Apocalypse 3:1-6, 14-22 / Luke 19:1-10
It is the time of the year for appraisals to be done.
Appraisals are usually done by the superior on the subordinate, or by the boss on the workers.
Appraisals are done to gauge the workers on their work performance and attitude.
But it can also be a time when the superior and subordinate, or the boss and the worker can have a conversation about their views and suggestions about the work environment.
But appraisals can be difficult when there is something sensitive to be pointed out.
But when it is the Lord who is going to point out the faults of His people, as in the 1st reading, there can be no avoiding or denying.
But more than just pointing out the faults of His people, the Lord wants to point His people to heaven.
But in order to make them look to heaven, the people must come down and see their faults and acknowledge them.
In the gospel, Jesus told Zacchaeus to come down from that sycamore tree so that he will come down to the reality of his life.
The Lord does not do an appraisal on us.
Rather He speaks to us in a soft gentle voice and prompts us to look at the signs.
May we hear His voice calling us to repentance so that we can look at heaven and journey towards there.