Seen From Above

In today’s Gospel, Jesus meets a tax collector named Zacchaeus. This tax collector was so intrigued to see who this Jesus was, that he climbed up a tree. In the Jewish community, the wealthy and prominent tax collectors were known to swindle people as a way to gain more money beyond what was required of the Roman tax, and this is something that Jesus probably grew up knowing. For this reason, and seeing the dedication Zacchaeus has, Jesus decides to sit down and break bread with the tax collector. Jesus is famed for eating with tax collectors and sinners, something that the Jewish priests would not dare to do. We see that by being with Jesus, Zacchaeus is compelled to right his wrong doings to his community. Jesus comes to say to all present, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.” (Lk 19:9-10). This imagery of finding what is lost is a continual theme through all the Gospels, and it speaks to the constant call that Jesus has to our hearts. Jesus is calling us out of our darkness and sin and is looking to be with him in his love and mercy. He is at the door of our hearts knocking, and all we need to do is find a vulnerable moment to let him in. This is not an easy task to do, but once it is done, we are flooded with the grace of God.

Reflection: How can I be like Zacchaeus climbing a tree to see Jesus?

Lord God, thank you for today and everyday. Thank you for your love and mercy which you bestow upon me. Lord, help me to see your glory in all that I see and do today. Assist me in finding your light in all those I meet today. Send forth your spirit Lord, that I may turn away from that which is keeping me from your loving embrace. I pray, through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, Amen.

Resource: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/112018.cfm