and climbed up a sycamore tree. From there he would be able to see Jesus, who was going to pass
that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zaccheus, come down
quickly, for I must stay at your house today.” So Zaccheus climbed down and received him joyfully.
All the people who saw it began to grumble, and said, “He has gone as a guest to the house of a
sinner.” But Zaccheus spoke to Jesus, “Half of what I own, Lord, I will give to the poor, and if I have
cheated anyone, I will pay him back four times as much.” Looking at him Jesus said, “Salvation has
come to this house today, for he is also a true son of Abraham. The Son of Man has come to seek
and to save the lost.”
“The Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.”
Read:
The Book of Wisdom teaches us that the sign of God’s omnipotence is his mercy and compassion
for all beings. Paul observes that it is God who makes us worthy of his calling and fulfills our good
intentions. Jesus embodies the compassion of God which moves Zacchaeus to conversion.
Reflect:
Zacchaeus’ conversion story is a great pedagogical example as to how to transform people for the
better, to bring the best out of them. Look at how Jesus goes about doing it: Here is a tax collector, a
sinner in the eyes of the society and therefore held in contempt. No self-respecting Jew would want
to associate with him. What does Jesus do? He simply tells Zacchaeus that he wants to spend the
night at his house. Zacchaeus is delighted; yet, at the back of his mind he will have expected some
private censure by Jesus. But, nothing. Jesus does not utter a word about his sinful life; instead
simply enjoys his hospitality. That’s enough to bring Zacchaeus to conversion. When he announces
his intention to the public, Jesus joyfully affirms his belovedness to God.
Pray:
“Lord, give me the grace to accept people as they are.”
Act:
Visit (or talk to) someone whom you have kept away from your life for long.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2022