Tuesday, 33rd Week in Ordinary Time November 21, 2022

Father Rick’s Gospel Reflection for Tuesday, 33rd Week in Ordinary Time,
November 21, 2022, Luke 19:1-10
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112123.cfm

Zacchaeus received Jesus with boundless joy.

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. Well, of course, Zacchaeus caught on to the scuttlebutt and wanted to catch a glimpse of this miracle worker himself.

Zacchaeus was a grave sinner. His god was money; however, that was only second to himself. Despite the distance his greed created between him and people, Jesus was already working in his heart. Failing to see over the crowd, Zacchaeus was hoping to get a wave or a smile from Jesus like we would if we were in line to see the Holy Father.

Consider how many people you and I meet every day. I can’t think of any who go out of their way to see Jesus in us. Can you? But I know this: Jesus attracts every person we meet the same way He drew Zacchaeus to His heart. He longs to be in Communion with them as He is with us.

But first, we must eliminate all the obstacles between Jesus and us and climb the sycamore tree to see our Lord as He passes by. Yes, He calls us by name and asks if He can come into our home, dine with us, work with us, pray, 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 knew he had to repent for making money the driving force of his life. So, for Jesus to become the first love in his life, he renounced everything for Jesus. Do you find it amazing how something so important to Zacchaeus, literally his god, becomes more precious in the hands of others? When Jesus fills our hearts, we can overcome any obstacle that keeps us from Him.

Where are we dragging our feet in our walk with our Savior? Be generous with your time in the presence of the Lord. For others to be with Him in us, we must first be with Jesus every day, just as He finds us. Every day, He calls us by name. “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” Let’s get up that sycamore tree.

IGNITE THE FIRE.

Please join me in praying for all baptized Catholics to be faithful to Jesus in the Holy Mass every weekend. Hail Mary, full of grace…

God bless you, my friends.

Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.

www.bscchurch.com

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