Gospel LK 19:1-10
At that time Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” And he came down quickly and received him with joy. When they saw this, they began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.”
Reflection
“Zacchaeus, come down quickly,for today I must stay at your house.”
And he came down quickly and received him with joy.
Has anyone asked if they could come to your house?
How did you respond?
Did you feel reluctant to respond, "Yes, come!" or did you willingly reply, "Yes, come"?
Many of my family and friends have asked if they could come and stay at my house.
Gladly, I would respond, "Yes, please, come!"
Getting the room or rooms cleaned, beds made with fresh linen, meals planned or cooked ahead of time, putting those personal touches like a little gift on their pillow took time and was work, but accomplished with love. Preparing for their arrival was sometimes a challenge; yet, it was also a joyful anticipation.
In today's Gospel of St. Luke, Jesus invites Himself to go home with Zacchaeus. Can you imagine that the, Lord, Jesus Christ, wants to stay at our house, just like He told Zacchaeus!
Everyday Jesus waits for us to open the door to our hearts to enter under our roofs. Yes, at every Mass said all over the world, Jesus wants to stay with us when we receive Him in the Holy Eucharist. Prepare
to let him in with joyful anticipation.
Say,"Yes, come!"
Please, check your email and mail for your invitation to our First Annual PAPA Conference! We look forward to seeing you soon! Let us pray the Prayer for Priests and thank, our Lord for the priesthood.
God bless you all!
