this sermon. As a transgender individual and a person who cares for others as a follower of Jesus, I am scared with this new administration's rhetoric. I believe mercy and compassion are so paramount, things I often fear if those around me have. When people ask who radicalized me, I say Jesus Christ. And it is true, from a young age Jesus taught me to love others and myself. It is so important that we Christians stand together as a community of compassion

Many of us are uncomforatable speaking such clear truths even to some of our own family and friends. Thank you for speaking for us.

Bless your Christian witness, Father.

Thank you for standing up with integrity for compassion, for justice with mercy, for humility . And for giving your public support to Bishop Marian Budde.

Competence, Compassion, Character.

“I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” Indeed. Thank you John for reinforcing what we look for in our leaders, spiritual and otherwise.

Thank you

So much negative judgment on the words of our elected president. Very forceful options, I do not see your compassion I see the opposite here.

The Episcopal and Anglican religious clubs are the best at doing religious exhibitions. Both clubs have leaders who give themselves titles like Most Righteous Holy Father. The middle management are given similar titles and can aspire to attain the more respected titles as they prove their devotion to the club. The leadership loves to wear fancy tapestry robes and unusual clown hats called a mitre. They parade around with a scepter and make unusual hand gestures in what they believe will please the author of the Book they purport to study. This same book that the club purports to study has a chapter that describes the club’s leadership exactly, Matthew 23.

Fantastic message! Good on you for speaking out Fr John

Today is Holocaust Remembrance Day. Six million Jews were killed. The Christian Church has stated its deep regret at not speaking up when it was needed. The Church is resolved not to repeat that mistake when injustice is done and the vulnerable are suffering.

You're right. Politics do not belong on the pulpit.

Excellent sermon. Thank you 😊

A good discussion Thank-you for this

This is great! Lots to think about! Well done!

I really appreciate all your comments and uderstanding iof the gospels .😅

I’ve always been puzzled about Jesus cursing the fig tree because it didn’t have ripe figs on it, even though the scripture admits that it wasn’t the season for ripe figs. This came to mind because, in your discussion, you said something about not ever making things worse. ‘‘Tis a puzzlement.

Wow! Thank you.

Thank you Fletcher ❤

The pericope for Lutherans is much longer Luke 4:16-30 Another intriguing text…Luke will focus on Joseph’s genealogy (chapter 3) and now Jesus returns to Nazareth where he had been raised. These are the people who saw Him grow up. “Is this not Joseph's son?” Has Jesus returned because Joseph was ill or had died? Jesus’ response is telling: “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘“Physician, heal yourself’. What we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here in your hometown (fatherland) as well.’” The people respond with indignation. From this text are more questions. How does faith respond to unanswered prayer, disappointment, pain, or loss? When your life takes turns that you never expected? When reality runs contrary to expectations? How does one trust God when everything is seemingly going wrong?

Another blessing, and perfect timing. Thank you. 🙏🏼

Thank you both and prayers for warmer weather here; how anyone gets the so-called Prosperity Gospel from any of this is beyond me.

That was amazing learning about what Jesus actually said and meant in calming the Storm. May we have the power (His ) to calm the Storms in our lives. Thank you Rev. Peter Walsh

Thank-you for this discussion

Peter, thank you for bursting into the podcast glimpses of the wedding feast joy! I'm going back through it now to look for a concept I think I heard, namely: "Every experience of joy is a moment experiencing God". John, I think it was you who definitely caught my attention when sharing something to the nature of "Useless friends are the best". Elizabeth, Wisdom and Mary...loved that! You were missed last week! Hope you had a relaxing vacation. Definitely going to give another listening to! Thanks for investing in this weekly conversation!

As always, this is a wonderful conversation. (Hey, Rob, don't be so strict. Let them talk!😊) Elizabeth, I love the Wisdom explanation. That really resonates with me. Peter, you referred us to another podcast, but I didn't catch the name. Please tell us again -- it sounds great. And John, could you tell us what you were reading of Merton's where he critiques the '60s etc. I'd love to read it, too. Thank you all so much for these discussions. I get so much out of them. God bless you. 😊

Had me in tears. Beautifully said.

Thanks for this as usual! I thought also this is (unless I am getting crossed up) the 3rd week in a row in our lectionary of a ritual purification - Mary's, after the birth of Jesus, Jesus's baptism, and this week, the water in purification jars - that was elevated by the mission of the Messiah.

All the ”miracles ” in the new testament are in connection among people orwith people. It’s not ”Magic” as you said they are signs through which jesus reveals himself to us. The temptations in the desert, had jesus obeyed Satan, would have been ”Magic deeds”, they would not have been connections among people. I share your enthusiasm for this wedding in Cana.

Wonderful conversation, thank you.

Missouri, not Minnesota.

🕊️🕯️🎹🎄🎹🕯️🕊️

Amen

Thank you ! From France 😊. So inspirational and motivating.

Thank-you for this

Beautiful!

@ 10:00 yes! The Incarnation now has a face. Jesus’ baptism proves this. As He entered the waters He entered into our world. He took to Himself our flesh which means He took all of our hurts, our sorrows, our concerns as His own. Walking into those muddy waters of the Jordan Jesus now carried them - all the way to the cruel cross and empty tomb.

Thank you.

Rest in Peace and Rise in Eternal Glory Father. Heaven gained not only a wonderful person but also child of God.

Great discussion as always, really interesting listening to the different perspectives on this text. I’ve never thought about Mary in a sense “connecting the dots” over time. She obviously knew something was special or different, but would have still had the same human feelings as a mum. One thing we (or I do), often forget is that even at that point, in our context, she was very young. But such a deep maturity, even that she held it in her heart. My daughter is 26, which is (by most accounts) roughly how old Mary would have been when Jesus was 12. I can’t imagine her in that situation, she panics when her dog is sick. Straight on the phone to mum! I’ll be keen to hear our minister’s interpretation on Sunday as well. So much in this I hadn’t thought of. Be blessed! Connie

Amen…

I like the idea of the first two.chapters of Luke being Marys Gospel and it is very likely that Jesus was a Rabbi.😊 I don't think Jesus came to Britain though🤔Thank-you for this podcast I Wish you all a Happy New year From Joanne in London UK. 🇬🇧

With respect to Fr. John’s comment at 7:37ff Jesus’ reference to God as His Father. Might we render 2:49 as “And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know (you of all people should have known) that I must be in my Father's house?” Great insights and discussion!

Fyi you guys are one week behind the lectionary calendar.

Greetings from Holywood Co Down. N. Ireland

Merry Christmas and a Happy New year Thank-you for this discussion from Joanne in London UK