So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus,
who was about to pass that way.

luke 19:4

Luke 19:1-10

Reflection

While Jesus is in Jericho, a tax collector named Zacchaeus wishes to see Jesus. He runs ahead of the crowd and climbs a tree in order to be able to see, and when Jesus reaches that place, he calls to Zacchaeus to come down, for he is going to dine with him. Zacchaeus then tells Jesus that he will give away half of his possessions and repay those he has taken money from.

Zacchaeus is so curious to see Jesus that he doesn’t let his short stature stop him; he runs ahead to climb a tree in anticipation of seeing Christ. His eagerness to encounter Christ, even if only to look at him, is something we can all emulate. Despite the fact he was a tax collector and generally disliked, Jesus still wished to dine with him and save him.

We are all sinners as well, and Jesus desires to save us. When we actively seek him out, Christ is always there, and he never disappoints. Sometimes we might be afraid to approach Christ because of our sins, yet we shouldn’t let that stop us. We are all lost in some manner, and Jesus tells us he has come to seek and save what was lost. Run to our Lord with open arms, always seek him in your life, and let him transform you.

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Saint of the Day

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne: 1769 – 1852

“It fills me with joy to realize that I can lay down my life daily for God, that I can sacrifice it willingly for Him. I may not be a martyr for the faith, but I can be a martyr of charity.” St. Rose Philippine Duchesne