Reflect today on Zacchaeus and see yourself in his person

Zacchaeus, get off at once, because today I have to stay at your house. " Luke 19: 5b

What a joy Zacchaeus felt in receiving this invitation from our Lord. There are three things to note in this meeting.

First, Zacchaeus was seen by many as a sinner. He was a tax collector and, therefore, was not respected by the people. There is no doubt that this would have affected Zacchaeus and would have been a temptation for him to consider himself unworthy of Jesus' compassion. But Jesus came precisely for the sinner. Therefore, to tell the truth, Zacchaeus was the perfect "candidate" for the mercy and compassion of Jesus.

Second, when Zacchaeus testified that Jesus went to him and chose him from all those present to be the one to spend time with, he was delighted! The same must be true with us. Jesus chooses us and wants to be with us. If we allow ourselves to see it, the natural result will be joy. Do you have joy for this knowledge?

Third, thanks to Jesus' compassion, Zacchaeus changed his life. He has pledged to give half of his assets to the poor and to repay anyone he had previously cheated four times over. This is a sign that Zacchaeus began to discover true riches. He immediately began to repay others for the kindness and compassion Jesus showed him.

Reflect today on Zacchaeus and see yourself in his person. You too are a sinner. But God's compassion is far more powerful than any sin. Let His loving forgiveness and acceptance of you overshadow any guilt you may feel. And let the gift of His mercy produce mercy and compassion in your life for others.

Lord, I turn to you in my sin and plead for your mercy and compassion. Thank you in advance for having poured out Your mercy on me. May I receive that mercy with great joy and, in turn, I can pour out Your mercy on others. Jesus I believe in you.