Gospel for October 30 2022 – Luke 19:1-10
Gospel Reflections for October 30 2022
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 their taxes. He 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 were more vulnerable. Worse still, Zacchaeus 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 Zacchaeus differently. He looks up at him hiding in that tree and says “I want to stay at your house!” That must have shocked the crowd …and Zacchaeus!
While the crowd sees Zacchaeus 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 believe that you must remain a victim of your past.
Zaccheus receives this unexpected invitation well and responds even better. He quickly comes down from the tree 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 his amazing reversal from once hiding in a tree and now 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 way and with profound love. You can be sure Our Lord looks at you in the same way.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Dear Father Dave,
Thanks so much for your synopsis.
This week’s gospel certainly reinforces the beautiful message of hope and the power of God’s love.
It’s deeply thought provoking, considering the layers of our human nature.
Jesus touches us at the strangest times….
God bless you!
Kathleen
Your remarks about the amazing conversion Jesus performed give me hope that maybe some of our Abortion promoting “Catholic” politicians can be converted!
Climbing the tree was a good idea. He could view Jesus better and liked what he saw. We do that when reading the scriptures and wondering what is the message we can use to improve our chances of Salvation. These words that come down to us from thousands of years ago contain Wisdom and Advice for improving our time on earth and after we depart.
Thanks for these reminders .
Thanks for your choice of vocation and the effort you put into all you are and do.
What a wonderful story of conversion, Fr. Dave!
In his heart Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus. and how Jesus
responded is a great lesson for all of us.
Beautiful commentary filled with precious hope!!! We all can acheive salvation if we live our Jesus’ love!!! How precious is that!!!Zacchaeus opened his heart to the touch of Jesus’ Divine love!!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee it!!!No greater love, Jesus’ love!!! We must live it, share it, become one with it, overwhelm the world with it and make it spiritually beautiful!!!One precious person at a time!!! Like you our precious Father Dave!!! Soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo happy you are a precious part of all our lives!!! Our Kathleen, our Larry, our Tom, our Philmena and everyone!!!” Our lives met. our souls touched in our Jesus and our Mary’s LOVE!!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee it!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Hi Fr. Dave
I love this story of conversion. Good reminder for all of us.
I also remember seeing the tree that Zaccheus hid in in Jericho. That is where you & pilgrims are now.
It must be great to be back. It has been since 2019!
Long time.
We 🙏🏼For the pilgrimage that you are on for peace & be near the Lords homeland.
Many Blessings
Jane
What a special story. caller and called summon each other. When others condemned and spurned Zacchaeus, Christ saw something remarkable in him.
I once heard that those who are capable of the greatest evil, are also capable of the greatest good, and I think we only have to look at someone such as St. Paul to see this.