Reflection for Tuesday, November 17, 1998: 33rd week in Ordinary Time.
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Authors
O'Leary, James, S.J.
Issue Date
1998-11-17
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Essay
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en_US
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Abstract
Today's gospel recounts another beautiful story of Jesus accepting us the way He finds us and healing us where we are in need. Jesus enters the city of Jericho, a very wealthy city rich in balsam groves. It was called the "city of Palms." Zacchaeus, the tax-collector, wanted to catch a glimpse of Jesus but was too short so he went on ahead and scampered up a sycamore tree. Jesus came along, looked up and said, "Zacchaeus come down I want to stay at your house." A tax-collector was despised because he was in league with the oppressive Roman government and was wealthy at the expense of others by charging excessive taxes and pocketing what he wanted. Th people began to grumble saying, "Now He's gone to the home of a real sinner." What went on in that home, we can only surmise but the results were astonishing. Zacchaeus, the little rich man, was hated by everyone. Here was someone who accepted him, believed in him, showed confidence in him. Feelings forever dried up began to flood his being, buoying him up and converting him. Everyone pushed him deeper into his sterility, everyone else put up with him as he was--hopelessly avaricious. But Christ hoped in him for all time. Zacchaeus, who spent his life amassing money said, "Lord, I'll give half of everything I own to the poor and everyone I have defrauded I will pay back four times as much." The law only required double payment. Jesus said, "Salvation has come to this house today." Salvation means being saved at the end of our earthly existence, but it also means being given different options to lead this present life. As we look over our history, can we discover a time when we have been saved? Haven't we been given different options and consequently we do lead a better life.|I've often asked myself why did Zacchaeus change? Perhaps because Jesus accepted and loved him before he changed. Change comes from being loved. Most changes in our life have to do with other people. Jesus didn't wait until Zacchaeus agreed with him theologically, philosophically, politically etc... Jesus loved him and loves us the way He finds us. Someone described love as accepting people as they are and trying to bring out the best in them. To love anyone is to hope in them always. The moment we begin to judge anyone, limit our confidence in anyone, we cease to love them. So the good news today is Jesus continues to love and save us when we come to Him as we are.
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Publisher
University Ministry, Creighton University.
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These reflections may not be sold or used commercially without permission. Personal or parish use is permitted.
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Lectionary number: 498