“He (Jesus) entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” (Luke 19: 2~5 NRSV)

Have you a list of moments to remember… moments from your childhood, teens, early adulthood or later in life? I have been reflecting on my store of memories and realize not only are they unique to me but often are life changing as well.

Come back with me to the Summerside waterfront in the ‘60’s as the entire town came out to see the Royal Yacht Britannia and welcome its royal passenger, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. While crowds pressed in on every side I had an advantage!

I was privileged to be part of the Summerside Presbyterian Pipe Band that piped her ashore off the Royal Barge. She then proceeded to inspect us and suddenly she stopped and addressed me personally, asking questions about our band and about our town. I have no idea what I said in response but, for weeks afterward, I knew I had stood in the presence of greatness. Many who have stood in a similar position have recorded such a response to her!

Zacchaeus experienced such a moment to remember when Jesus passed by. There was every reason for Jesus and his entourage to simply miss the man. Short in stature, despised by those around him, shunned by everyone, he found himself at the far edge of the crown with only a Sycamore tree for company. The moment was transformed when Jesus looked up and invited himself into the man’s life. No longer did the crowds matter, no longer did the disadvantage of  shortness separate him from the object of his fixation. Do you have such a moment, or maybe many moments, to remember Jesus inviting himself into your life at home, at work, in the community or anywhere else you find yourself? How do you respond to such an invitation given to Zacchaeus “… I must stay at your house today.”?

Prayer: Lord, let this be my prayer for the day ahead and night to come: “Stay with us through the night. Stay with us through the pain. Stay with us, blessed stranger till the morning breaks again.” (this hymn is “a gift to the wider church from Ron Klusmeier and  Walter Farquharson”)

Kenn Stright