Listen

Everyone who saw this grumbled, saying, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”

Zacchaeus stopped and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my possessions to the poor. And if I have cheated anyone, I repay them four times as much.”

Jesus said to him, “Today, salvation has come to this household because he too is a son of Abraham. The Human One came to seek and save the lost.”

Luke 19:7-10

Think

I love this passage because Zacchaeus has no shame about admitting that he has cheated people! He knows that there’s no point in lying or trying to cover up his sins, since Jesus is already aware of all the things he has done wrong. Instead, he explains the ways in which he tries to do things right — and Jesus meets him where he is, with love and grace.

Each time we pray, there is real value in being honest about our sins, our struggles, and what is truly on our hearts. There’s no need to try to cover things up — Jesus already knows the truth that is within us — but only when we tell the truth can we feel the assurance of God’s mercy and forgiveness.

Catherine Healy

Pray

Dear God, you already know everything on my heart. You see both the good things and the bad things I do; you know that I am trying my best. I want to be honest with you about … [name the sins that are on your heart].

Forgive me of my sins and help me to walk in your love. Amen.

Go

May you feel the love of the God who created you, walks beside you, and dwells within you — this day and always.