Has this ever happened to you? Just when you think everything is going smoothly, something goes awry that gives you cause to pause. Doubt comes into the picture and you begin to wonder why now and what you did that changed your life condition. The path you have been taking seems unsure and you become stymied as you contemplate what to do next.
If truth be told (and it always should be), this happens to Christians all the time. Either a decision was made on your behalf, if you were baptized as a child, or since your Baptism you have been faced with continuous dilemmas that cause you to question your faith. Your response to these situations determines if you are on the right path for which God created you. It also is true for those questioning their relationship with God whether a member of a church or not.
Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector in St. Luke’s Gospel today, most likely heard about Jesus, His teachings, preaching and miracles He performed. Jericho, the rich man’s retreat outside of Jerusalem, would not normally have been a place for Jesus to stop at since they were considered outcasts who enjoyed their wealth at the expense of others. Even the Gospel mentions twice that Jesus was passing through. And, yet, Jesus sees an opportunity to change a life or possibly more based on the interest of Zacchaeus and his antics of climbing a tree for a better look.
Not only did Zacchaeus get a better look, but he was called by name to speak directly to Jesus and was invited to host Him while in Jericho. What a turn of events. And yet, those in attendance who despised people who worked for Romans by excessively taxing people, called him to task as the sinner they saw him to be. Zacchaeus recognizes who he is and desires to be different. In seeking Jesus, Zacchaeus was found and saved.
The decision to change ourselves for the better can be difficult
especially if we do not see the need to do so.
It is somewhat like the Pharisee in last week’s Gospel who touted all
his virtues while in the synagogue. If I
am doing what God has asked of me, why do I need to change? Perception often is our reality, even if
there is little truth in what we think, say or do. Those who practice humility or come to the
realization that they are less than perfect, seem to have a better vision of
the journey they are taking and its end destination.
Baptism for Catholics is the beginning of the journey where we promise to love God and all He has created despite what we make think. Doubting God and His intentions for us seems counterproductive based on His reasons for creating us in the first place. St. Paul’s Second Letter to the Thessalonians warns believers that timing is not the paramount ingredient for why God does the things He does. The most important concern they should have is doing God’s work on earth so that all have an opportunity for salvation whenever that should happen. God will be with us during this time because He promised never to abandon us.
Our reading from the Book of Wisdom helps us to remember that in no matter what situation we may find ourselves, God is there for us. It is through our relationship with the Holy Trinity that we can accomplish all things on His behalf because we are constantly reminded of His love, mercy and forgiveness in all areas of our life. Once we recognize this, as did Zacchaeus, we will be able to be obedient to God’s will in living the Gospel message in faith, hope and love for all to witness and, hopefully, act upon.
Let us take this week to see where we need to make changes in our heart, soul, mind and strength to ensure our relationship with God and all who He has created is on track. It doesn’t mean we won’t feel a need for changes in the future, but maybe the next time we will be more open to act upon it in a positive manner knowing that God has a part in what is happening.
Reading 1: Wisdom 11: 22 – 12: 2
Reading 2: Second Thessalonians 1: 11 – 2: 2
Gospel: Luke 19: 1-10
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