The first reading (Wisdom 11:22-12:2) for Mass today is a gem. God is addressed as “lover of souls.” It is wonderful imagery of how God is toward us with mercy and unconditional love.
This is the kind of love Zacchaeus experienced in his encounter with Jesus in the gospel today. This divine encounter moved Zacchaeus to give generously to the poor (half his possessions!), to experience forgiveness of his sins, and to receive the gift of salvation. It was a life-changing encounter for him.
Think of times when you have encountered Christ in a way that deeply affects you. It may be the Sunday Eucharist, the celebration of another sacrament, a meaningful Bible passage, a deep feeling of peace that comes over you, or an encounter with someone who was very Christ-like. How do these graced encounters change your way of living? How do they move you to be generous with your resources to the poor? To the parish?