Zacchaeus and the Church in a Gay Bar

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I'm an Anglican Priest in the Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island and I get to serve in the Parish of St Margaret of Scotland, in the beautiful city of Halifax, NS, that sits on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq people.
My pronouns are he/him/his. My theology is primarily Christo-centric - Jesus is at the centre and it is against Him that all values are bounced off. I believe all people are created in the image of God and are children of God and are heirs to the throne of God - no conditions - therefore every single person we meet deserves our love, and respect.
Morning Prayer starts on page 49 - download a copy here...
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God bless you and keep you!

[@roncurilla6991]

Reverend Ed, this is one of your finest works in your quest to educate Christians about behavior. I hope your message can make it through the terrible misinformation that seems to be the Evangelicals, and the nationalists that claim to be Christians.

[@nerdgirldragon3374]

So good, thank you for sharing this perspective.

[@colleenorrick5415]

I’m a struggling Catholic. My grandson is transgender. This is not a trifling whim. He’s getting counselling and we can see a big reduction in his anxiety levels. My husband talked to our priest about it. The priest said, you can love him but you cannot support him. Father Ed, suicide rates for transgender children who are not supported by their family are in the 30 percents. I’m not risking that! We know a transgender child who suicided because s/he didn’t get the support s/he needed. Thank you for this. Christians should not be in the business of oppressing anyone! My grandson is a child of god. Thank you for those words!

[@malissahyatt2425]

You is awesome grandparent. Your grandson is blessed to have you. Keep loving him the way he/ she is and wants to be. Everybody's growing up looks different. No one has the right to tell anyone who or how to be. I have a trans friend. It's hard enough w/o interference from those closest to you. Keep loving and supporting your grandchild. This is grandparenting done right. ❤💛💚💙💜

[@Dalton_D]

Colleen, thanks for being on your grandsons side, just love him, be on his side. Don't tell him he is wrong or anything like that. Father Ed is wrong, and thank you for noticing that.

[@vixendoe6943]

@@Dalton_D How is Father Ed wrong?

[@angiepeterson1282]

@@Dalton_D I think Father Ed is right, and these are also the children of God.

[@falleithani5411]

​@@vixendoe6943 Colleen went straight from talking about 'her priest' to addressing Father Ed directly, so I think Dean mistakenly assumed that the priest who advised her not to support her grandchild was also named Ed.

[@hapennysparrow]

As a Christian my marriage came apart. My former husband announced that he had made a mistake when marrying me, and wanted to move on. We had five children. He left, and failed to pay any child support for his two seven year olds, his five year old, his three year old and the baby. I was forced to go on public assistance, and barely had enough to survive. The church I attended looked at my divorce as a moral failure on my part. "If I had faith, my marriage would have been healed ." I wire the scarlet letter D. On top of that great sin was the shame I brought to the Christian community by relying on a Welfare check and food stamps. How grateful I was that social safety net was avaliable, otherwise my children and I would have been homeless and hungry. We lived in Western Washington State, with cold, wet, winters. Strangers brought us bags of groceries to stretch out the meager food stamp allotment. That first Christmas, some people at the local bank called me out of the blue to let me know that they were providing gifts for my kids. I did not know these people. The Christian folks were too busy condemning me, while President Ronald Reagan called me a "Welfare Queen." They echoed his declaration, and turned me out. Not one of them accused my former husband of wrong doing. Some years later, in another state at a public school where I was employed, a student I worked with was bullied, tormented, abused physically snd emotionally, because he was gay. It broke my heart to watch the way " Christian" kids treated him. A few kind kids included him in their circle. Not the religious ones. I made sure I was always near him when out on the playing field to run interference. A special needs boy was also tormented by these students, who boasted of their religious affiliations. Jesus especially loves those whom nobody loves. As His people, that love must flow from us. Not embracing the Republican Party has marginalized me once again among Christians. It is nuts. I met a wonderful pastor visiting from the UK. His church family met Sunday mornings in a local pub. That made me so glad. Thanks for this important perspective. So appreciated. Tis God's truth. Blessings. Lets us be vessels that spill out God's love, not condemnation, judgment, shame. Jesus died, spilled his blood, hung naked from a Roman cross to redeem. I am grateful.

[@margaretinsydney3856]

Thank you for this post. You're absolutely right about the rush to judgment from many Christians. We've all seen it at various times. I hope that you and your children are thriving and happy now. God bless you. 🙏

[@hapennysparrow]

Margaret in Sydney: Thank you for your kind comment. My children are all grown and I am a grandmother now. God protected and provided in miraculous ways. I could write a book about His faithfulness. Money was always tight, but I worked hard to make sure my children felt no shame. I remained a single parent, and did not date. We never lacked a roof over our heads, or missed a meal. I found a good job working with special needs children in public education, when my youngest started school, so my hours and weekends and off times coincided with my children's schedules, thus preventing latch key kids. We had pets, planted gardens, built forts with scrap lumber or driftwood on the beach. Had family baseball games, read books, danced on rainy days to Irish music, and made elaborate tents with chairs and blankets on wet days, went sledding on snowy days, visited the Seattle Science center, kyaked with uncle John and aunt Jeanine , camped at Chuckanut Park, had a whole lot of fun that cost very little. Went berry picking and explored the woods. Picnics and basket ball games. Fourth of July neighborhood 🍾 growing polywogs in my stereo cover, swimming lessons, soccer practice, making homemade bread... life was simple but interesting. Exploring tidepools, watching eagles dive for fish... we lacked nothing, we were a loving family, and watched God show up again and again to bless. The local church failed to comfort, but God more than compensated. Keeping a strong path made all the difference. We thrived. God did that for us. God bless you too.

[@margaretinsydney3856]

A beautiful story! Thank you for sharing it. What a wonderful childhood that must have been for your kids!!

[@Uncle--Fatty]

@@margaretinsydney3856

[@Uncle--Fatty]

@@hapennysparrow

[@tloof2370]

I have moved away from church because the teaching of love has seemed to go by the wayside. I feel blessed to have found this channel, especially now when I need a church the most.

[@deborahadams113]

T Loof , feeling what your experiencing as I feel the same . Blessings to you & to Rev Ed , thank the Lord we have found this channel 🙏

[@sgrvtl7183]

Same with me, seeing right through ‘Christian’ I am very careful and prefer the handiwork of God by hiking in Nature🍁🌿💚

[@denisemayosky1955]

Same

[@denisemayosky1955]

Same

[@gigitanksley2755]

So far this is my only church also.

[@billcorey4774]

The lost are also those within the church that have forgotten the teachings of Jesus

[@georgewallace6525]

A pastor from my youth once told me it was not his job to decide who is right or wrong. He was supposed to be a sheep dog. His job was to point them to Jesus. Jesus would do the work needed.

[@euansmith3699]

Rev Ed previously made a good point about the difference between Pastors, who guide, and Preachers, who direct. 😍👍

[@hapennysparrow]

What a wonderful youth pastor you had. A lesson for all of us to practice. I had a Bible tell us " That God had to catch His fish before He cleaned them." That has stuck with me for decades. All of us once were wild fish before He caught us.

[@hapennysparrow]

Stupid auto correct. I had a Bible teacher who told us that.

[@louiselichtenstein7482]

The best I’ve heard! Thank you

[@robbylock1741]

ALL are welcome at His table, something too many have forgotten. Thank you sir for reminding us of that truth. God Bless!

[@carlamiller6673]

I love that Jesus makes all of us feel worthy ❤️ So we can make everyone feel worthy Amen

[@Demun1649]

As long as they follow and believe HIS Teachings.

[@howardcohen6817]

I'm glad that Ed encourages me/us to feel this way. Love.

[@celticbabs3105]

@@Demun1649 I think you meant, even if those who don't follow and believe His teachings.... Blessings!

[@Demun1649]

@@celticbabs3105 I am glad you know what I think.

[@vixendoe6943]

@@Demun1649 there is a story in the Bible about a wedding supper, I believe. The supper is prepared and the guests are called, but they make excuses why they cannot come. Then the servants are sent out into the streets to bring in the lowly, the stranger, the hungry and the poor. They are given fine clothes, seated is the places of honor and given the supper prepared for others, because the others were to hauty. God says that all prayers are heard and answered, even those of the unbeliever because we are all children of the most high God.

[@victoriasimpson6808]

You have forever changed this piece of Scripture for me! Thanks!!

[@geraldineterrell3525]

Love listening to your messages. Prayer's for you and your family.

[@cowgirljane3316]

A beautiful lesson. Create your day with love, kindness, joy and gratitude for all things great, small, or unseen who share this planet with us. Because we are ALL made from God's same stardust.

[@shirleywhitt8740]

In a place of sincere prayer there is no room for abomination.

[@lyndadavis6076]

A beautiful message on a beautiful day in this season of thanksgiving. Thank you, Reverend Trevors. Blessings to all, always.

[@Uncle--Fatty]

MUCH LOVE..!!

[@duncansonoryan]

Beautiful message, Reverend.

[@mariakollar5518]

Wow! That little word “if” changes the entire story. Thanks!

[@Uncle--Fatty]

that's one Big. . . I F . . . !!! DANG OL' SCHOOOOTTT...!! Perspective... is so nice and refreshing... (sometimes)...!!

[@jdittmann1977]

Even the greatest of us is lost. Thank you Rev. Ed. This is an important reminder for Christians but the fundamental message is important for all mankind

[@UplandJones1]

This message is hard medicine. Thank you for truth.

[@rochellemcdonald9646]

This reminds me of another reading that may have been misinterpreted. One of my teachers spoke about the party where no one came, so the host told his servants to go out and get people off the street. A man was thrown out of the party for having the wrong clothes. The teacher said, at the time, if a guest didn't have the right clothes, they would be offered some. This man refused, so he was tossed out. Different meaning. Your lesson also shows something else. The gay bar, that is not utilized in the daytime, can otherwise be useful. In this time of economic hardship, it also shows creativity. Unfortunately, if the people who owned establishments like this opened them for mentorship programs or tutoring venues, you would still get the stupid outcry.

[@sarah2.017]

One of the earliest Metropolitan Community Church congregations, a denomination for LGBTQ+ Christians, met in a gay bar - one which became nationally known after a fire in the early 1970s that killed dozens of people. It was in New Orleans, and was arson; they had a very likely suspect but nobody was ever convicted.

[@rochellemcdonald9646]

@@sarah2.017 That is just stupid, for them not to follow through

[@sarah2.017]

@@rochellemcdonald9646 I thought I had never heard of it until a few years ago, when I saw the author of a book about that fire do a reading on C-SPAN 2's "About Books." The place was a firetrap even under the standards of the day, and there was never enough evidence to make an arrest, let alone a conviction. However, there was one VERY graphic picture that I knew I had seen before. I'm not gay, but the book sounded good, so I got it from the library, and it was.

[@dannacarson-clark8060]

Good morning many thanks for sharing you thoughts today. I belong to a church who has removed ourselves from our building Therefore we are a mixture of all sorts of folk a church with no building. Yesterday was our eucharistic which we have once a month and of course this was the gospel. We have a church service on the phone every Sunday where pray and talk about the service and share our journeys. there service gives us the opportunity to share on.our party line. It has lasted for two and half years. We chose this medium to offer a community to those who have little or no access to computers and or can not get out if their homes due to so many issues. I follow you posts with great interest. Again thank you your thoughts about tree climbing brought me to tears. D'Anna

[@Struthio_Camelus]

A church without the "edifice complex?" Excellent!

[@dannacarson-clark8060]

​@@Struthio_Camelus

[@dannacarson-clark8060]

we thought so too

[@RT-tn3pu]

Amen! Rev. Ed 🙏👍👊👏👌

[@euansmith3699]

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Back in the 70s, there were "Christians" who spoke out against the Metropolitan Community Church and laughed at those lost in the Upstairs Lounge arson attack.

[@edwardedmundson4356]

This really hits home with me. I have been driven from the Church three times in my life for being gay, The most important thing in my life is my relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I have been celibate for years because I feel this calling. I will cling to the Old Rugged Cross no matter what. My loyalty is to Him, NOT any organized Church.

[@williamfinch9858]

Amen!

[@AnitaMBoska]

Thank you so much for this. I'm starting my 3rd winter as a Public Health worker. Although a Christ follower since childhood, I felt rejected by my church family for the work I do. I struggled spiritually, until I held a free vaccination clinic at a mosque. After the team and I were done, the Imam came to thank us for our work. I thanked him and his community for making us feel so welcomed, and wished that my church family would see the light as well. That's when he suggested that I remind them that Jesus was the first documented vaccinator. I did, but it only made things worse, so I completely cut out my old community. Its hard not to have a home church this time of a year tho. Your channel helps me feel like I'm still part of His Church. Again thank you.

[@carlosalaniz6888]

Once again Reverend you've touched my heart. I enjoy learning even though my faith isn't really there.

[@gwenstarkey5693]

Zachaeus climbed the tree of knowledge of good and evil. He became aware of the christ within himself and recognized his shortfall(sin). His house( his body) was cleaned and made his actions right ( cleared his karma debt). That is the interpretation that has been shown to me. Blessed be everyone 🙏

[@celticgypsy11]

Good morning, Rev Ed. This is a beautiful message. Thank you.

[@vincentcalvelli6452]

Beautiful lesson Rev. Ed and I thank you for sharing it with us.

[@ttyler2014]

Thank you for showing me that Christ still exists within the church. God bless you.

[@rksnj6797]

I like how you break down verses we may have heard dozens of time and bring a new meaning to us. I think your explaination makes more sense and is relevant for today's world. Thank you!

[@dlwelty60]

Thank you for your words... they are inspired and they inspire me. I am 66... live in a small town in Ohio. I am a Christian who is often saddened by Christians. Thank you again for giving me hope in us... Thanks for listening to God's word in your heart... Not what others scream. You give me words to share when I need to.

[@contrafax]

Nods, yupper. Today is contrary day. Flipped your view point and brought you a bit more enlightenment and you bothered to share it with us. Bless you Reverend.

[@contrafax]

Good day everyone!!! Water is on for tea, plenty of coffee. Who has the treats?

[@contrafax]

@@jess8354 morning! Thank you for the grapes. I hope today is a good day for you.

[@tassey]

Thanks contra. I will have tea and I made some cheese scones that make a nice lunch.

[@howardcohen6817]

Sweet potatoes galore, baked to wonderful softness. Hi c-fax and all. Thanks for the plenty of coffee, I'll be needing it. Love.

[@howardcohen6817]

@@jess8354 Joy to you, too, Jess. Good to see you. Mmmm grapes.

[@howardcohen6817]

@@tassey Hi Margaret! One more evening until tomorrow. Love.

[@davidrada241]

"There's something happening here/what it is ain't exactly clear." CSNY, "For what it's Worth." Just a thought

[@Struthio_Camelus]

Howdy, David!

[@davidrada241]

And a warm hello to you!

[@timothymalone7067]

This is fantastic! Thanks for the new lens to view this story!

[@tassey]

Kwe. Great reflection. New way of looking at this scripture. Nmultis.

[@timothyj.bowlby5524]

Adjunct/seasonal teachers/instructors/professors are in ways like Zacchaeus. They are underpaid, rarely insured -- if ever -- and have to hardscrabble at best their way through life much of the time. But we remain unapologetic for the work we did, do, and will continue to do. Because EVERY student deserves help. EVERY academic enterprise is glorious, I am convinced, in the eyes of the Spirit who caused the academician to be made that way.

[@candytoo3729]

You are awesome at spreading truth and intelligence. I believe in the teachings of Jesus. Raised in the United Church but love and hear all you say. Love and kindness.

[@brownh66]

A great post shining a light into the darkness of what Christian love, generosity and care means. Thank you.

[@jabolbot9371]

Excellent, sermon Rev Ed!! Thank you so much.

[@jazzman5598]

No magic words. No magic ceremonies. Just Jesus. Thanks Rev. Ed.

[@Ldsks7591]

Such wonderful, kind truths in your words!

[@Teramis]

It is such a refreshing change to hear someone preach with a real sense of Christ consciousness. Thank you for sharing this, and for the message and good energy you are putting out into the world. It is much needed.

[@Struthio_Camelus]

Good morning!

[@revedtrevors4961]

Morning!

[@briansmutti]

🤗♾️

[@Struthio_Camelus]

@@briansmutti 🖖😎

[@se2702]

Listening to this late at night and feeling such an enveloping comfort in the message. Peace to you Reverend Ed. And peace to all who struggle as I do.

[@Uncle--Fatty]

F & A. . . S.E. . . I hear that...!!! Always nice to hear things from a new perspective... Luke is a classic read... with no prior knowledge of who dang ol' Zee is, and his willingness to take the first step... admitting that there could be a problem... and climbing that dang ol' tree of HOPE... F & A man...!! that's the shit, right there...!! S'what s'aul About...!!! Cognitive Self Reality, Penance, Humility, the things that form the foundation of Dignity, Honor, and Respect... ya..!!

[@freedomishavingachoice3020]

I felt less alone reading this. You are one powerful person. :)

[@nicolevance8705]

Don't you love "seeing" something you have looked at 100 times. I know I do.

[@bobcarn]

Thank you for such an uplifting sermon! As a gay man, I'm very sensitive to the negativity that is directed at our community. Your sermon today made my eyes well up with joy. I'm reminded again of how wonderful and loving people can be. My own Catholic parish is one that brings me joy, and I consider it a safe place where I can go, be closer to God and Jesus, and be accepted. It warms my heart to know that you too are there for others.

[@rparl]

In the early days, MCC San Francisco met in an upstairs room of a local gay bar. It was at a time when the bar was normally closed.

[@darrenskjoelsvold]

Dude, that was beautiful. Teared up a bit. This is fantastic. Well said. When so many people talk about how hateful the church is I want to say "no we're not. Jesus wasn't. That's not how it's supposed to be." And this is how Christians should be.

[@kristenpalmer7217]

I see you as the sycamore tree...standing up for the marginalized and providing them a clear pathway to see Christ. May we all be like the sycamore tree.

[@wolfdreams2000]

As a gay animal activist, I want to thank you for this, and all of your teachings. I never fit in at churches built by man, so I always felt closest to God outside, in His church of nature built by Him. You are so inclusive, which is how I've always felt God is, not devisive and to be feared. God is Love, not hate. Thank you

[@annettezaleski]

See, I misread your definition of yourself...I understood it to mean you are an activist for gay animals and I was prepared to read someone whose messing around in the comments...I just had to reread the first line after I was finished reading what you commented bc you weren't trolling at all...just thought you should know...idk

[@RT-tn3pu]

As someone who suffers from an adult beverage consumption disorder & vertically challenged I welcome this upload.

[@davidmehling4310]

Your message about people being excluded by religious community dovetails with David Hayward's message on this via his art. Thank you for the shout-out to Nakedpastor

[@shihyuchu6753]

Naked Pastor? Yikes!

[@davidmehling4310]

@@shihyuchu6753 that is his online name, pen name, his legal name is David Hayward, but ty for the funny

[@joannebattersby8365]

I feel.that this lovely man and his church are Canadian, as I am. I am a Secular Humanist, born Baptist and baptized in the Anglican Church which I also loved. Canadian Baptists are not American fundamentalist style- utterly different. The people that I grew up with and spent my life with- until so many passed on that our church folded after 150 plus years- were truely Christian... The Anglican Church also. It is not the church but the people that I love forever. So I am an Athiest Baptist Anglican and I love this dear gentlemans' sermons.

[@peteboman5942]

Rev Ed, empathy is powerful, and you have a lot of empathy.

[@AmyHoward13]

Thank you for this timely message.

[@veronicasponchia5838]

Amen

[@magdelinem979]

It saddens me that people are "othered". Thank you for reminding folks that we are all children of Abraham.

[@williamfinch9858]

Is Nick Cruz "othered"? Is Nick Cruz a child of Abraham?

[@vixendoe6943]

@@williamfinch9858 who is Nick Cruz?

[@stefanstefaninsweden2060]

Hi Ed, just before I went to bed last night this video of Yours showed up. Your videos always open thoughts, some more than others, but always worth considering. AND THEN there are videos like THIS, that touch both heart and brain. It made the story about Zacchaeus in a completely new light. It was also awakening for myself.

[@margies2880]

Thank you,, Ed. You are a blessing. Sadly, we don't even have to be labeled as "dirty" for some churches to decide not to put time and energy into someone. They can indeed be bolder talking against what is considered "dirty" though. When churches claim that God did not intend for place of worships to act like museums, I'm not sure how many truly get that.

[@margaretinsydney3856]

Isn't it amazing how you can hear such a familiar passage of scripture with new ears. This is a wonderful insight today - - thank you.

[@patrickjordan2233]

"go forth and be a disciple" not only upon calm waters, but moreso through the rough waters... Thank You for being you, Rev Ed..

[@junerussell6972]

I can't love this more. Jesus all too often met with people who had been "othered" by the main population. I haven't seen that he insisted that those he met with become converts *first*. While at least on one occasion he told the person to "go forth and sin no more", the other cases were just accepted as they are. We need to do the same with the marginalized people in our society (and probably with the main population as well.)

[@AzraNoxx]

I still cry a little, listening to sermons like this. I can't go to my home church and feel included when they talk about God loving everyone. It hurts too much, because I know they don't mean it.

[@porgy29]

My main memory of this passage is that it often fell right around my brother's birthday, which meant my Grandmother would be in town. My Grandmother who until she retired was a tax collector: first for a school district, then a town, and eventually a whole county. It was a bit funny but also worked well, and our pastor even called attention to it directly a few times during her sermons, because my grandmother was the type of person who was hard not to like and moreover tried hard to like everyone and treat everyone with respect (especially children). The idea of this sweet grandmother being the "nefarious tax collector" disarmed it a bit and made it easier view sympathetically and talk about different roles in society and their positives and negatives. Also, like Zachaeus she was very short (but hated hights so would never have climbed a tree).

[@Uncle--Fatty]

😂😂Not even the tree of Hope...😂😂 well she did already have a relationship with the spirit..😂 and not a Pre-Catholic Guilty Conscious🤣that's a great family story...!! My grams was a Bartender, through the fast growing times of the late 50's through the 70's, in North Idaho... She was 'on-call' when the " Rat Pack " would come to town... I got a baby picture of myself with Gamm Trudy, and the (almost) whole gang, Sammy, Frank, Dean, Peter, and Jerry dang ol' Lee Lewis🎹the killer.🎹

[@davecallender4038]

Such a necessary message. Thank you Rev Ed for sharing this today. I needed to hear this. Well said

[@amieshaver9845]

Wow this sermon was a spiritual moment. You created a picture with your sermon and Jesus words of the Jesus that I have come to know. Jesus is Love. Shalom!

[@bonsaijimmy]

Thank you for your Christian compassion & understanding

[@dreamingmusicgal]

Rev. Ed, Thanks for such a much needed reminder that our Father loves us all despite what some might tell us. Blessings!

[@Krankii-Oldman]

I may look up to you, I may look across to you, I may look down to you, but I will never look down at you.

[@howardcohen6817]

Look, seek, see. Love.

[@irishhi8333]

It seems so rare for folks to find new and deeper understanding from the retelling of scripture, but this man has allowed himself the strength of faith and compassion to be inspired anew-- in a new or different and typically more positive way. (Definition from Oxford Languages)

[@zeromotivation1817]

A big tent church, for all of humanity. No entry fee, come in and be welcome. We have tea, coffee, and vegemite sandwiches.

[@chunk2661]

Thanks Ed, you don't know how much this meant to me. Love you brother.

[@kaceykelly7222]

Just saw this, and it was heavenly intervention. Thanks for the powerful reminder that we sinners are not only brothers & sisters but we are God's own. How good that feels ❤

[@bonniebrush94]

Beautiful! Thank you!

[@taradejir2148]

I preached in this passage many years ago from a similar perspective but you have opened my eyes the more basing your sermon on the church in the gay bar. Thanks, Rev.

[@jimmydyurko]

The trip across the continent might be much of a commute for a Sunday service. But it might be worth it to enjoy fellowship in Rev. Ed's church.

[@paulwilson956]

Thank you for sharing this important message . Blessings

[@happydays--1525]

I am a Presbyterian minister and I preached on this passage last week. I had a different focus, but I appreciate your insight. Thanks!

[@stephencullum8255]

I use to have a T shirt that showed a fish on it like a sport fisherman would wear. That said I catch them and Jesus cleans them. My job is to preach the Gospel and let the Holy Spirit do His work. We all are sinners. Saved by God's grace. My sin is not a lesser sin. But Christ saved me anyway. Yes Jesus accepts and loves the outcast.

[@harriettgaston9862]

Thank you for comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable. I call you my "KZbin Pastor" and I'm blessed every time I listen to you.

[@kevinsummers1055]

We need jesus more than ever. For our planet!

[@cheriann6461]

I'll enjoy considering this further. Thanks for being a light in an often dark world.

[@DJDouglasWarden]

if all Christians were like this man here, the world would be a much more beautiful place. ☮️❤️🌍🤗

[@feliciadumont591]

Thanks for opening up this scripture to what really matters. I know most people don't care enough to see the deeper meaning contained therein.

[@sharondowling8896]

Wow! Wow, wow, WOW! Fantastic explanation of "the Lost"! Thank you for continuing to spread the Light! May your message reach the hardest hearts who smugly spout Bible verses, and refuse to love their neighbors! Thank you, Rev Ed, yet again!❤

[@Bob20011492]

"Where two or three are gathered in my name..." Are Christians going to limit where the Christ may appear? It seems that some are ready to do so. "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Grace goes a long way to make things right in this world. Let's not stand in the way of that wonderful flood, eh?

[@susannevorhauer3955]

Father Ed, Thank you. I needed to hear this homily today.

[@Nan-59]

I LOVE THIS soo much! 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@melindajones9389]

Many thanks for this message. It truly touched my heart; praying that God forgive me for my bias which was based on human understanding and not His love.

[@vincentschreiber9496]

I try to listen to you everyday. All my best to you and your family. Thankyou for your guidance.

[@timnewman1172]

As someone who is "vertically challenged", I identify with Zacchaeus... but I have seen this as an act of confession and absoultion, with Christ as our true "Confessor" and Him granting absolution as a priest would. Thank you for posting this, it gives me something to ponder...

[@justmenettie2126]

Reverend Ed...thank you for this. The last time I went to Church I got up and walked out when Romans 12 was being preached as a way to tell gay people and people who had sex before marriage that they are sinners who didn't deserve salvation, even as the pastor saying this is unmarried and deeply closeted for his own safety and because he wants to be a pastor in a rural community.... Because as you just eloquently said, Jesus REPEATEDLY said His death and resurrection was for ALL of humanity and that's why the road to hell is so wide and crowded because all the Pharisees focus on is keeping the outside of the cup clean while the is filthy and thus it's pointless to drink from it.

[@sweetpapillon7265]

Thank you for your service. I always feel it in my soul, when I hear the Spirit come through a "Man of God". There is love, compassion, and I don't cringe and want to run away. I'm not uncomfortable, because it is sincere. Bless you.

[@lynnettestephenson2470]

Amen well said that is why I had to find a different church after 70 years was because we are all children of God unless...

[@jeffreydortch799]

I am so grateful to you, Reverend, for your thoughtful lessons like this one. It make me see the story of Zacchaeus in a whole new way, one I can apply directly to myself.

[@alfredbooth6854]

What an exquisite sermon. As a gay man I have never felt included in the sermon of any church before today. Thank you.

[@suemiller6801]

That was our gospel over the weekend!

[@emmakrueger7704]

Wow! Amen.

[@c.l.8967]

Thank you so much for being a minister of love and caring!

[@noillusions8734]

But aside from all that, I really enjoy watching what you have to say. I'm not convinced there is a God, but you treat people with respect and compassion while honoring your faith. Instead of the constant dismissive, arrogance and demeaning attitude of MOST christians these days. I really truly appreciate it. Your probably some peoples only link to a god if he does exist. Seriously, thank you.