Who is the sinner?
What is a sinner?
A sinner is someone who disobeys God by breaking God’s commandments.
How do you think Zacchaeus felt when our Lord told him that He was coming to his house?
Zacchaeus was happy and surprised because he was not well-liked by his community, so for Our Lord to come to his house was a big deal for Zacchaeus.
How does it make God feel when we are away from Him?
Very sad, because He loves us very much and wants us always to be with Him.
Who is the father in the story?
God is the father in the story
Why is it important for us to go to confession?
It is important to go to confession because in confession I receive absolution from the priest and my sins are transferred to Christ.
What is repenting?
Repenting is turning away from sin towards God both in feelings and in actions (mind, heart and power).
Did Zacchaeus change and how can you tell?
Yes, Zacchaeus changed because he said, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold."
What is the most important thing that we need to ask from God?
Forgiveness and eternal life
What was the younger son seeking?
The younger son was seeking materials and possessions.
Who do we meet with during confession?
We meet with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
What is the name of the mountain where Moses received the commandments?
Mount Sinai
What do you think was filling Zacchaeus’ heart and how did that affect him?
The Love of money was filling Zacchaeus’ heart and he was not able to love God or to follow God’s commandments
What do you think made the tax collector want to pray?
The tax collector felt sad that he was far away from God because he sought material possessions (money). He wanted to have a relationship with God in order to be satisfied.
How do you think the younger son felt at first when he was away from his father’s house?
He felt happy at first, his material possessions satisfied him temporarily.
What are we asking of Him?
We are asking for forgiveness for our sins.
What did God promise if we follow His commandments?
If you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people.
What do you think made Zacchaeus change?
Christ showed Zacchaeus love and that is what changed him. Our Lord did not judge Zacchaeus or think badly of him
What do you think is different between the tax collector and the Pharisee?
The tax collector knew that the money would not satisfy him so he sought a relationship with God which would satisfy him. The Pharisee felt satisfied with his power and his fame, he has a fake relationship with God. He just put on a show.
What are the three steps of the son's return?
1. Return to himself
2. Return to his father
3. Return to his father's house
What does commandment mean?
A rule given by God to live by
The 10 commandments in order
1. You shall have no gods before Me
2. You shall not make for yourself a carved image to worship
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain
4. Remember the Lord’s day, to keep it holy
5. Honor your father and mother
6. You shall not murder
7. You shall not commit adultery
8. You shall not steal
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor
10. You shall not covet (want what your neighbor has when you don’t need it)
What can you learn from this story?
We can learn how to not judge people, we also learn not to seek material things because they don’t satisfy and they don’t allow us to love God.
What do you think the tax collector and the Pharisee had in common?
They both sought material possessions, the tax collector sought money and the Pharisee sought power and fame.
what do these three steps represent?
1. Return to himself
2. Return to his father
3. Return to his father's house
1. Self examination
2. Repentance
3. Confession
Name the steps to make a good confession?
1. Prepare with a regular self-examination (returning to oneself). Prepare with a prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to help you find what you have done wrong.
2. I repent praying to God the Father the prayer of the publican in humility.
3. I confess my sin to the priest and receive absolution.