One would have to know the kind of person Zacchaeus was before knowing Christ, to appreciate who he became afterward. He was a publican, a tax-collector, just as the one who prayed in the Temple with great repentance in last Sunday’s Gospel. Zacchaeus benefited from his short, stocky build to move cautiously and carefully amid God’s people. They hated him, because he, a Jew, exacted the taxes due to the Roman Empire.

However his soul, short and crouched as his body, expands and lifts itself to the height the tree he climbs to see Jesus. He had heard about Jesus and witnessed the power of the Kingdom near at hand from the disciples that went ahead of Jesus as Jesus made his way to Jerusalem. These faithful disciples opened up a well of deep, spontaneous love in Zacchaeus, breaking the bonds of greed and self-centeredness that bowed him to the ground. Who will want to see Jesus because of you?

Luke 19:1–10

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Out on a limb for Jesus v. 4

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year C, we generally read from the Gospel of St. Luke.

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.