[__01a__] The
return is Good News.
We read this Sunday from the Gospel of Luke, chapter
19, in which Zacchaeus touches down – returns – to earth not only according to
the law/force of GRAVITY …but also according to the invitation of Jesus, the
new law of love.
[__01b__] The
return was -- also -- Good News for the Prodigal Son whose arrival home was marked
by music and mercy, feasting and forgiveness.
Zacchaeus returns and makes good on his debts/sins
against others.
For those whom he took money unfairly / unjustly, the
4-times payback, the 400% return is also good news.
[__01c__] The problem for Zacchaeus is not his high altitude of
wealth or money … but his attitude and choices made to collect such wealth and
status.
The return is Good News. Zacchaeus recognizes his
responsibility to give back and avoid dishonesty.
“Come down quickly for I must stay at your house,”
Jesus says. (Luke 19:5)
The return is a relationship with our Savior. The
return to earth is good news.
[__02__] Zacchaeus
willingly climbs down from his branch.
But, he would have reason to be reluctant. The people
beneath him – physically, socioeconomically, intellectually – bear him great
contempt and resentment.
The tree branch is a refuge, but it will only last temporarily.
His wealth – material possessions – are also temporary.
[__03__] One biblical commentator writes that
Zacchaeus held a high (exalted) position at an important customs post in the
town/city of Jericho. Zacchaeus had turned this position into something very
profitable.
Material success, in a sense, also increases his height
above others.
Isn’t this the case with the material success or
material status of, say, many official persons – the President, Governor,
Senator …
These are individuals resemble Zacchaeus and would dare
not run ahead of a crowd for a better view or climb a tree. Rather, other
people / crowds clear the way for
them. And, for a better view.. well … we
can see them with a television set around
their heads.
So, Zacchaeus normally would not run fast to overtake a
crowd, he normally does not climb trees…this would be beneath his official
dignity. Zacchaeus can afford to fly
first class and frequently, with Gold Elite Status on United and a Platinum
card.
He flies when others sit in traffic.
The return is Good News.
Zacchaeus returns to earth, seeking a relationship
through faith and action, making a profession of faith in Jesus and also making
reparation – payback – to those whom he has wronged.
Zacchaeus is similar to the tax collector about whom we
read in last Sunday’s Gospel. This tax
collector makes one petition before God, “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”
(Luke 18:13)
[__04__] Sometimes, we may be believe – or come to
think – that we are only happy – fulfilled – when we are on the high branch, at
a high altitude, flying and flying frequently …
How do we attain such heights ?
What is the high branch for you, for me?
[__05.(a)__] The
high branch could be our ambition, our pride, our desire to be seen by others
in the best possible light.
Accepting our faults, we do not become instantly a success
– or a failure. Rather, we are accepting
our need for God’s grace. This is humility.
The return to earth is Good News.
[__05.(b)__] The high branch could be our desire for
satisfaction for a relationship, or for a relationship to go a particular way,
even if this is contrary to our own faith, to our knowledge of what is fair, just, true.
Am I driven by desire for satisfaction, possession … or
possessions?
Am I willing to be possessed by the Holy Spirit and to
serve God and my neighbor.
Zacchaeus opens the door of his home as we are called
to do, to open the door of our car, our dorm room, our hearts to the Father,
Son and Holy Spirit.
We are not simply entering God’s house when we come to
Sunday Mass. Jesus is entering our house each day that we descend from our
sycamore tree.
The return is Good News.
[__05.(c)__] The
high branch could be my – or your – bitternness, resentment over a previous
hurt.
Anger is sometimes a high and mighty branch.
The climb down maybe gradual. And, we may not climb
down into the exact same relationship as before. Nevertheless, forgiveness is a
return home for both the person doing the forgiving… even if the person being
forgiven is not aware.
Loving our adversaries – our enemies – does not mean we
have to surrender ourselves to our enemies.
Rather, we are surrendering ourselves to God.
In the act of forgiveness, we are also sharing the wood
of the branch, the wood of cross, the suffering of Calvary where Jesus was also
up a tree.
Sharing his mercy and forgiveness, we ourselves come
back to street level in Jericho.
The return to earth is Good News.
[__fin__] 
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