Today’s first reading is a prayer to the Lord who will “spare all things, because they are yours, O Lord and lover of souls.” In the Gospel story of Zacchaeus, Jesus proclaims that “the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.” The invitation for us is to reflect on the ways in which, as individuals and families, we have been spared and saved by the Lord.
Zacchaeus’ small stature matched the low social and spiritual esteem in which he was held. Employed as chief tax collector by the Gentile occupiers, wealthy by reason of collaboration and corruption, Zacchaeus was beneath Israel’s contempt and beyond the covenant’s redemption. Thus Jesus’ personal encounter with him features all of Luke’s favorite themes: radical sin meeting unmerited grace; God pro-actively seeking the lost and graciously inviting sinners to a feast of forgiveness; sinners “outside the law” ironically proving to be more open to God than the self-styled righteous; the “righteous” grumbling rather than rejoicing at the mystery of God’s forgiving mercy.
Thus, as the liturgical year ends, Luke brings us full circle: the child for whom there was no room in Bethlehem’s inn finds welcome in the home of a man for whom there was no room in Israel’s covenant. Jesus’ coming bears fruit. Zacchaeus “converts,” making good (“four times over”) on past failures. Jesus reciprocates Zacchaeus’ hospitality. “Today,” the angels told the shepherds, “a Savior has been born for you.” “Today,” Jesus proclaimed at Nazareth, “this scripture is fulfilled.” “Today,” Jesus declares to Zacchaeus, “salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a descendant of Abraham.” “Today,” Jesus later promises the Good Thief, “you will be with me in Paradise.”
Our society today thrives on the values of an economy where the wealth of a few is made at the expense, death and sufferings of others like Zacchaeus. But this man repents, and Jesus proclaims salvation for him. As we draw close to the end of our liturgical year, it is pertinent for us to ask ourselves as individuals and groups, what wrongs must we right, what repayments do we make to others, before we can welcome Jesus worthily and well to the home of our hearts?
For us sinners, small of spirit and unable to see Jesus – yet sought by him and called by name – what comfort to welcome him, only to find that it is he who welcomes us!
Fr. Gabriel Wankar
Priest in Residence