You listen to the longings
of those who suffer.
You offer them hope,
and you pay attention
to their cries for help.
LUKE 19:5-6 (ICB)
When Jesus came to that place, he looked up and saw Zacchaeus in the tree. He said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down! I must stay at your house today.”
Zacchaeus came down quickly. He was pleased to have Jesus in his house.
THE ESSENCE
Jesus pays attention to hurting people.
DAILY FODDER
Why did Jesus pick Zacchaeus of all people? Was it because he was short? Was it because he was a tax collector? Was it his eagerness to see Jesus?
PRAYER
Merciful God, I'm grateful that you pay attention to the hurting people in this world, the struggling and marginalized. Forgive me for seeking your attention while I ignore the very people you gravitate toward. As I experience the renewal and hope that come from your touch in my life, show me how to better attend to those around me who are hurting. I want to do as you do because of what you do in my life. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
so that everything that happens here will align
with what is happening in heaven.
Our Father in Heaven,
we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
so that everything that happens here will align
with what is happening in heaven.
Give us enough food for today.
Forgive us our wrongdoing,
and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.
and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.
