Through the Eyes of Jesus' Love - The Rev. Joyce Keeshin

Sermons from the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer

Our narrow views limit us, imprison us. When we allow ourselves open to God's view, we can see each other's humanity. We can respond in love and open to the possibility of God's healing grace, for all. Undoubtedly, many of us have strong feelings about what's going on in our world today. At this time nearing elections, political rhetoric is fierce. Words that are calling out hatred, that are calling for violence, that are disrespecting and wanting to take away the freedoms of people are said loudly. And this is not to condone any of those words. It's not to condone them. They are not respectful of human dignities, individual rights. Those expressions of hatred and cause to violence clearly run counter to Jesus's teaching to a baptismal covenant. But it is to say that the views we hold may also be very limited views of fellow human beings. Labeling individuals and groups, treating them as outcasts, are also directly counter to Jesus's teaching.... These very folks who we want to label sinners may very much be the lost Jesus seeks to save.