In In the gospel of Luke, we read the story of Jesus and the tax collector Zacchaeus (Luke 19). Remember, he climbed the tree to see Jesus, was called by name, and welcomed Jesus into his home. In response to meeting Jesus his life was changed. Zacchaeus promised to give half his possessions to the poor and to repay anyone he had defrauded four times over. He now resolves to use money to serve people.

The story of Zacchaeus offers powerful lessons about money, our heart, and honoring God. It demonstrates that genuine faith and encounter with Jesus can transform our attitudes toward wealth and possessions. Zacchaeus’s willingness to give half his possessions to the poor and repay those he defrauded shows that true riches are found in generosity and integrity, not in accumulating wealth for its own sake. 

His response highlights that honoring God involves using what we have to serve others, promote justice, and reflect God’s love. It encourages us to examine our hearts—ensuring that our attitudes toward money align with our commitment to God’s values, prioritizing love, humility, and righteousness over greed or selfishness. Ultimately, it prompts us to see money as a tool to bless others and honor God, rather than as an end in itself.

Your giving to our parish matters because it is an investment in our community, an investment in the next generation and an investment in reaching people far from God with the message of Christ’s love. But your giving to St. Norbert matters most because it can move your heart closer to the heart of the Lord. You grow deeper in relationship with Jesus and as well as being a disciple. Thank you for your investment in Catholic experiences and thank you for your support.

Blessings,

Father Steve Albero