Tuesday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
The Zacchaeus story in today’s Gospel is a relatable one that brings a smile to children and those of all ages who know people short in stature. It carries a hope-filled promise that Jesus looks for us whoever we are, for all of us can feel lost and unnoticed and experience falling short. Through encountering Jesus, we can each change and experience the reconciling love of God, whatever we have done. The basic story: A short man climbs a tree so he can see Jesus; Jesus notices his efforts and invites himself into Zacchaeus’ home for an extended conversation. Joy characterizes their encounter, and Zacchaeus enthusiastically responds with a generous promise to change his ways and make amends to everyone he has wronged.
I’m drawn to reflect on the faith questions raised by the story
-
What are my ‘shortcomings’ and in what ways have I “fallen short” in living the Gospel?
-
Even though others may be well aware of my ways of falling short, can I risk admitting them? Can I bring them out of hiding into the view of Jesus, by dialoguing with Jesus in my prayer?
-
How can I set aside special time for honest prayer and dialogue with Jesus, so that I can
-
Imagine myself as Zacchaeus - and let the love and care of Jesus for me sink in?
-
Grow in realization that Jesus is seeking me (and each one of us) and is enthusiastically inviting himself to spend ordinary and quality time with us.
-
Experience the joy and gratitude of spending time with a good friend
-
How am I like members of the grumbling crowd who judge others and feel resentment when these others are chosen for roles, or welcomed into our faith community?
-
How might I respond to Jesus’ love and care through acts of reconciliation?
-
Who have I wronged by my greed or selfishness, taking more than is rightfully mine or using the ‘system’ of my job role or place in society to acquire more?
-
What ‘wealth’ (of time, treasure and talent) do I possess that I’m invited to share with those in need of these gifts, especially considering the materially poor?
-
How can I better express Jesus’ and Zacchaeus’ spirit of hospitality and welcome to others I have judged or grumbled about?
This time of year is characterized as both the beginning of the holiday and the charitable giving season for nonprofit organizations that serve the needs of those experiencing poverty, environmental damage and other injustice. This past Sunday, Nov 17th, at the Mass for the World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis gave an inspiring call to act with Compassion as a sign of Hope https://www.vaticannews.va/en/
One way we might consider living the spirit of the Zacchaeus story is considering how we can resist being caught up in consumerism and buying things that are not needed for those who already have much. Instead, how might we give more to the basic needs of our community and world? In his homily on the Nov 17th 2024 Vatican Mass for the World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis called us to recognize God’s presence in the suffering of the poor and to act with hope and compassion in the face of injustice. Every act of compassion is a sign of hope in the face of injustice, https://www.vaticannews.va/en/
The Family of Parishes website and Sunday Bulletins, Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley and the Archdiocese Social Action Office are good starting places for ways we can help address hunger, homelessness and many other needs through donations of our volunteer time, talents and treasures. As we approach Advent, may we all experience reconciliation and the joy of giving and receiving that Jesus and Zacchaeus shared!
—Sr. Leanne Jablonski, FMI