Daily Gospel Reflection for November 19, 2024

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

Today's Gospel: Luke 19:1-10

"I can't see!"

How often do little kids complain about this at Mass? I can remember saying these exact words as a preschooler attending Mass with my dad, and most of my own kids have said them as well. Somehow, though they may not yet grasp the full meaning of the sacrifice of the Mass, little kids know something important is happening on the altar and they don't want to miss it.

The same is true of Zacchaeus. He is a tax collector and a sinful man, not necessarily well-versed in the teachings of Jesus, but he knows our Lord is present and he wants to be able to see Him. Driven by that same desire that causes toddlers to climb on kneeler and pew, he climbs a tree to get a better view. This is certainly not the behavior expected of the people who gather to greet Jesus anymore than climbing is the appropriate behavior for Mass, but in it the Lord recognizes something about Zacchaeus's heart. He sees there a desire to be with Jesus, and asks Zacchaeus to come down so Jesus can come to his home.

It is easy to get overwhelmed taking little kids to Mass, especially when they don't sit still. Today's Gospel reminds us that the Lord sees the hearts of our children. He knows their complaints about not being able to see are the outcries of little souls longing to be closer to Him. Instead of fretting about our children's imperfect behavior, we should all take comfort in the knowledge that our Lord has invited each of them to be with Him in the Mass and in all other things.

Ponder:

How does the story of Zacchaeus help me to see some of my children's behaviors at Mass in a new light?

Pray:

Lord, help me and my children to have a desire to be close to You. Never let us forget Your desire to be with us today and always.

Copyright 2024 Katie Fitzgerald