We have come together today to spend some time with each other. We have come here to spend some time with Jesus. Each of us may have a different image of who God is, but the gospel passage we have heard today gives us an idea of the image God has of us.
Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through it (Lk 19:1). Saint Luke wants us to believe that the encounter between Zacchaeus and Jesus was a chance happening, but there is no such thing as chance in the mind of God. Zacchaeus was a man of some importance: he was a chief tax collector and a wealthy man. This meant that he could have had anything he wanted, but it didn't necessarily mean that he was loved by everyone. Yet, he was trying to see who Jesus was (Lk 19:2-3): what he truly wanted was to encounter Jesus. Some of us might also be people of some importance ... or we were influential at some point in our lives, according to the measure of the world, but regardless of our degree influence, we are all seeking to see Jesus. That's the reason why we gather in places like this. That's the reason why we pray.
The key to understanding this encounter is the fact that Jesus sees Zachaeus not as a man of great influence or importance but rather as one who is aware of his own insignificance. No matter how influential we are in this world, in the eyes of God, the whole world .. is like a speck that tips the scales (Wis 11:22). In fact, it is only when we are aware of our own insignificance that we are able to truly appreciate the way that God sees us. As he approached the place where Zachaeus was, Jesus looked up and said to him: 'Zachaeus, come down ... for I must stay at your house today (Lk 19:5). Jesus was less concerned about Zachaeus' wealth than he was about Zachaeus' heart. This is the way our God looks at each one of us. He constantly seeks us out and calls to us ... I must stay at your house. In other words, I want to be part of your life, and I want you to be part of my life. Zacchaeus climbed out out of the tree quickly and received Jesus joyfully (cf Lk 19:6). When we open our hearts to Jesus, when we welcome him in our lives, we too are filled with joy.
The reaction of the crowd also provides us with a valuable lesson. When they saw that Jesus wanted to go to Zaccaeus' house, the others began to grumble (Lk 19:7). Reactions based on judgement and jealousy are usually signs of a heart that is not content. In this case, the words spoken by the crowds tell us that they are more in need of conversion than they may be willing to admit. What about us? Do we rejoice when we witness joy on the faces and in the hearts of our neighbours and friends, or do we more often react out of jealousy?
Jesus is here among us today. He has come to meet us and he is calling each of us, telling us that he wants to spend time with us. When he realized the great gift that was being offered to him, Zacchaeus' heart was truly thankful. Knowing how small he truly was in the eyes of God, Zacchaeus wanted to make up for his wrongdoings. Tax collectors were famous for cheating tax payers, so it is significant that he demonstrates a change of heart: half of my possessions ... I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much (Lk 19:8).
Let us pray for the grace of knowing the joy of encountering Jesus, so that we may never look to others out of jealousy or judgement, but rather with thankful hearts, hopeful that God may make us all worthy of his call and ... fulfill by his power every good resolve and work of faith (2 Thes 1:11).
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