October 31, 2022

“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." So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. All who saw it began to grumble and said, "He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner." (Luke 19: 5-7)

Yesterday’s lectionary text from Luke has everything to do with Halloween. Zacchaeus was an out in the open sinner (tax collector), while those who grumbled were sinners hiding behind the masks of self-righteousness.

Jesus wants to come trick or treating at Zacchaeus’ house. But no tricks with the grace of God. Only the treat of being loved despite ourselves.

Happy Halloween (and Reformation Day)!

“Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (Fourth Sunday in Lent – BCP)