Save What is Lost

Zacchaeus in the sycamore tree awaiting the passage of Jesus

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time

For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what is lost. (Luke 19:10)

Jesus changed Zacchaeus’ life.

Jesus came into his life and asked to dine with him. He didn’t ask Zacchaeus to change first. He loved him the way he was.

Zacchaeus encountered Christ. Then he was healed.

Is there a lesson here for me?

Pope Francis said something similar in his interview … that we have to heal the wounds first and then we can talk about everything else.

So how do I treat sinners, especially the “public” ones? Do I welcome them first? Do I treat them with love and compassion? Do I invite them to the Table of the Lord?

Or do I judge them?

Do I ask them to be “perfect” first? Do I want them to “change” first?

Jesus came to heal the sick. Do I forget that? And what about me?

Do I go to church because I am a saint? Or do I go to church because I am a sinner and I know I need God?

Fr. Ron Rolheiser writes in his book, “Against An Infinite Horizon”… that going to eucharist is not a moral statement. We go to eucharist because we need health, not because we are healthy.”

Lord, help me to see others through your eyes. Help me to welcome the stranger and the sinner. Help me to bring your love to all. Amen.

Image by James Tissot [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

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Tagged as: Sunday Gospels