Who Resides in Your Heart? ~ by Ronnie Archer

In this week's Gospel of Luke, we hear the story of Zacchaeus, a short man in stature, who wanted so much to just get a glimpse of Jesus, that he climbed a tree so he could see Jesus above the crowds. Imagine how surprised he probably was to have Jesus look up at him, telling him to come down, and that "I must stay at your house today."

As had happened before, the people criticized Jesus, saying that He was going to stay at a sinner's house; for Zacchaeus was a wealthy tax collector.

The people were looking at outward appearances, while Jesus looked at his heart. Zacchaeus received Jesus with great joy. Jesus did not have to tell him to give half of his possessions to the poor, and Zacchaeus went even further, saying that he would pay those back whom he had extorted anything from, four times over. Zacchaeus had heard the Word of God, and he had truly met Jesus.

Whatever, or whoever else we "allow to reside in our hearts"... be it spouse, children, career, money... any possessions, will not give us complete joy as truly meeting Jesus will.

It is not easy, nor always comfortable, to follow Jesus. We might have to give up everything else, but nothing, or no one else can compare with the kind of joy that Jesus gives. Our hearts belong to Him; He is all that should "reside" in our hearts.

~ Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time ~

~ Image by Hermano Leon Clipart