Zacchaeus
We are all familiar with the story of Zacchaeus from this weekend’s Gospel. How does this Gospel relate to our lives? There were a few things that struck me when praying with these readings. It is noted that Zacchaeus is a short man. It is interesting this is noted in scripture. I wonder if it is not just his height, but also his shortcomings or things he was not proud of. This is how I relate to Zacchaeus. I have things I am not proud of or don’t want to highlight. We all have those things. What strikes me is Zacchaeus takes a risk and climbs the tree, because he DESIRES to see Jesus. Zacchaeus was an unliked person as a tax collector. In climbing the tree, he draws attention to himself, rather than blending in and staying in the crowd. I am not a risk taker, and like to be quiet or unseen, but this week I am challenging myself through this Gospel. If I don’t take a risk, do something different, or be vulnerable when it is hard, I am denying my chance to see Jesus. Jesus sees more in Zacchaeus, and he sees more in me than I see in myself. How are you desiring to see Jesus? Are there things that need to be different or risks that need to be taken so you can see what Jesus sees in you? Let us all have courage and desire to see Jesus just like Zacchaeus this week.