“i have called you by name” (is 43:1)
“Zacchaeus…” —Luke 19:5
Jesus called Zacchaeus by his name. It’s the first word Jesus said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry down” (Lk 19:5). The Lord says: “I have called you by name: You are Mine” (Is 43:1). Zacchaeus thought he was the one seeking Jesus by climbing a sycamore tree along Jesus’ route (Lk 19:3-4). In reality, Jesus was the One seeking Zacchaeus (Lk 19:10).
Jesus says to the Christians of Laodicea in today’s first reading: “Here I stand, knocking at the door” (Rv 3:20). In effect, Jesus “knocked at Zacchaeus’ door” by walking directly toward that sycamore tree. Zacchaeus opened that door to Jesus (see Rv 3:20) and literally had supper with Him (Lk 19:5ff).
Unlike the rich young man who could not answer Jesus’ call (Mt 19:21-22), Zacchaeus let nothing obstruct Jesus’ path into his heart. Zacchaeus “welcomed [Jesus] with delight” (Lk 19:6). He gave away “half [his] belongings” (Lk 19:8). In contrast, the rich young man could not detach from his possessions and “went away sad” (Mt 19:22) from Jesus’ invitation.
Jesus is knocking on the door of your heart. He is calling you by name as He knocks. Can you “hurry down” to welcome Him in?
Prayer: Jesus, I am not worthy to have You enter under my roof (Mt 8:8), but I welcome You with all my gratitude and joy. “Come, Lord Jesus!” (Rv 22:20)
Promise: “The Son of Man has come to search out and save what was lost.” —Lk 19:10
Praise: St. Elizabeth was a widow with three children. She died at age twenty-four after pouring herself out in service to the poor.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Advent begins in twelve days. To help prepare for Christmas, consider reading the book of Isaiah during Advent. To help guide you, view, download or order our leaflet An Isaiah Advent on our website.)
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