01.26.24 "The Politics of Jesus: Mercy First" Rev. John Kennedy

[@rickadams1521]

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.

[@johnkennedy4273]

Amen, thank you Rick.

[@DdBett]

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

[@johnkennedy4273]

Thank you 🙏

[@silverlu8085]

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

[@johnkennedy4273]

Wonderful to hear from you, Silver. So touched by your words. Thank you for sharing

[@user-nx6ji9tk8i]

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.

[@johnkennedy4273]

It is an honor, thank you.

[@michaelgillern485]

Competence, Compassion, Character.

[@johnkennedy4273]

Thanks, Michael. What a nice surprise to hear from you!

[@CorneliaAdriana-z7u]

Fantastic message! Good on you for speaking out Fr John

[@johnkennedy4273]

Thank you, Cornelia 🙏

[@ikeus685]

Today more than anytime post-world war ll that question of, "who do you serve?" has never been more important and relevant in todays mixed up world. This decision does possess that awareness of where your eternal soul will be. Into the Divines Presence and future or, without. As God is the Creator of All Existance, that choice of serving mammom is very damning and one's own direction in life should be personally examined much closer. Who do you serve? God or, mammon??

[@robinalewis5904]

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

[@johnkennedy4273]

Thanks, Robina ☺

[@williamdatz6364]

Bless your Christian witness, Father.

[@johnkennedy4273]

Thank you, blessings to you William.

[@elizabethevans2455]

Excellent sermon. Thank you 😊

[@johnkennedy4273]

Thank you, Elizabeth 🙏

[@tobyramsden4904]

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

[@johnkennedy4273]

Good question! I don't claim expertise on this, but my understanding is that he Nazareth synagogue of Jesus' time was likely a simple stone and mud structure, like the houses of Nazareth, which was used for prayer, Scripture reading, and teaching (not any kind of ornate building). Sacrifices and other elaborate liturgical practices detailed in parts of the Hebrew Bible would not have been conducted there, to my understanding.

[@lauramissy7492]

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

[@buckdoo]

Right and wrong do.

[@eva905]

The Episcopal Religious Club has left it’s first love, the King of England. Now it is in love with liberalism, promotion of murdering babies and other anti-God practices. Matthew 23 accurately describes the leadership of their club.

[@johnkennedy4273]

@@buckdoo 🙌

[@eva905]

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.

[@johnkennedy4273]

Thanks for that.

[@CandaceAbdoo]

Wow, this is just nasty and speaks more about you than anyone else. Oh, also, I grew up in the Lutheran Church and they are teaching the same as John. So, add us to the club too.

[@johnkennedy4273]

@@CandaceAbdoo ☺

[@chandlerhudsonkenny2331]

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.

[@tobyramsden4904]

The sermon does say the Gospel is political but not partisan, so may and often will come into conflict with the powers of the day, hence the references to Martin Luther King, who in case you have forgotten was assassinated because his message was so unpalatable to many in power at the time. As a Christian, you are called to love your neighbour, all of them, because they bear the image of God, so you address them in love and in humility.

[@CandaceAbdoo]

Yes, and don’t forget Jan. 6, that famous day of “love”.