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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 he hurried down and welcomed Jesus joyfully.

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– Luke 19:1-6 (JB)

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REFLECTION…

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Zacchaeus was a well-to-do tax collector,

despised by the people because he was corrupt

and a collaborator of the despised Roman authorities.

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In spite of all this, Zacchaeus,

who was curious about Jesus who was due to pass through town and very keen to see Him,

shed his pride and any fear of ridicule

and he climbed up a tree to get a better view.

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Now I may feel that I am not anything like Zacchaeus.

I may claim to be an upright Christian,

but am I honestly prepared to publicly show my feelings and excitement for Jesus?

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We should never let false shame or fear of criticism or scorn

prevent us from using all the resources and situations available to us to meet our Lord,

to always seek to get to know Him better,

and to let our love for Him be reflected in our demeanour, our words and our deeds.

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QUOTE…

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“How is it, then, that I seek You, Lord?

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Since in seeking You, my God, I seek a happy life,

let me seek You so that my soul may live,

for my body draws life from my soul

and my soul draws life from You.”

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– St. Augustine

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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O Lord, fill me with a strong and ardent desire for You.

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