Gospel Reflections for October 30 2016
Trick or Treat?
Zacchaeus is the Jewish Tax Collector for the Romans …and despised by everyone.
The Romans did not actually pay salaries to Jews like Zacchaeus who collected taxes. He simply made a living by over-charging his fellow Jews and then keeping the difference. Of course, tax collectors would overcharge widows and the elderly more since they had no one to defend them. Worse still, Zaccheus was a wealthy man, so he was especially good at fleecing the weak and defenseless! Although a man of short stature, he towered among tax collectors as a cheat.
We don’t know why he wanted to see Jesus that day but we can certainly understand why he avoided the crowd by climbing a tree!
Jesus sees Zaccheus differently. He looks up at him hiding in the tree and says “I want to stay at your house!” That must have shocked the crowd …and especially Zaccheus!
While the crowd sees Zaccheus as a dangerous social parasite, Jesus sees a human person capable of changing and living a new life. Jesus recognizes that everyone has a past, sometimes filled with sin, but also affirms that you should never think your past life determines your future. Our Lord’s surprising invitation to Zacchaeus affirms that you should never believe that you must remain a victim of your past.
Zaccheus receives this unexpected invitation well and responds even better. From his place way up in the tree, he quickly comes down and “stands his ground” before the crowd. He announces a complete change of life and will even make good on all that he has done wrong. This is an astounding reversal for a person once hiding in a tree and now squarely facing his enemies. Where did this courage come from? It always comes from meeting Jesus. Our Lord affirms that change is always possible and that no one is beyond salvation. He gives us the courage to make that happen!
Monday is Halloween, only a few days before our elections. Will the election be a trick or a treat? This Gospel affirms Our Lord’s overwhelming power to reach into the souls of all people and turn them around, even candidates. It also affirms the goodness that comes from within every person, even Zacchaeus, willing to accept that grace. Our Lord can turn every bad life into a good one.
We can be glad for Zaccheus that Jesus saw him in a new light and with profound love. You can be sure Our Lord looks at you in the same way.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Image: Public Domain work of art
I see what you mean. Let’s hope that our new president will meet Jesus and be inspired to follow His Gospel.
We can only hope!
Thank you Father Dave! SB Grade 8 will certainly find peace and wisdom in this beautiful reflection. I am sharing with them now 🙂
Have a boootiful weekend 🙂
In Christ,
Rosemary Circo
I am deeply honored and grateful!
A powerful, loving message to all. We want you to know that we met a young family in Little Italy San Diego on the 28th. When we found out they lived in Whittier and were Catholic, we immediately said “Father Dave” and they responded with joy. You have turned them on with fervor. We told them a little about The University and they hoped to experience it.
The chance meeting was serendipity (or the Spirit). God bless you for what you. Wish you were back here.
Love,
Della and Gino
Thank you so much for your message! Yes, the University will be coming to Whittier this year.
This one certainly hits a homerun. Thank you, Father Dave.
You are very welcome!
Wonderful message for today’s Gospel and in addition serves as a reminder of our intensely meaningful Israel pilgrimage with you in 2006, walking where Jesus walked – even in Jericho – where Jesus met Zaccheus under the sycamore tree (or a descendant thereof!).
It is apparent that your new parish has welcomed you with open arms based on 2 of the comments. How blessed they are! The words of Peter (I believe) at The Transfiguration come to mind: “Lord it is good for us to be here”. The problem is that we would prefer the “here” to be at SPB!!
With profound thanks for what has been, and great appreciation for your weekly messages!
Thank you!
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Thank you!