November 18, 2025, Luke 19:1-10
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111825.cfm
Zacchaeus was filled with boundless joy upon receiving Jesus into his life.
Jesus walked into town just like any of us would walk. But He walked with a purpose: to heal the brokenhearted, especially those who gave Him no time of day. Meet Zacchaeus, the wealthiest and least respected person in town. He gouged the rich of their wealth and took all he could from the poor.
There was a charisma about Jesus, and people couldn’t stop talking about Him for days. They heard about His healing power and miracles and had to see for themselves. Of course, Zacchaeus caught wind of the rumors and wanted to catch a glimpse of this miracle worker himself.
Consider the people we encounter daily. It’s rare to find someone who intentionally seeks Jesus in us. But what we do know is this: Jesus draws everyone we meet, just as He did Zacchaeus, into His loving heart. He deeply desires to be in communion with each of them, just as He is with us.
But first, we must clear all obstacles between Jesus and us and climb the sycamore tree to see our Lord pass by. The sycamore tree, a symbol of humility and repentance, represents our willingness to overcome our shortcomings and seek Jesus.
Yes, He calls us by name and asks if He can come into our home, dine with us, work with us, pray with us, and think with us. Don’t feel you must first be worthy for Jesus to come to your home. Who is worthy? He comes to save us so He can be with us.
The Gospel Challenge:
Zacchaeus immediately realized the need to repent for making money the driving force of his life. Isn’t it remarkable how something so vital to Zacchaeus, literally his god, becomes more valuable in the hands of others? When Jesus fills our hearts, we can overcome any obstacle that keeps us from Him.
Let’s not drag our feet in our walk with our Savior. Every day, He calls us by name. “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” Welcome, Jesus, just as He finds you.
Love Your Neighbor!
Please join me in praying that all baptized Catholics be faithful to Jesus at the Holy Mass every weekend. Hail Mary, full of grace…
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
www.bscchurch.com
Father Rick’s Gospel Reflection for Tuesday, 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
November 18, 2025, Luke 19:1-10
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111825.cfm
Zacchaeus was filled with boundless joy upon receiving Jesus into his life.
Jesus walked into town just like any of us would walk. But He walked with a purpose: to heal the brokenhearted, especially those who gave Him no time of day. Meet Zacchaeus, the wealthiest and least respected person in town. He gouged the rich of their wealth and took all he could from the poor.
There was a charisma about Jesus, and people couldn’t stop talking about Him for days. They heard about His healing power and miracles and had to see for themselves. Of course, Zacchaeus caught wind of the rumors and wanted to catch a glimpse of this miracle worker himself.
Consider the people we encounter daily. It’s rare to find someone who intentionally seeks Jesus in us. But what we do know is this: Jesus draws everyone we meet, just as He did Zacchaeus, into His loving heart. He deeply desires to be in communion with each of them, just as He is with us.
But first, we must clear all obstacles between Jesus and us and climb the sycamore tree to see our Lord pass by. The sycamore tree, a symbol of humility and repentance, represents our willingness to overcome our shortcomings and seek Jesus.
Yes, He calls us by name and asks if He can come into our home, dine with us, work with us, pray with us, and think with us. Don’t feel you must first be worthy for Jesus to come to your home. Who is worthy? He comes to save us so He can be with us.
The Gospel Challenge:
Zacchaeus immediately realized the need to repent for making money the driving force of his life. Isn’t it remarkable how something so vital to Zacchaeus, literally his god, becomes more valuable in the hands of others? When Jesus fills our hearts, we can overcome any obstacle that keeps us from Him.
Let’s not drag our feet in our walk with our Savior. Every day, He calls us by name. “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” Welcome, Jesus, just as He finds you.
Love Your Neighbor!
Please join me in praying that all baptized Catholics be faithful to Jesus at the Holy Mass every weekend. Hail Mary, full of grace…
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
www.bscchurch.com
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