TODAY
When Jesus arrived in Jericho he
spotted Zaccheus up in a tree - just the man he was looking for! He then proceeded to invite himself to
dinner. Once at Zaccheus’ very
comfortable home, Jesus said: “Today
salvation has come to this house”. (Lk. 19:1-10) Now Zaccheus
may have thought: “What do I need salvation for? I’ve got it all. I am rich, with a wife and children and a
beautiful home. I admit I’m not popular being a tax collector but still, I’m
ok.” Of course Jesus has other
plans.
Beginning
at that very minute the life of Zaccheus changed. Jesus gently but firmly reminded Zaccheus of
what God wants from him. "In
the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help
you; (Isaiah
49-8). Jesus does not allow him any time to get used
to the idea because when He says today
he means it. As St. Paul said in 2Corinthians: “Now is the acceptable time.” When Jesus told the good thief, “Today you shall be with me in paradise”. He did
not say: “I’ll meet you up there”. He
said: “we will be together today!” and we sing a psalm: “If today you hear
God’s voice, harden not your heart.” God
works in the here and now, for with God there is no past and no future. When Jesus makes a promise it is immediate in its
fulfillment. Today means today.
When
we ask God’s forgiveness through Jesus, it is given immediately. God is not like
us taking time to bestow forgiveness.
The forgiveness of God is ours immediately. Even if we do not form the words, if our
hearts repent, God knows it and forgiveness is ours.
“Pour out your mercy on us to pardon
what conscience dreads
And to give what prayer does not
dare to ask
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your
son,
who lives and reigns with you forever. Amen”
This
prayer is perfect. It eases those times when we want to hide our face from God.
It acknowledges His willingness to forgive and allow us to continue to live
lives dedicated to Him trusting that no matter how often we stumble there is no
limit to His mercy.
With
love,
Carol
Lemelin OPA
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