In the Gospel reading where Jesus saves Zacchaeus, the senior tax collector, we see Him ‘passing through’ the town of Jericho. Jesus decides to stay over at Zacchaeus’ home after witnessing the faith and the remarkable zeal of the latter who attempts to seek out his Presence. In turn, Zacchaeus, in a sweeping act of repentance, decides to give up half his wealth, and offers restitution to those he had cheated, four times over.
Here we see an interesting side to Jesus that we seldom allow ourselves to imagine possible with our all-powerful Deity and God – His surprise, spontaneity, and joyfulness in encountering an unexpected act of faith, and His enthusiasm – and what powerful enthusiasm and validation – for a complete change of travel plans – a bold and highly public gesture and acknowledgement of faith.
It has been said that God’s power and generosity did not require Jesus to become Man and die for us on the Cross. Indeed, He could have simply saved the world. Instead, we received a three year lesson in His Life and Times,to prepare us for the future of the great Christian Promise and Commission. As Pope Benedict XVI wrote, “Christianity is the present: it is both gift and task, receiving the gift of God’s inner closeness (i.e., the power of the Holy Spirit) and – as a consequence – bearing witness to Jesus Christ.”
Gospel, Luke 19:1-10 1 He entered Jericho and was going through the town 2 and suddenly a man whose name was Zacchaeus made his appearance; he was one of the senior tax collectors and a wealthy man. 3 He kept trying to see which Jesus was, but he was too short and could not see him for the crowd; 4 so he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus who was to pass that way. 5 When Jesus reached the spot he looked up and spoke to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down. Hurry, because I am to stay at your house today.’ 6 And he hurried down and welcomed him joyfully. 7 They all complained when they saw what was happening. ‘He has gone to stay at a sinner’s house,’ they said. 8 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.’ 9 And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of man has come to seek out and save what was lost.
Excerpt: Jesus of Nazareth, Part Two: Holy Week: From the Entrance into Jerusalem to the Resurrection (Jesus of Nazareth #2) by Pope Benedict XVI. Published March 15th 2011 by Ignatius Press
The Autumn colours of Grotto Falls, The Great Smoky Mountains (2016, Lumix GM1).