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Vocation Meditation -
October 31, 2010
Used with permission from ChristianComputerArt.Com
Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord "Look half of my possessions Lord I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything I will pay back four times as much."
Then Jesus said: "Today salvation has come to this house because Zacchaeus too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man has come to seek out and to save the lost."
Everyone loves the story of Zacchaeus who climbs up a tree in Jericho to watch Jesus pass by and ends up sharing dinner at Jesus' own invitation. The story is delightful because of the amazing conversion of heart that happens to Zacchaeus. His conversion is reflected in the pledge to give away much of his possessions to the poor, and to repay fourfold what he has taken unjustly from others as a tax collector.
Looking more deeply into the story we realize that he must have been predisposed in his heart to meet Jesus. It was God's grace at work, to which he was receptive, that radically opened him up and set him free over dinner with Jesus. The whole scene reminds us of Rev.3:20 where Christ is pictured standing at the door of our hearts knocking, seeking to be let in. But we must first open the door of our hearts to let him in. When we do, he says. 'I will sit down and have supper with you'. That's a loaded promise of an intimate conversation with Jesus that will sure be life-changing.
For personal reflection:
As my life is unfolding these days, am I hearing Christ at the door of my heart, asking to come in and have conversation with me about where I am, and where I am going in my life?
Prayer:
Shepherd of my life, help me to listen these days for the sound of your presence in my heart. Grant me the courage to welcome you that we may look together at where I am going in my life, so that I may follow you wherever you lead me. Amen
For the full Gospel reading for this Sunday, visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops site.