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TODAY’S WORD…

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Jesus entered Jericho and was going through the town

when a man whose name was Zacchaeus made his appearance:

he was one of the senior tax collectors and a wealthy man.

He was anxious to see what kind of man Jesus was,

but he was too short and could not see him for the crowd.

So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree

to catch a glimpse of Jesus who was to pass that way.

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When Jesus reached the spot He looked up and spoke to him: ‘Zacchaeus, come down.

Hurry, because I must stay at your house today.’

And Zacchaeus hurried down and welcomed him joyfully.

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– Luke 19:1-6 (JB)

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REFLECTION…

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Zacchaeus was a tax collector

and, as such, was hated by the people,

and seen as being guilty of abuses

and a collaborator of the despised Roman authorities.

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No doubt moved by grace,

he was certainly very keen to find out who this Jesus was,

and he did everything he could to do so,

shedding any kind of human pride or fear

and even risking the ire and scorn of the crowd.

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I probably feel far removed from Zacchaeus

and think of myself as an upright Christian,

but do I allow myself to publically show my feelings and excitement for Jesus,

who I profess to be the Son of God?

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If shame

or fear of criticism and possible loss of image or status

stop me from publically showing any enthusiasm for the Lord,

then I am fake Christian

and I clearly love myself more than I love Him.

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If I truly love Jesus

with all my heart, my mind, my soul and my strength,

then nothing and no one will be able to stifle my feelings, for whatever reason,

and my demeanour will reflect and proclaim my fervour for the Lord.

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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Here I am, Lord Jesus. I welcome you joyfully into my heart!

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