Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time First Reading: Wisdom 11:22-12:2           The book of Wisdom was written about fifty years before the birth of Christ.  The author makes a simple point in today's first reading: God loves all his creation, and we human beings- the highest of all his earthly creatures- receive his special love.  This passage of Wisdom uses the analogy of comparing the universe to a grain of sand in the span of God's creation.  Yet, this "lover of souls" cares deeply for every human being he created and longs to be loved in return.  This is why he "spares all things" because they are his, "...for your imperishable spirit is in all things!"  He understands our human nature and is always willing to forgive our offenses; he waits patiently for us to turn away from sin and to be reconciled to him.  Since God's spirit lives within us, it is always prompting us to turn to the source of all love, for "little by little" God makes us aware of our sinfulness, that we may repent and rejoice in his warm embrace. Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2             In this reading, Paul writes to the community of faithful converts in Thessalonica.  After Paul's conversion and the advent of his preaching, the belief within the new Christian community was that Christ would return soon within their lifetime.  As the years went by, and Jesus had not returned, the community began to question Jesus' return.  In today's passage, Paul intends to correct certain misunderstandings which had arisen in the community.             Paul does not pinpoint the exact time of Jesus' return- since no one knows when that will be; rather, he calls upon his brothers and sisters in faith to concentrate on how to conduct themselves as Christians.  He implores them to remain faithful to the teachings of Christ, living lives of patient endurance.  Paul assures his converts that he prays for them often so that the name of Jesus may be proclaimed by their faithfulness and good example.             Many false prophecies had been made as to the second coming of Christ, causing many within the community to panic or become unnecessarily alarmed.  Paul calls on them to continue their faithful living by following the Gospel and remaining focused on Christ.  In this way, when Christ does come, it will truly be Good News and not something to fear! Third Reading: Luke 19:1-10             Zaccheus was a "chief tax collector," a very unpopular figure.  When he heard that Jesus was approaching the town, Zaccheus tries to get a view of Jesus.  Being a man of much wealth but few friends, he found that no one was willing to make room for him to view Jesus.  Zaccheus finds and climbs a sycamore tree as he awaits Jesus.  As Jesus enters Jericho, he stops under the sycamore tree and calls up to Zaccheus.  Later, Jesus honors him with a visit to his home.              Zaccheus is overcome by his encounter with Jesus.  As a result of this encounter, Zaccheus mends his ways, gives to the poor and professes his faith in Christ.              Jesus continually seeks out sinners, waits for a response and then rejoices with them as they begin a new life with him.  He does that with all of us whenever we sin and turn away from him.  He patiently waits for us to come back to him, to repent and then to walk in step with him.  It is a continuous process- one that (if we remain faithful) will ultimately lead us to that eternal dwelling- where Christ will greet us and he will say to us: "Come, for from this day on you will stay at my house." - Sunday, November 4, 2007