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Jesus And Zacchaeus

My Neighbour

Extract

Zacchaeus was a tax collector and very rich but also notable for his short stature!

As Jesus passed through Jericho, Zacchaeus wanted to see Him but it wasn’t possible, the large crowd blocked his line of sight.

Zacchaeus, undeterred, ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree. When Jesus approached, He looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, because I must stay at your house today.” (Luke 19 : 1 – 10)

Marginalized Child

Jesus stayed in Zacchaeus’ home but many in the crowd were very disappointed, He was associating with a sinner!

However, a humble and remorseful Zacchaeus sought Jesus’ forgiveness for hoarding his wealth and promised to immediately give half of it to the poor!

Thought

Should I be doing more to help others today?

Reflection

Lord Jesus, guide me towards your humble ways, an inclusive way of life that invites all of your family to my table.

Prayer: My Life (St Theresa of Lisieux)

My life is but an instant, a passing hour.
My life is but a day that escapes and flies away.
O my God, you know that to love you on earth
– I only have today.

Lord, what does it matter if the future is gloomy?
To pray for tomorrow, O no, I cannot!
Keep my heart pure, cover me with your shadow
– Just for today.

O Divine Pilot, whose hand guides me.
I’m soon to see you on the eternal shore.
Guide my little boat over the stormy waves in peace
– Just for today.

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Mercy Prayer (Year of Mercy 2015)

Lord Jesus Christ,
you have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father,
and have told us that whoever sees you, sees Him.
Show us your face and we will be saved.

Year of Mercy 2015 Logo

Your loving gaze freed Zacchaeus and Matthew from being enslaved by money;
the adulteress and Magdalene from seeking happiness only in created things;
made Peter weep after his betrayal,
and assured Paradise to the repentant thief.

Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us,
the words that you spoke to the Samaritan woman:
“If you knew the gift of God!”

You are the visible face of the invisible Father,
of the God who manifests his power above all by forgiveness and mercy:
let the Church be your visible face in the world, its Lord risen and glorified.

You willed that your ministers would also be clothed in weakness
in order that they may feel compassion for those in ignorance and error:
let everyone who approaches them feel sought after, loved, and forgiven by God.

Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with its anointing,
so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord,
and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may bring good news to the poor,
proclaim liberty to captives and the oppressed,
and restore sight to the blind.

We ask this through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy,
you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.
Amen.