Tuesday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
The stories of Eleazar and Zacchaeus give us models for holding to our integrity in living out our faith convictions whether we are new or seasoned in our faith journey. Both men are courageous when faced with the opinions of others and hold to their own truth and sense of calling and focus on what is essential in responding to God. Both experience great joy, while the crowds are left grumbling.
Ninety-year old Eleazar has lived an exemplary life as a religious scribe. He is given the death penalty for his refusal to eat pork from an unlawful ritual meal of an alien religion. While his friends offer him a sneaky way out of the situation, Eleazar prioritizes his lifelong fidelity to the law as an expression of his love of God. He is particularly concerned about his witness to young people. His soul takes joy in faithfulness to God, and he recognizes the impact of his witness as an encouragement and support to others when they are challenged. Our faith calls us to not take the ‘easy way out’ when tempted, even to the point of death.
I am short in stature, so have always identified with Zacchaeus’ challenge of not having my view obstructed when in a crowd. It takes an extra effort to choose the ‘best seat’ in church or a theatre that is not behind a tall person, and I am grateful for tall people who are aware of my needs and don’t sit directly in front of me. Like Eleazar, Zacchaeus faces the judgments of others, and his enthusiasm for Jesus and persistence in choosing a new way of life is impressive.
In this month of November, we remember the ones gone before us who are now part of the communion of saints. We continue their fidelity as part of their cloud of witnesses on earth and count on their prayers cheering us on. May we be blessed with the courage and joy of Eleazar when our faith practices and values are challenged and enthusiastically respond like Zacchaeus to Jesus’ invitations to spend time with Him. May we confidently respond to the God who is always seeking us and be assured our actions of integrity inspire the young and support the aged.
—Sr. Leanne Jablonski, FMI