CALLED TO BE TREE-CLIMBERS
In today’s Gospel, Zacchaeus climbs a tree to get a closer look at Jesus. As one of the chief tax collectors, Zacchaeus is not perceived as a person who would be much interested in Jesus, and yet his enthusiasm warrants an invitation from Jesus to a meal together.
Though not officially, Zacchaeus might be considered the patron saint of many people in the world – those who are perceived to be on the outside and yet quite curious about Christianity and God. While some might want to keep them at a distant or scrutinize them, the words of Wisdom as our first reading remind us that everything and everyone belongs; that everyone is loved and mercy is available to all.
So we must ask ourselves why so many people feel like they don’t belong or remain on the outside? Perhaps we even feel like we are on the outside ourselves and wondering how we might belong in a more significant manner? What must we do to change? What trees must we climb to see Jesus better?
CLICK HERE for the readings for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time: (Wisdom 11:22-12:2; Psalm 145; 2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2; Luke 19:1-10))