Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Compassionate God, Your mercy is like the dew which moistens the parched earth and grass each morning. As Creator, You are present to us as You continue to create us and our world — and bathe us in life-giving mercy. Because You are so big, we sometimes get lost in our smallness. Give us the stretching faith of Zacchaeus, who was not paralyzed in pettiness, injustice, or insignificance. He climbs to see Jesus to get a higher view. Help us climb obstacles that limit us. Like Zacchaeus, convert us by the encounter with You. Transform us and our world in justice. Teach us again that piety without justice is worthless. To know You is to be converted and work for justice, just as Your continued presence is unconditional mercy. Moisten us, God of Compassion and Conversion. Your little people want to stand tall in Your presence.