Tuesday of week 33 in Ordinary Time
Gospel – Luke 19:1-10
“He was anxious to see what kind of man Jesus was, but he was too short and could not see him for the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus who was to pass that way”. This anxiousness to see Jesus. His acknowledgment of his short stature. The solution he found for overcoming that shortness. These are important points to meditate. Zacchaeus’ eagerness reflects a deep longing for something beyond his current life. He is a wealthy man, but his material wealth hasn’t quenched his spiritual thirst. His desire to encounter Jesus symbolizes the human soul’s yearning for God, a restlessness that points us toward seeking deeper meaning and truth. Zacchaeus recognizes his limitation—not just physically, but symbolically. His shortness can be seen as an acknowledgment of human inadequacy or sinfulness. Recognizing one’s shortcomings is the first step toward humility and openness to grace. Despite his limitations, Zacchaeus doesn’t resign himself to the crowd’s barriers. Instead, he takes bold action by climbing a sycamore tree. This act of creativity and determination allows him to rise above the obstacles and see Jesus. Jesus responds to Zacchaeus’ efforts by calling him by name and inviting Himself into his home. This encounter leads to Zacchaeus’ conversion—a shift in his heart and priorities. Let’s reflect: What are the “crowds” in my life that keep me from seeing clearly Jesus, and what bold steps could I take to rise above them to encounter deeper truth and meaning?
Don Giorgio