Climbing Trees

Readings for Tuesday November 18, 2008

First Reading: Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 15
Gospel: Luke 19:1-10


Have you ever seen your boss climbing a tree? What about Bill Gates, ever seen him at the top of a crab apple tree? We typically do not see too many wealthy or high up executives climbing trees ... come to think of it, we don't see too many adults in trees either. But today we are told of a man of power and money who at just the chance to see Jesus Christ climbed up into a tree. Why does Zacchaeus need to be up in a tree anyways? Doesn't he have everything that he needs? Why does he just need to catch a glimpse of the Savior? Because Zacchaeus knows that there is something missing in his life, he knows that Jesus does not promise a great worldly life, but an everlasting one in heaven. Zacchaeus knows this and he is determined to do whatever it takes to get a look at God.

Zacchaeus teaches us today about determination and humbling yourself for God. I pray that we can all be as active as Zacchaeus was in searching for Christ in our lives and surrendering all that we have to Him.

Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day. Lord, strengthen us and increase our faith so that we might stand strong against the evil one and the pressures from this world. Lord let us always follow you and do what is right and what is asked of us. Lord God, we pray for all those actively searching for you, that they might come to know the peace and joy that comes from knowing you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.