October 31, 2010
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
It was a sycamore tree. Or at least that is what our guide told us in Jericho. The one Zacchaeus climbs up to see Jesus! He wants to see Jesus but Jesus sees him and says: "Zacchaeus hurry down. I must stay at your house." Jesus uses the imperative. Can we imagine how Zacchaeus feels? He knows that he is despised as a traitor and now Jesus wants to come into his home. Knowing the accusations of those observing Jesus inviting himself, Zacchaeus confesses that he will share half his possessions with the poor and if he has defrauded anyone he will repay them fourfold. Deacons Dennis and Jim where on retreat last weekend. The retreat master said: Change only occurs with great love, with great suffering or with great prayer/honesty. Jesus' calling and coming are the catalyst of great change. St. Paul prays that the Thessalonians will be worthy of their calling especially in anticipation of Christ's coming. Can we see and then hear Jesus desiring to come and to stay in our homes? Opening our home to Jesus is not easy. Can we hold on to a grudge when Jesus the one who has forgiven us enters our heart? Can we be dishonest, steal or lie when Jesus who is truth gives himself to us? Today/tomorrow when the doorbell rings to announce trick or treaters imagine Jesus knocking and wishing to come in. It may be unsettling but surely life will change! Let him in.
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30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
