Meditation
for the Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
(Wis
11:22—12:2; 2 Thes 1:11—2:2; Lk 19:1-10)
Let us meditate on the encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus. The name ‘Zacchaeus’ is a Hebrew name meaning, ‘pure’ or ‘innocent.’ But the man of Jericho named Zacchaeus was far from innocent, for he was an extortioner, who enriched himself as the chief tax collector. Jesus, the real pure and innocent, was passing through Jericho. Zacchaeus, though he was rich, had a longing deeper than what wealth could afford. “And he sought to see Jesus”, the One in whom the meaning of his name is fulfilled; the One whose message offers the satisfaction that gives meaning and value to our lives, the message of eternal life.
Zacchaeus made several efforts to see Jesus. It was as if he wanted to behold the ‘meaning of his name’, the meaning and fulfilment of his life in Jesus. But natural limitations and human obstacles made it difficult for him, because the crowd was too much, and he was small in stature. He had every reason to give up, just as some of us do when we encounter difficulties in our vocations, moral life, and career. Zacchaeus continued to press forward: “So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was to pass that way.” This kind of effort comes from a man who recognized within him a yearning stronger than the obstacles. In addition, for a man of his repute to climb a tree just catch a glimpse of Jesus is a humble gesture. Meditate on how the man’s perseverance and humility took him to that spiritual height where his human capacity could not reach, and above that barrier, which his natural capabilities could not overcome.
“And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to
him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today.”
Again, meditate on the humility of Jesus, who had to suspend his journey,
abandoned the clamour of the multitude, and settled in the house of this one
short man! Zacchaeus made effort, but Jesus made it possible. In this encounter,
see a display of the divine wisdom expressed in the first reading that God is
merciful to all. He can do all things, and He overlooks men’s sins so that they
can repent. “Therefore, you correct little by little those who trespass, and
remind and warn them of the things wherein they sin, that they may be freed
from wickedness and put their trust in you, O Lord.” In the joy of this
encounter, Zacchaeus made another effort to be ‘pure and innocent’ like Jesus
by offering to give alms to the poor, and to restore in fourfold whatever he
extorted from anyone. Jesus fulfilled this effort by granting him the greater
offer of salvation, and restored him to the dignity of “a son of Abraham.”
Jesus has restored his identity; Zacchaeus is now truly ‘pure’ and ‘innocent.’
Yes, “The Son of man came to seek and to save the lost.” Awareness
of the emptiness within should inspire us to long for deeper satisfaction. An
honest search for truth is the right step forward. There are so many
limitations and obstacles on our way. Our prayers are often marred by
distractions and inconsistency. The little knowledge of God we possess is
frequently eroded by secularism. However, we should make some humble efforts
and persevere like Zacchaeus. If we climb the ‘sycamore tree of humility’, we
will see Jesus! That is why St. Paul explains in the second reading that God
will make us worthy of His call, and fulfill every good resolve and work of
faith we have begone, “So that the name of Jesus may by glorified in you, and
you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Amen.
Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Sunday October 30, 2022.
