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Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Luke 19:1-10

The short tax collector climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus. You must admire his determination. Do we make the extra effort to see Jesus? Do we teach our children to go that extra mile?

Jesus was well-known as a great healer. Did he just want to see what the famous man looked like? I think it was more than that. I think Zacchaeus’ heart was softening in advance. Maybe Jesus was even drawing Zacchaeus to Himself. Perhaps it was specifically for Zacchaeus’ sake that Jesus was stopping in Jericho.

Maybe climbing the sycamore tree was an idea that Jesus had placed in his heart. Then Jesus could look up and call him by name for all to hear, and to say that He wanted to stay with Zacchaeus that day. Imagine the man’s shock as he probably asked himself, “You mean me?” But there was no question who Jesus meant. He was the only Zacchaeus in the tree. And his heart was softened and humbled. 

Naturally, the people grumbled. How could he stay with a tax collector? Why would a holy man honor a sinner? They did not yet realize Jesus’ mission to save sinners. And Zacchaeus’ heart was ready. 

He immediately repented, pledging to give half his possessions to the poor and to repay four times over everything he had extorted. Jesus tells us that salvation had come to Zacchaeus’ house.

“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.” Luke 19:10

Jesus is always seeking the sinners, the sick, the wounded, the despised.

Do we prepare our hearts and teach our children to prepare theirs before receiving the Lord in the Holy Eucharist? If our hearts are prepared, we will receive Him with joy, just as Zacchaeus did.

 

Ponder:

 

Are we humble and prepared to receive the mercy and love of our Savior with joy?

 

Pray:


O Lord, may we do all that we can to see You clearly and draw closer to You. May we always remember that even in our sinfulness, You are ready and eager to receive us.

 



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Copyright 2025 Rosemary Bogdan

 

About the Author

Rosemary Bogdan

Rosemary Bogdan

Rosemary Bogdan is a wife, mother of six adult children, and a grandmother. She homeschooled her children when they were young and currently substitute teaches at her favorite Catholic school. When not spending time with her family, Rosemary writes at A Catholic Mother's Thoughts and Catholic365.com.