I love the story of Zacchaeus in today’s Gospel. He was a despised tax collector who really wanted to see this Jesus he had heard about. He could have said, “I’m too short, so I’ll never be able to see him” or “I’m just a sinner, so why would Jesus want to see me” or “I’m sure Jesus is too busy to meet me”! Yet he didn’t let any obstacles prevent him from seeing Jesus.
Yet few people ever welcomed Jesus with the exuberance as did this little man. After meeting Jesus he pledged to give half of his considerable wealth to the poor. He even publicly committed to repay four times over those he had cheated. He underwent a profound metanoia or change of heart.
Perhaps this is our story. Perhaps Jesus has helped us open our eyes to see ourselves and someone else differently. Or maybe he prompted us to have a change of attitude or perspective. Whatever obstacles we have in our lives, like Zacchaeus, we can’t let them deter us from encountering Jesus. We need to allow his grace to help us take a step closer to him each and every day. We need to listen to his voice and respond with generosity to his call !
DeColores, Deacon Doug
Join us in prayer!
We encourage you to join us as we recite the Holy Rosary every night at 8PM! On Wednesdays, we pray the rosary via Zoom with the rector and rectora.
Resources for those not able to attend Mass
Daily Readings in English and Spanish from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:
Prayers, readings for Mass, and additional spiritual readings are available at:
“Give Us This Day” a digital file of their periodical, which includes daily Mass texts. Visit GUTD.net and select “Digital” in the upper right of the screen.
