Saturday Reflection – 23 January 2021

Saturday Reflection – 23 January 2021

“The Son of Man came to seek out and save the lost.” St. Luke 19:10

In St. Luke 19, we are told the familiar story of a man by the name of Zacchaeus. We remember from the songs we used to sing that:
“Zacchaeus was a very little man, a very little man was he,
He climbed up into a sycamore tree, for the Lord he wanted to see.”

This exchange between Jesus and Zacchaeus was one of those which embodies the true nature of love and mercy that God has shown to humanity. Zacchaeus was a tax collector, in a society where tax collectors were despised. This was so because they became rich from unjust and corrupt taxation practices. Being a social reject, the news of Jesus passing by would no doubt inspire a large crowd. And that would not be a hospitable place for Zacchaeus to find himself. Furthermore, being short, he would not be able to push or see above the large crowd to see the Messiah as he passed by. Fortunate for him, there was a sycamore tree, ahead of the gathering and having climbed it, he would get a better view. Having done so, Jesus noticed him and called him down. He never pointed him out to call him out on his unjust practices but told invited himself to his house. It was that faith coupled with Christ’s love that transformed his life and allowed him to turn to righteousness.

Zacchaeus was both short and hated. Therefore, the possibility of someone helping him was slim to non-existent. But he heard that the Messiah was passing by and wanted to catch a glimpse of him. It was that conviction that made him undaunted by the crowd and sought to climb the sycamore tree. We must never allow the barriers that are presented to us, to prevent us from seeking Christ. Ultimately, Zacchaeus was called on and rewarded for his persistence. Even now, where the effects of last year still linger on, many of us, have become despondent, have lost zeal or passion for Christ, or many of us, have become comfortable in the grace and love of Christ. But Zacchaeus was not comfortable with only hearing Jesus speak, through covered by the large crowd, and would now allow that moment of transformation, of change, or refreshing, or of renewal to pass him by. We must still be persistent in our faith, for as Christ reaches out to us, we must each day, still desire a more intimate relationship with our Lord.

The doctrinal text is a reminder of the true heart of God. This love demonstrated in the Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary opens the door for anyone that would receive him. And in boldly seeking – there shall be find and be transformed. Like Zacchaeus, we may be prompted to come down from the sycamore tree, and in humility to accept the gift so freely given to us. It is for us to acknowledge our own deficiencies and submit to the will of God who is the author and finisher of our faith. Even as Christians, Zacchaeus’ experience may be ours as we are called to our first love. Whatever the cause, there is refreshing and renewal in every experience with Jesus.

Finally, though the crowds grumbled and wished to denounce Christ as one who ate and drank with sinners. His example taught us our true role and responsibility as his ambassadors. It is often said that “the church is a hospital for sinners and not a club for saints.” Many times, whether unknowingly or deliberately, we ourselves become barriers to the loving welcome that Christ offers to those outside of his grace. Zacchaeus had to break down the barrier but there are those who are not able to do so, and as such will forever remain outside of grace. Let us then be determined to follow Christ’s example and with the same love and in the same welcome, receive anyone who would come to know Christ as Lord.

Until next week, we are reminded that Christ demonstrated his love for us, in that moment when like Zacchaeus, we met the good shepherd and like lost sheep were welcomed home. Let that moment inspire true worship and service to God who called us from darkness into his marvellous light. And let us then exhibit that same attitude of love to others, in gratitude to our God who is love. For the world will know we are Christians, by our love. Amen.

Dominic J. Blair