31st Sunday in Ordinary Time

“[Jesus] looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name!
‘Zacchaeus!’ he said."
 
Dear parish family and friends of St. Julia,

This weekend we once again return to the Gospel of Luke and meet Zacchaeus, a short man who is the chief tax collector and a wealthy man.  Immediately we can pick up that Zacchaeus is not a proud man.  Think of this short man running ahead of Jesus and climbing a tree to see him.  Just think of the enthusiasm he has to know the Lord and to see Jesus.

Do we have that same enthusiasm to know our Lord?  To go to mass?  To get on our knees in praise and thanksgiving?  To break open our (study) bible to continue to learn and grow in our faith?  

Jesus never turns people away, and Jesus knows each of us by name.  Think about that for a moment.  Jesus know my name.

May we have the enthusiasm of Zacchaeus to come and seek out Jesus.  Zacchaeus is ready to give up a lot in order to follow Jesus (though he does not give up absolutely everything).  What are we willing to give up?  Would I be willing to make a fool of myself so that I can see Jesus?

It is my prayer that we continue to seek out our Lord.  May we ask our Lord for whatever it is we need.  May He call you by name when you approach the altar this weekend to receive His real presence into your heart.
 
May God bless each of you and those that you love, and I look forward to seeing you at mass this weekend.

Fr. Greg