III. The charity and meekness of Jesus Christ prompted Him to grant Zacheus more than he wished, for He not only permitted Himself to be seen by him but also invited him to His conversation and familiarity: " Zacheus," He said, " make haste and come down, for to-day I must abide in thy house." He tells him to "make haste," because the grace of the Holy Ghost knows no slow delays. He mentions "to-day," because we ought to take advantage of the present time; for tomorrow may not be our own. "If to-day you should hear His voice, harden not your hearts." (Ps. xciv. 8.)
TUESDAY.
Conversion of Zacheus.— II.
I. Zacheus immediately obeyed Christ's call, "and made haste and came down, and received Him with joy." (Luke xix. 6.) Such ought to be your obedience; when Christ calls you by His secret inspiration, you should open the door of your heart as soon as you hear Him knock, lest, if you make any delay, He turn aside from you, as did the spouse in the Canticles, and pass away. Observe how those who stood by murmured, saying, i " that He was gone to be a guest with a man that is a sinner." (Luke xix. 7.) Learn hence, that the most holy actions are found fault with by the malicious. They did not understand the zeal of our Lord, "Who came to seek and to save that which was lost."
II. Zacheus was soon converted by his conversation with Christ, and immediately protested, "Behold Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor." Here the rich man despoils himself of his riches, partly for the benefit
