The gospel for today about the tax collector Zacchaeus is one of the most frequently used for the celebration for First Reconciliation. Can you remember that occasion? Most people remember their First Communion but I suspect many do not recall their first sacramental experience of God's mercy. Just as First Communion is intended to be the first of many so it is with reconciliation which, as a sacrament of healing, is the principal way for us to reaffirm and have strengthened by grace, my baptismal covenant with God. The effects of sin and evil fragment, destroy and isolate individuals leading to terrible consequences for family and community life. We all need to be healed as individuals so as to actively and joyfully participate in the life of the whole. In the case of Zacchaeus the alienation from the crowd which follows Jesus is apparent. Despite this, or because of it, Jesus looking up at him says: "... hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house to day." (Lk 19: 5) Sitting in the pew today can I hear the call of Jesus to me? Each of us needs to encounter the Lord not just in the Mass but also to welcome him into our homes so as to dwell in my house throughout the coming week. Having Jesus as a companion in my everyday life through prayer, reflection and Scripture reading is a wonderful privilege and is available to each of us if we can overcome our pride and self-sufficiency. Then we too will hear the words: Today salvation has come to this house... For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost." (Lk 19: 9-10)
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