Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC
Welcome on this 20th Sunday after Trinity. It’s the 30th of October, and as I stand here among the autumn trees in the Northern Hemisphere, I am reminded that we are approaching the end of the liturgical year. Just three Sundays remain before Advent, the start of a new Christian year. As we near this transition, we reflect on themes that are both deep and significant.
Setting the Scene for Today’s Message
The seasons changing around us, with the vivid hues of autumn giving way to winter, serve as a metaphor for endings and new beginnings. In this spirit, I want to share with you today’s reading from the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 19, which tells the story of Zacchaeus.
Encounter in Jericho: The Tale of Zacchaeus
Imagine Jericho bustling with life as Jesus walks through. There, we meet Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector. He’s wealthy, but his profession has made him despised among his own people. As a tax collector working for the Roman authorities, Zacchaeus is seen as a betrayer, someone who takes from his fellow Jews to give to the occupying powers.
But here’s what’s striking: despite his wealth and status, Zacchaeus is curious, eager to see who Jesus is. However, there’s a problem—he’s short. Unable to see over the crowd, he does something extraordinary, almost comical: he climbs a sycamore tree. Picture this wealthy, important man scrambling up a tree, hoping for a better view. It’s an image that speaks to the desperation and longing in his heart.
Jesus’ Unconditional Acceptance
Then comes the pivotal moment. Jesus reaches the spot, looks up, and calls Zacchaeus by name. He doesn’t need an introduction; he already knows Zacchaeus. “Zacchaeus,” Jesus says, “hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” It’s an astonishing act. Jesus chooses to dine with someone everyone else calls a sinner. The crowd grumbles and judges, but Jesus’ actions convey a powerful message of acceptance.
What’s remarkable is Zacchaeus’ response. This moment of grace transforms him. He stands and says to Jesus, “Look, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone, I will pay back four times as much.” His repentance isn’t just words; it’s concrete action. He commits to making amends and giving generously.
Reflection: Restitution and True Repentance
It’s a lesson for all of us. Repentance involves more than saying, “I’m sorry.” It requires restitution, a real effort to make things right. I often wonder, what would the world look like if nations that had historically plundered others turned around and said, “We will restore everything we took, fourfold.” It seems unimaginable, but it serves as a thought-provoking reminder. Even if we can’t expect such grand gestures from countries, we can strive for this level of integrity in our personal lives.
We are called to look at our relationships—those we have damaged—and consider what we need to do to make amends. Just as Zacchaeus experienced acceptance and generosity from Jesus, we too receive this grace. Jesus invites us, not just into our homes but into our hearts. He asks to make our hearts his throne room, a place where he can dwell.
A Message of God’s Love
Let me remind you: God loves you deeply. Whether you feel sure of this love or find yourself in doubt, God’s love remains steadfast. Whether you are at home or out in the world, that love surrounds you. Today, Jesus comes to dwell anew within you. It’s an invitation to turn away from all that harms our connection to God and others, to let his love transform us.
A Prayer of Unity
Let’s join together in prayer, as Jesus taught us:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God and of his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. And may the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you and remain with you always. God bless you.
