Tuesday 17th November – Memorial of St Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious

Reflection: Luke 19:1-10

WHAT IS YOUR PRIORITY?

One of the first things we were taught in Secondary school Economics was the importance of having a scale of preference so that our insatiable human needs can be attended to in order of priority. This economic principle applies to every area of our lives. As young people, we desire greatness and hope to attain great popularity in our various endeavours. Such ambition is good in itself yet, there is more to life than just having ambition of what we would like to become in the future. The important question we must ask ourselves is: “what is it that matters most?”

Today’s gospel reading points out to us that the presence of Jesus in our lives matters most. Zacchaeus was a very rich man, but having encountered Jesus he saw another meaning to life. He realised that there was more to live for than becoming a “successful professional”. Jesus gave him the most precious gift of all time which is the salvation of his soul. It is this same salvation that Eleazar, in today’s first reading looked forward to and refused to profane himself even in the face of death (2 Macc 6:18-31).

It is possible for one to be very successful in the eyes of men, but a failure in the sight of God. Zacchaeus’ encounter with our Lord today challenges us to seek for that which will fulfil our ultimate purpose in life – to know, love and serve God and to be with Him forever in the next world. Christ is the way, the truth and the life (Jn 14:6). When we come to know Christ personally, our everyday work, encounters with others, profession, businesses etc will take on a new perspective. They will all become avenues to please our Lord.

PRAYER: Thank you great Father for the gift of your Son Jesus to me today. May I ever live in the consciousness of His abiding presence all the days of my life. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 1693: “Christ Jesus always did what was pleasing to the Father, and always lived in perfect communion with him. Likewise Christ’s disciples are invited to live in the sight of the Father ‘who sees in secret’, in order to become perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

HIDE A TREASURE: “For what is life? To me, it is Christ. Death, then, will bring more.” Phil 1:21 GNB

Today’s Readings: 2Macc 6:18-31; Ps 3:2-7; Lk 19:1-10