There are three characters in the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19.1-10) – first Zacchaeus himself, then Jesus and then the complainers. Zacchaeus is the symbol of all those who experience that salvation has come to their home and community. The story of Zacchaeus tells us that salvation is an experience of healing and reconciliation, so deep that we exclaim with gratitude in the words of Jesus, “Today indeed has come salvation to this house.” Yes, God really does seek out and save what was lost.
The moment of grace for Zacchaeus was when Jesus looked up and spoke to him, “Come down, hurry, because I must stay at your house today.” These words are spoken to us on a regular basis. Jesus frees us from being caught up in our own world of self. In being saved there is always the action of letting go of whatever blinds us to the invitation of Jesus.
Remember, in the event, Jesus looked up and invited Zacchaeus to help Him – I need your help now. Well! Are we going to remain complainers because it doesn’t suit us now to accept the invitation from Jesus?
Jesus is always looking to catch our attention to help Him spread salvation.
I need to react to what is around me.
with love and prayers Fr Michael