TODAY’S WORD…

.

He [Zacchaeus] was trying to see who Jesus was,

but on account of the crowd he could not,

because he was short in stature.

.

So he ran ahead

and climbed a sycamore tree to see Him,

because Jesus was going to pass that way.

.

– Luke 19:3-4 (NRSV)

.

.

.

REFLECTION…

.

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.

.

No doubt moved by grace,

he was certainly very keen to see Jesus,

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.

.

Am I honestly prepared

to publically show my feelings and excitement for Jesus,

who I, as a Christian, profess to be the Son of God?

.

We should never let false shame

or fear of criticism or even scorn

prevent us from declaring our allegiance to Christ and His teachings

and acknowledging our love for Him,

especially through our words, deeds and attitude.

.

.

.

REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

.

Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, fill me with a strong and ardent love for You.

.