October 30, 2022, Sunday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time-C

Wisdom 11:22-12:2

Psalm 145

2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2

Luke 19:1-10

The Lord is gracious and merciful…  Psalm 145:8

“Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.”  Luke 19:5

Lord, what did you see in this little man in the tree? You, of course, knew he was a hated traitor to the Jewish people.  In fact, he was the chief tax collector of the region and a ally of the Roman Empire. I think in this sinner’s desire to see you, you saw an opening for grace. Did you see in his dark heart a glimmer of light? The door of his heart was open a crack to your mercy. What did you say to him in his house as you dined with him and his family? Did you say he was completely and totally loved by his Father in heaven?  Did you say he could be restored to union with God and be reconciled with those he’d cheated? Did you hint what you would soon purchase for him on the cross? Lord, Zacchaeus opened his house and his heart to you and you did the rest. This story gives me joy and hope for I too am a sinner. Come to my house Lord Jesus and bless me with your mercy. I too long to hear the words you spoke to Zacchaeus, “today salvation has come to this house.” Amen