Zacchaeus in the sycamore tree—one of our favorite gospel stories in KidsRelig. A little guy with a bad reputation in town, Zacchaeus just wanted to see Jesus. And he had to try harder than everyone else in the crowd just to get a glimpse of the Lord. He does try harder, and he not only sees the Lord, but Zacchaeus gets to take him home—not at his invitation, but at the invitation of Jesus. It is that invitation that saves Zacchaeus and changes his life forever.
The Middlers first read the Gospel. Then, I reminded them that I was waiting for news from my daughter Catie that our second grandchild was born. (At this writing, no news yet!) I showed them that I had gone out and bought a new copy of “The Handbook for Grandparents,” just to brush up. I went down the checklist, and I figured I was OK with new DVDs, the rules for soccer and a good enough pitching arm for kiddie baseball. But then, I came to video games, and I was lost. A volunteer came to my rescue. He explained that these games were very expensive. The good thing, however, is that you don’t just play them once. In fact, you never do, because first chances always turn out to be losers. Video games always have second chances. In fact, you can try again and again and again.
When the Elementaries arrived, we chose players from each of the 2nd Grades for a long-jump contest. The prize was a great big Halloween frosted cookie. Fourth Graders held the starting and finishing lines, and after each jump, the finishing line moved. The players had to try harder and harder if they really wanted that cookie. And try harder they did. They tried so hard that each was a winner.
The story of Zacchaeus is a story of second chances for all of us, who are freely invited to try our hardest always to see Jesus. And if we do, to let Jesus change our lives.
Winners!!!
Love,
Deacon Charlie
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