I will seat the victor beside me on my throne. — Revelation 3:21

Mass Readings: Revelation 3:1-6,14-22/Luke 19:1-10 

House Guests 

When I was a child and houseguests were coming, my three sisters and I had to help get ready, although we griped that our two brothers got too many house-cleaning exemptions. Hospitality meant showing our “best side.” 

In ancient Israel, hospitality meant more. Hospitality rituals were religiously observed. Offering lodging and sharing food meant sharing life and fellowship. Tax collectors like Zacchaeus, however, were cut off from this rich tradition. Because they routinely extorted money from fellow Jews, they were barred from synagogues and society. Today, Jesus accomplished a lot when He invited himself to stay with the rich but lonely Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus recognized that the real invitation was for him. He offered restitution for his years of greed. Then, he happily rushed home to prepare for his first house guest in many years. 

Prayer: Jesus, remind us daily that we’re made for community and for sharing what we have.