Friends,
This Sunday, we are reminded that the Son of Man has come to seek out and save what was lost. The readings once again celebrate God’s boundless love for everyone. No matter how far we go astray, God continues to seek us out and welcome us back.
The first reading reminds us that God has created everything in love. Nothing exists or survives without God’s imperishable spirit. Because of the depth of God’s love, he forgives our faults and failings, and we can rely on God to guide us away from evil.
The psalm is a beautiful hymn of praise to the God we acknowledge as King of our hearts. The verses echo the first reading, reminding us how God loves us completely. God will raise us to life when we fall. In the second reading, St Paul urges the Thessalonians – and ourselves – to continue to focus on doing what good the Lord asks of us because, through our lives, we glorify God’s name.
The Gospel story of Zacchaeus reiterates that salvation awaits anyone who repents their sinful ways. Just as Jesus urges Zacchaeus down from the tree, so, too, he calls each one of us. All we need to do is seek his presence, acknowledge our faults and failings, and welcome him into every aspect of our lives.
This week, let us ask the Lord to help us hear and respond to his invitation and welcome him joyfully into our lives.
Joy and peace.
