Each week we pause to make space to listen and allow the Holy Spirit to shape us through the hearing of the Scripture. The gospel stories invite us in, beckoning us to place ourselves right inside the narrative. In that place of prayer something fresh forms as our hearts and minds begin to wonder. We catch a glimpse of Jesus inviting us into the mystery of his life and presence. We find fresh ways of being in relationship together.
As I, Kim, prayed with the text this week, I found myself curious about Jesus announcing that he comes as guest to my home. Here’s what I captured in my journal:
A guest in my home
the kind that does not need –
a pre-clean
a fancy meal
the latest decor trends or comforts
What this guest most wants is to be invited in
for me to be at ease, comfortable in my space
as it is and as I am
How is it that this guest extends the hospitality to me
that sets my whole body at ease so that…
I can open my heart and my home in freedom
be seen, feel safe, known, accepted and loved
be generous with my resources
be inwardly compelled to make amends as is fitting
And live welcomed
so that I can love and welcome others
the ones disguised as Jesus
May the Word land freshly in your own heart and body this week as you pause and make space to listen, to pray, to be inwardly changed.
Luke 19: 1-10 The Message
Then Jesus entered and walked through Jericho. There was a man there, his name Zacchaeus, the head tax man and quite rich. He wanted desperately to see Jesus, but the crowd was in his way—he was a short man and couldn’t see over the crowd. So he ran on ahead and climbed up in a sycamore tree so he could see Jesus when he came by.
When Jesus got to the tree, he looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down. Today is my day to be a guest in your home.” Zacchaeus scrambled out of the tree, hardly believing his good luck, delighted to take Jesus home with him. Everyone who saw the incident was indignant and grumped, “What business does he have getting cozy with this crook?”
Zacchaeus just stood there, a little stunned. He stammered apologetically, “Master, I give away half my income to the poor—and if I’m caught cheating, I pay four times the damages.”
Jesus said, “Today is salvation day in this home! Here he is: Zacchaeus, son of Abraham! For the Son of Man came to find and restore the lost.”
Luke 19: 1-10 NLT
Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.
When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”
Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.
Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”
Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
For Reflection and Prayer:
As you listened to the text, was there a word, phrase or image which caught your attention? Gently allow it to linger, giving it room to form and settle deeply in your body and heart.
Reflect on what you heard. Relish the words. Notice how the word or words affected you. Which emotions are stirring within you? Notice what is happening in your body as you linger with how the text is affecting you. You might begin to describe that and choose to journal about what you are experiencing.
Respond to what you noticed and reflected on in your prayer with God. Might there a prayer that rises within you?
Rest in God as you simply be and entrust yourself to God in the quiet.
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