GOSPEL, Luke 19, 1-10:
Jesus entered Jericho and was going through the town when a man whose name was Zacchaeus made his appearance: he was one of the senior tax collectors and a wealthy man. He was anxious to see what kind of man Jesus was, but he was too short and could not see him for the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus who was to pass that way. When Jesus reached the spot he looked up and spoke to him: ‘Zacchaeus, come down. Hurry, because I must stay at your house today.’ And he hurried down and welcomed him joyfully. They all complained when they saw what was happening. ‘He has gone to stay at a sinner’s house’ they said. But Zacchaeus stood his ground and said to the Lord, ‘Look, sir, I am going to give half my property to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody I will pay him back four times the amount.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek out and save what was lost.’
WORDS FOR LIFE
In today’s Gospel, Luke narrates the episode of Zacchaeus. While Jesus dines at his home, Zacchaeus says to the Lord, «Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.»
After FINDING THE LORD, HIS HEART IS FILLED WITH JOY AND HIS LIFE IS TRANSFORMED. This story of conversion is similar to our own encounter with the Lord. Zacchaeus will do justice for those he has exploited and will share his goods with the poor. This was not an easy thing for a man like Zacchaeus but his desire for Jesus was what mattered.
This story of conversion reminds us all that our step towards God is a loving one. This LOVING STEP FORWARD can be seen in the divine call to God’s service whether it be as a single person, a wife or husband, nun or priest, seminarian or aspirant to religious orders.Thus, to be loyal to God we must let Jesus transform our hearts and our ways in our workplace, home and above all in our Church.
