Are You Ready?

October 31

Are You Ready?
"Zacchaeus, come down quickly,for today I must stay at your house." – Lk 19:5

What would you say to Jesus if he asked you to stay at your house? What would be running through your mind? Pause for a moment to reflect on your response. Would you be prepared to meet the Lord? Face-to-face?

I admit, my first thought would be is the spare bedroom neat enough and do I need to grocery shop to have enough food! (I can just hear Jesus now… “Holly, Holly you are anxious and worried about many things!” - cf Luke 10:41.) And my second thought would be am I worthy enough? You will note, however, in today’s Gospel, Zacchaeus hopped out of the tree with joy and said yes to Jesus’ request: “Of course, Lord, you can stay with me!” Zacchaeus welcomed Jesus into his home and into his heart immediately, no hesitation. He was prepared to be with Jesus and follow his teachings. He even decided to give away half his possessions to the poor and make restitution to anyone whom he may have cheated to show Jesus his readiness to follow him. Zacchaeus was ready… ready to receive the Lord into his heart, soul and home.

This week look into your hearts and ponder how you would respond to Jesus dropping by to visit you. Think of how you could receive Jesus joyfully into your home and heart, without any reservations or concerns. And then think of how you can show Jesus your love for Him and willingness to follow wherever He may lead you. Will you give away possessions like Zacchaeus? Will you be kinder and less judgmental of people? Or perhaps you will pray everyday for those most in need of our love and our Father’s love. Always remember, Jesus loves us all whether we feel worthy or not… We are always welcome in Jesus’ home.

God Bless, Holly Clark