Reflection for Sunday, November 3: For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.” (Luke 19:10) Most of the Jews in Jericho probably thought of Zacchaeus as a lost cause. Once a faithful son of Abraham, he had become a senior tax collector, making money through corruption and extortion. Was there any hope for his redemption? Absolutely! At one invitation from Jesus, he gave up half his wealth and promised to pay back fourfold anyone he had cheated. What caused such a turnaround? Isn’t it possible that despite his reputation, there were still some people in Jericho who were praying for him? Isn’t it possible that there were some who looked upon him with compassion and mercy, not judgment and recrimination? And their prayers, ascending to heaven on his behalf, helped soften Zacchaeus’ heart so that he could turn away from his sins and try to make restitution. Have you ever felt a sudden need to pray for someone? Or has someone’s situation moved you to pray for him or her on a regular basis? Most likely, that’s not your own idea but the Holy Spirit prompting you. We may think it’s an impossible case, but something still stirs us to pray. And when there is prayer, there is power. God can break through even the hardest heart—maybe not in the way we expect or in our time, but he will act. Remember St. Augustine. His mother prayed for him for years before he had a genuine conversion. How do you think Augustine would have turned out if she had given up? It’s possible that he would have come to the Lord on his own, but probably much later and in very different circumstances. Prayer is powerful, and persistent prayer is unbeatable. May we never lose sight of this special privilege we have all been given: the privilege of working with God as he changes people’s lives! “Jesus, help me to hear your Spirit’s voice when he moves me to pray for someone. May I never give up hope! Who knows? Maybe the next St. Augustine could be touched because of my intercession!” Readings: usccb.org/bible/readings/110313.cfm
Posted on: Wed, 30 Oct 2013 17:00:34 +0000
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