REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 33RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR I (PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 21ST NOVEMBER 2023

HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 33RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR I (PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY)

Macc.6:18-31; Ps.3; Luke 19:1-10

Make the first move to reach Jesus

In the encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus in the today’s gospel reading, it was first mentioned that this Zacchaeus was a Chief tax collector and rich before it was mentioned that he climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus. There would have been nothing so special about Zacchaeus climbing a sycamore tree to see Jesus, if he was not a high profiled personality. Generally, people with disabilities are aided in one way or the other to make up for their disabilities. But in the case of Zacchaeus, it was humility that was purely at work.

Being famous and rich means that Zacchaeus was already use to being treated specially. If he were to attend an occasion, nothing less than the best seat would be given him. But then, this Zacchaeus already acknowledged the greatness of Jesus from what he had learnt about Him. It is normal for commoners to struggle to have a glimpse or even the slightest encounters with celebrities or high profile persons. So, Zacchaeus reduced himself to a commoner just to have a glimpse of Jesus. It is this humility that intrigued Jesus.

The humility of Zacchaeus did not end there. When people began to murmur that Jesus went into the house of a sinner (tax collector), Zacchaeus expressed more humility in order for him to be worthy in the sight of others to have Jesus in his house. He said: “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold”.

Beloved, the fact remains that every encounter with Jesus is sacrificial. We have to lose something in order to gain Jesus. But the goodnews is that when we make our little effort to come close to Jesus, Jesus himself perfects our efforts by coming close to us. But first, he wants to see our genuine effort. So, do not be afraid that you have strayed too far away to return to your God. If like the prodigal son, we take the first step, the Lord will take other steps for us.