THE INFINITE LOVE OF GOD
First Reading: Wisdom 11: 22 to 12: 2
Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1: 11-22
Gospel Reading: Luke 19: 1-10
*First reading is from the book of Wisdom. The greatness and love of the Lord God towards the whole creation is narrated. It was out of love that the Lord God created the world and everything in it. Therefore He does not desire the destruction of the world or the death of humankind. The Lord God is always ready to pardon the sins of those who repent and return to Him.
*Second reading is from the Second letter of St. Paul to Thessalonians. Paul urges the Christians in Thessalonica to be worthy of their call. He assures them that God will help them to be true to it. Paul explains 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 the Lord. He pleads with them to continue to live a good Christian life everyday allowing God to work in their lives.
Jesus meets Zacchaeus the tax collector Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. A graphic description about Jesus meeting Zacchaeus the tax collector of Jericho is narrated. After meeting Jesus, Zacchaeus responds to the invitation of Jesus in a wholehearted way. That day in Jericho, there are large crowds. On inquiry Zacchaeus comes to know that Jesus of Nazareth the miracle worker is passing by. He desires to see Jesus just once - it is a chance of a life time. Since he is short in stature, he climbs a sycamore tree on the road side and sits on one of the branches. Jesus along with His disciples comes that way. The most unexpected and amazing thing happens in the life of this little rich man. Jesus looks up and says, "Zacchaeus, come down, for I must stay at your house today." Zacchaeus is very thrilled but he is also confused. So he comes down from the tree and takes Jesus to his house. Till that meeting with Jesus, Zacchaeus only desired for money and more of it. But that chance encounter with the Lord changes everything in his life. He knows very well that all the riches he has amassed are done dishonestly. So he gives half of what he owns to the poor and declares that he would repay fourfold anyone he cheated. Jesus' presence totally and irrevocably changes this man. No wonder Jesus told him, "Today salvation has come to this house." Today the Lord is passing by and inviting each one of us to come down from the tree (we sit on). 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." - St. Thomas Aquinas
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