The Zacchaeus Principle

‘Zacchaeus, come down. Hurry, because I must stay at your house today.’ And he hurried down and welcomed him joyfully.

Lk.19:5,6

Zacchaeus the tax collector has climbed a tree in his eagerness to see Jesus. Jesus calls to him and invites himself into Zacchaeus' home where Zacchaeus joyfully welcomes him.

What is it that is so appealing about this story? I think it's the dramatic transformation of Zacchaeus. From a money grabbing, meanspirited outsider he becomes a generous, joyful son. In Jesus' own words, from being lost Zacchaeus is found.

This is "Belong, Believe, Behave" in action. Jesus enters Zacchaeus' home and eats with him, a powerful act of acceptance. Zacchaeus believes who Jesus is and then behaves like a believer, giving back to those he has cheated plus alms to the poor. The very area he was enslaved to, avarice, is where he is set free. 

This "Zacchaeus Principle" is how the Alpha Course works. Meet people where they are at with acceptance and belonging. Introduce Jesus to them for them to believe in. Then sit back and watch them change their own behavior to that of a believer. It's time to prepare for another alpha Course...

Jesus, as you have done in the past, draw people to me that will form an Alpha hosting team.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.