Come and stay at my house today

This was really provocative...thinking about Jesus coming to the house today..how will I prepare? do I become so preoccupied with the preparation that I forget to offer Him a humble welcome to my poor abode..can I forget my Martha-like anxiety long enough to become more like Mary and just sit at His feet in awe and wonder and just listen..and be? Oh, Zaccheus, teach me how you received Him...so that when the visit is over I will have memories of His presence to treasure in my heart.

Joyce, Always a privilege to walk with you... blessings on your Lenten journey. Judie

very very thought provoking! I will have to work on this. It is not going to be easy. Thank you for the redirection.

When I see the person I'm thinking of coming to my house, the one I don't particularly care for, I sense the time will be spent hearing the woes of that person, the faults of other people and a request for money.

Thank you Sr. Joyce for that lovely reflection.

There is a homeless shelter for women and children called Zacchaeus house. People in the neighborhood complained about another shelter for the homeless.

I have always enjoyed all of your writings and have several of your books. I am happy to have these Lenten reflections this year. Thank you

Beautiful reflection, Sister Joyce, presenting the deepest desires and fears of our hearts when we speak to Our Lord. We all want Him to come, but we do not necessarily want the changes and conversions that will result. We pray, "Come, Lord Jesus", and when He does, we echo Simon Peter, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man".

During this Lent, I pray that I may honestly beg the former and forego the latter.

Very inspiring to read this...so far Lent has been about Jesus coming to visit for me thru the Apostle Thomas. The only one Jesus asked to touch his wounds, for me it is not only faith, it is about compassion for others. Thomas had a daunting task to be honest about touching his wounds and announcing that to the other disciples. How many of them believed at that particular moment? Thomas had to be shown thru Jesus, he was the one to teach the other disciples they must touch the wounds of others, no matter how unlovable. They must not run away, so he is telling me not to run to keep listening especially to those who want to share their wounds with us. Because the wounds dwell deep in the house of their hearts.

Sister, I loved your spiritual comment. It spoke of much meaning.
Let me add, if I may, that no invitation is necessary. God's Presence is there within us from the very first moment of life till the last. God is the very source of our being itself. Since this is so, His absence would mean that we would cease to exist. As long as we 'are' we can rest assured of the presence of God within, and of His love and grace. God bless.

Dear Sister Rupp:

Thank you for writing that poem on Zaccheus. In fact, St Ephrem the Syrian (perhaps around 4th Century) wrote alomost in similar vein. It is refreshing to listen to lyrics by a Rev Sister, when most of the dogmatic teaching is posited wholesale by men!

Joyce - you are a gift and a blessing! i'm climbing that tree and praying to be open to invite Jesus into my home. in friendship and gratitude - Deborah Suess