Devotion for the Week

Devotion based on the scripture from November 2, 2025.

Downsizing

Have you noticed how many books there are about ways to get rid of clutter? But doesn’t buying a book about decluttering only add to our possessions? Downsizing, or moving from a larger house to a smaller space, is something many people experience. Sometimes they do it willingly by making a change in their living situation as their needs change. At other times, downsizing is unexpected but necessary due to the loss of a job or the process of aging. Some people love to declutter and take their belongings to a thrift shop. Others dread going through their possessions and making decisions about what to pass along. They quickly feel overwhelmed.

From Isaiah to the psalm to Luke’s gospel, today’s readings center on getting rid of our sin. Not just downsizing it, but truly getting rid of it for good. Jesus invites Zacchaeus to come down from his perch in a tree. He invites himself over to the chief tax collector’s home. As onlookers grumble about Jesus’ choice of a dinner companion, Zacchaeus offers to give half of his possessions to the poor and pay back the people he has stolen from. Something about being near Jesus makes Zacchaeus want to change his ways. Perhaps he longs for the forgiveness and freedom that come from being made right with God. Jesus confirms that Zacchaeus is forgiven when he declares that salvation has come to his house, acknowledging that he is a “son of Abraham” (Luke 19:9).

When we open ourselves to Jesus’ loving forgiveness, won through his cross and resurrection, like Zacchaeus we get to trade the title “sinner” for “child of God.” Jesus gives us the forgiveness and freedom to downsize our selfish ways and upsize our service to our neighbor. That’s a beautiful new way of life that can’t be taught by a book on decluttering. It’s a way of life and service that we joyfully share with others.