SALVATION FOR ALL
First Reading: Wis. 11:22-12:2
Second Reading: 2 Thess. 1: 11-2:2
Gospel Reading: Luke. 19:1-10
*First reading is from the book of Wisdom. It expresses the greatness of God towards the creation. It was out of love that God created the world. Therefore he does not desire the destruction or the death of humankind. He is always ready to pardon the sins of those who repent and return to God.
*Second reading is from the Second letter of St. Paul to Thessalonians. Paul urges the Thessalonians to be worthy of their call and assures them that God will help them to be true to it. Paul recalls to them that their salvation would be glory both for them and for Jesus Christ. At the same time, he asks them not to be too anxious about the second coming of Christ.
Jesus and Zacchaeus
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. We have a graphic account of Jesus' encounter with Zacchaeus the chief taxcollector. That day in Jericho, there were large crowds. On enquiry Zacchaeus found that Jesus the miracle worker was passing by. He just wanted to see Jesus. Since he was a short man, he climbed a sycamore tree and sat on one of its branches. Jesus along with his disciples came that way.
Then the most amazing thing happened in the life of this little rich man. Jesus looked up and said "Zacchaeus, come down, for I must stay at your house today"
Zacchaeus was certainly thrilled. So he came down from the tree and took Jesus to his house Till now Zacchaeus wanted only money and more of it. But that day changed him. He knew that riches he amassed were done dishonestly. So he gave half of what he owned to the poor and declared that he would repay in four fold anyone he cheated. Jesus' presence changed this man. No wonder Jesus said "today, salvation has come to this house". Today Jesus is passing by and inviting us also to come down from the tree (we sit). Let nothing stand between us and Jesus.
"The first step in a person's salvation is knowledge of his sin" - L.A. Seneca
"Human salvation demands the divine disclosure of truths surpassing reason " - Thomas Aquinas
First Reading: Wis. 11:22-12:2
Second Reading: 2 Thess. 1: 11-2:2
Gospel Reading: Luke. 19:1-10
*First reading is from the book of Wisdom. It expresses the greatness of God towards the creation. It was out of love that God created the world. Therefore he does not desire the destruction or the death of humankind. He is always ready to pardon the sins of those who repent and return to God.
*Second reading is from the Second letter of St. Paul to Thessalonians. Paul urges the Thessalonians to be worthy of their call and assures them that God will help them to be true to it. Paul recalls to them that their salvation would be glory both for them and for Jesus Christ. At the same time, he asks them not to be too anxious about the second coming of Christ.
Jesus and Zacchaeus
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. We have a graphic account of Jesus' encounter with Zacchaeus the chief taxcollector. That day in Jericho, there were large crowds. On enquiry Zacchaeus found that Jesus the miracle worker was passing by. He just wanted to see Jesus. Since he was a short man, he climbed a sycamore tree and sat on one of its branches. Jesus along with his disciples came that way.
Then the most amazing thing happened in the life of this little rich man. Jesus looked up and said "Zacchaeus, come down, for I must stay at your house today"
Zacchaeus was certainly thrilled. So he came down from the tree and took Jesus to his house Till now Zacchaeus wanted only money and more of it. But that day changed him. He knew that riches he amassed were done dishonestly. So he gave half of what he owned to the poor and declared that he would repay in four fold anyone he cheated. Jesus' presence changed this man. No wonder Jesus said "today, salvation has come to this house". Today Jesus is passing by and inviting us also to come down from the tree (we sit). Let nothing stand between us and Jesus.
"The first step in a person's salvation is knowledge of his sin" - L.A. Seneca
"Human salvation demands the divine disclosure of truths surpassing reason " - Thomas Aquinas
