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

What does it mean to follow a Savior who puts mercy at the center of his mission? Join Fr. John Kennedy as he explores Jesus’ inaugural sermon in Nazareth, which was marked by compassion and justice, and reflect on the contrast between earthly leadership and the Divine example.
The Third Sunday after the Epiphany

[@paulpynkoski9195]

You go, Fr. John!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@robinalewis5904]

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

[@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

[@anniesingleton2970]

Your fear is understandable. I live in the UK. I was born in the 50s; although the Second World War had ended, it still cast a shadow over all of Europe (and in some ways still does). Now, Trump's rhetoric is adding fuel to right-wing politics in Europe that many hoped had disappeared. I can see us getting to a situation where we need people of faith to stand up and be vocal (in the pulpit if necessary) to stop a repeat of past horrors.

[@CandaceAbdoo]

Are you serious? Trump, the predator is going to protect women??????????

[@CorneliaAdriana-z7u]

Fantastic message! Good on you for speaking out Fr John

[@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??

[@elizabethevans2455]

Excellent sermon. Thank you 😊

[@williamdatz6364]

Bless your Christian witness, Father.

[@michaelgillern485]

Competence, Compassion, Character.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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”.

[@carolliebau1828]

@@CandaceAbdoo The riots on January 6 were sad for us as a country. So were the riots that threatened St. John's Church -- the Church of the Presidents -- and any riot that endangers human life and tears at the fabric of our nation.

[@carolliebau1828]

@@tobyramsden4904 Perhaps the problem becomes when a church decides being "political" involves denouncing only one side of our divided country. Then, sadly, the only conclusion to be drawn is that it has, indeed, become partisan. If one is going to spend sermon time naming and shaming political leaders rather than helping congregants deal with the condition of their souls, go ahead and condemn President Trump for enacting a "family separation" policy. Why, then, no condemnation for President Obama having done the same thing? And it's not an issue that the Biden Administration literally "lost" 300,000 immigrant children -- 75,000 of whom were recovered by the Trump Administration in its first five days? As for "speaking truth to power," little is safer for those in the Episcopal Church than attacking a Republican president. Show up at a diocesan convention and espouse traditional morality or the right to life. THEN I'll be convinced about an Episcopal clergyman's boldness.

[@CandaceAbdoo]

@ There were very few police around. Even though there were warnings and while Trump was watching the rioters attack police on TV. But when there was a peaceful Black march just after that in DC, the it was just the opposite. Police everywhere.