Jesus Meets Zacchaeus in the Tree | A Catholic Story & Family Meditation

In this fun story, Dave Staples leads kids and parents into the Gospel story of Zacchaeus, using an imaginative, Ignatian-style meditation designed for families.

Together, listeners enter the crowded streets of Jericho, look up into the sycamore tree, and experience what it’s like to be seen and called by Jesus. This prayerful story gently invites reflection on mercy, repentance, and joy, making it especially helpful for families preparing for First Reconciliation or entering Lent.

This episode is ideal for:

• Catholic families praying together

• kids ages 6–14 (but include your high schoolers!)

• parents looking for interesting, meaningful prayer time with their children

If this meditation blesses your family, consider sharing it with someone else. Thank you for changing the world, one child, one family, one story at a time.

To see a 2000+ year old sycamore tree in Jericho, or to ask your kids questions, say hello, or let me know you're praying with me, click here! ...could this be the tree Zacchaeus climbed?

Also, for more great convo with your kids, ask them these questions!

• If Jesus came to our house tonight, what would you want to do with him? And what would you want him to know about you?
• Why do you feel that Jesus chose Zacchaeus?
• What part of the story surprised you the most?
• What was your "tree" - the thing you want to do to get closer to Jesus?