The Son of Man has come to seek out and save what was lost
The readings for this Sunday once again celebrate God’s boundless love for each and every one of us. 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. It is because of the depth of God’s love that our faults and failings can be forgiven, and we can rely on God to guide us away from evil.
The Psalm is a wonderful hymn of praise to the God we acknowledge as King of our hearts. The verses echo the first reading in reminding us how completely God loves us. God will raise us up 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. It is through our lives that God’s name will be glorified.
The Gospel story of Zacchaeus reiterates that salvation awaits anyone who repents of their sinful ways. Just as Jesus urges Zacchaeus down from the tree, so, too, he calls each one of us. All we need do is seek his presence, and, acknowledging our faults and failings, welcome him into every aspect of our lives.
This week, as we continue to pray for an end to hostilities throughout the world, we ask that the Lord will help us to hear and respond to his invitation and welcome him joyfully into our lives.
