Father Rick’s Gospel Reflection for Tuesday, 33rd Week in Ordinary Time

November 19, 2024, Luke 19:1-10

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111924.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.  

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. 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. 

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

Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.  

www.bscchurch.com