33RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalter: Week 1 / (Green)
Ps 15:2-3a, 3bc-4ab, 5
I will seat the victor beside me on my throne.
1st Reading: Rev 3:1-6, 14-22
Write this to the angel of the church in Sardis, “Thus says he, who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: I know your worth: you think you live, but you are dead. Wake up and strengthen that which is not already dead. For I have found your works to be imperfect in the sight of my God. Remember what you were taught; keep it and change your ways. If you do not repent, I will come upon you, like a thief, at an hour you least expect.
Yet, there are some left in Sardis who have not soiled their robes; these will come with me, dressed in white, since they deserve it. The victor will be dressed in white, and I will never erase his name from the book of life; instead, I will acknowledge it before my Father and his angels.
Let anyone who has ears, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Gospel: Lk 19:1-10
Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man named Zaccheus lived there. He was a tax collector and a wealthy man. He wanted to see what Jesus was like, but he was a short man and could not see him because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed up a sycamore tree. From there he would be able to see Jesus, who was going to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zaccheus, come down quickly, for I must stay at your house today.” So Zaccheus climbed down and received him joyfully.
All the people who saw it began to grumble, and said, “He has gone as a guest to the house of a sinner.” But Zaccheus spoke to Jesus, “Half of what I own, Lord, I will give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will pay him back four times as much.” Looking at him Jesus said, “Salvation has come to this house today, for he is also a true son of Abraham. The Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.”
Reflections
Jesus finds Zacchaeus in a tree and invites himself home with him. Zacchaeus welcomes him rejoicing. This occasion is met with grumbling among those who observe that Jesus is hanging about with sinners. Zacchaeus resolves the issue of his wealth by saying that he is giving half of his possessions to the poor and paying back those he has defrauded four times what he has taken. The conversion of Zacchaeus by sharing his wealth to the poor leads Jesus to say that salvation has come to his dwelling place. He responded to the call of Jesus to change his way of life from being possessed by his wealth and greed to a life that is marked by justice and solidarity. And Jesus adds: “... because he, too, is a son of Abraham.” In other words, even the most marginalized and despised of the rich, the tax collectors, have a place in the bosom of Abraham, in the community of the blessed, when they seek the right treasure. Jesus found him and went to Zacchaeus’ house. By seeking him in the first place, Zacchaeus found the best in his own humanity and the grace of God’s mercy. Jesus keeps seeking us that we may find our true home.
Daily Reflection 2018
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Biblical Texts are taken from Christian Community Bible, Catholic Pastoral Edition (57th Edition) The New English Translation for the ROMAN MISSAL
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