Last week in this space we opined about those who feel the “need to be noticed”, offering the thought that too many of us seek attention in ways that are problematic at best, and destructive at worst.
But in today’s Gospel, we encounter Zacchaeus, a case study in total opposition to last week’s focus.
Zacchaeus HAS a heartfelt desire, but it is not for recognition. If anything, we could surmise that he would like to “fade into the woodwork,” to use a contemporary euphemism. He’s a tax collector. The people HATE him because of this, for while being a Jew, he is become a representative of the oppressing government, the Romans.
We all know the story. But some aspects of it bear both repetition and a greater depth of view.
First, Zacchaeus WANTED to be able just to SEE the Lord. Yes, he was seen as “a sinner” because of his profession by other Jews in the streets. Yes, he no doubt felt a sense of guilt over his life’s turns and the way in which he conducted his business as a tax collector (he cheated people out of money). All that being as it may, he DESIRED to see the Lord, not unlike people who join other crowds to this very day to catch a glimpse of sports heroes, rock stars, movie stars, or showing my age, astronauts. When people attempt to do this, they NEVER expect to be noticed by the person or persons they are attempting to see.
But here is the first place that Zacchaeus’ actions take a turn. He can’t see the Lord because he’s too short. So he looks, and determines that Jesus will pass a certain tree. So he rushes there, climbs up far enough to get his view.
And Jesus arrives. Mission accomplished. Go home, right?
WRONG!
It is Jesus now Who calls out, not to a non-descript man in a tree, not to a nameless person in the crowd. Jesus says plainly, specifically, “Zacchaeus, come down! I need to stay in your home this day.”
Never having met him, Jesus calls him by name. And in His call, there is not judgment. There is love. REAL love. Agape kind of love. The crowd has condemned him. Jesus accepts him.
Why?
Because He knows the hearts of man, and Jesus knows that in showing love—and forgiveness—Zacchaeus’ life will be changed forever, conformed to the will of God.
What happens to Zacchaeus after this encounter in the street? He goes home with the Lord. He makes a vow to distribute anything he’s stolen in restoration to those he harmed. He gives from what remains to the poor.
His entire life is changed.
What happens to Zacchaeus after this encounter in his home?
Tradition holds that he became a traveling companion with St. Peter on his missionary trips. It further teaches that St. Zacchaeus became the bishop of Caesarea in Palestine, and office he held until he died there in peace.
This account is gifted to us before we cross the threshold into the Triodion, to show us the hope there is in a loving Lord Who is waiting to love us and to forgive us, as well!
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