Be a fool to see Jesus and wise in the eyes of God - Homily 31st Sunday cycle C

Today we have the story of a short man, Zacchaeus, who went to great lengths to see Jesus.   Being a bit height challenged myself, I kind of like Zacchaeus.  Sometimes when obstacles get in the way of seeing we need to make an extra effort to be able to see clearly.    Zacchaeus made that effort and some in the crowd thought he was foolish.  Can you imagine a grown man climbing a tree? What a sight that must have been! Zacchaeus’ tree climbing may have seemed foolish to the crowd caught up in the ways of world, but very wise in the eyes of God.

Zacchaeus was not someone the Jews held in esteem.     He was a Jew who worked for the Romans collecting tolls on goods from people traveling to and from Jericho.   As a chief tax collector Zacchaeus had agents working for him, which made him wealthy without having to do much of the work.  The agents would collect an extra cut above the Roman tax so they could pay themselves and Zacchaeus.  If you were considered wealthy with many resources, people thought that you were guilty of  taking away from those who were in need. Being a chief tax collector and wealthy, Zacchaeus was considered a sinner.  

Zacchaeus was somehow compelled to see Jesus when he came to Jericho.  We’re told he ran to see Jesus and climbed a sycamore tree to be able to see him.  This sounds

like he did this with a sense of urgency.  He could now clearly see Jesus. Jesus saw him as well and picked him out of the entire crowd with some greater plan.   Jesus insisted on coming to stay at his house that very day.   Zacchaeus quickly climbs down and welcomes Jesus with joy!  The crowd wasn’t happy about this and complained, “He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner”. They may have expected Jesus to perform some miraculous cure of the lame, sick, possessed, or raising of the dead, but not for Jesus to come stay with a sinner!    But that’s exactly what Jesus intended to do.

Zacchaeus took the initiative by climbing over his obstacles to see Jesus.  He really wanted to see him, but Jesus wanted something even more for Zacchaeus: he wanted to save him.   Zacchaeus joyfully welcomes Jesus into his house and this encounter profoundly changes him, committing half his possessions to the poor and to restoring four times more to anyone he’s extorted. Jewish law only required restoration of what was taken plus twenty percent. Zacchaeus had truly repented because he made the effort to see Jesus.   Our Lord returned the hospitality of Zacchaeus with something even greater, saying to him, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.”     Through this encounter Zacchaeus received the gift of everlasting joy of Jesus.

Can we sometimes be a little bit short sighted like Zacchaeus, not able to clearly see Jesus?  Are there obstacles that keep us from being able to see him?  Our culture drives us to focus all our time and effort to make more money, have more stuff, and to be constantly entertained.   This may bring short term pleasure but doesn’t lead us to everlasting joy and eternal life.   Are we willing to make the effort like Zacchaeus to seek out Jesus or do we just fit him in when there’s a crisis or it’s convenient?   

It’s especially joyful to see all of you here making the effort to see Jesus.   The Church provides us with many opportunities to see Jesus so he can save us.  We are blessed to encounter Jesus in the Eucharist every week and receive him with joy!  His grace strengthens us to overcome the many obstacles in our lives.   We also have the Sacraments of reconciliation and anointing of the sick that can help heal our souls to clearly see Jesus.   We can also see him daily in prayer and Scripture.   In many of the people we encounter daily we’re also able to see Jesus, if we are open to this possibility. We just need to plan the effort to seek him out. He’s always there for us, no matter what we’ve done, ready to seek and to save us.

This past Friday I was able to spend some time with the men and woman at communion services at Johnson County jail.    These people are struggling with all kinds of obstacles that keep them from seeing Jesus.   Many of them are challenged by addictions that may bring short term pleasure, but no lasting joy. I’m encouraged to see them come to the communion service, in the midst of their struggles.   They get a chance to be with Jesus, as they’re away from the distractions that keep them from him. I was especially touched this week by a young lady, who cried tears of joy as she received Jesus in the Eucharist.   After the service she took a Bible and prayer book, and she was very grateful.  I think her encounter with Jesus was a lot like Zacchaeus, knowing Jesus came for her to seek and save what was lost.  

So, what are the obstacles keeping us from seeing Jesus? Before it gets too busy with the Advent and Christmas season take some quiet time to pray for the grace to climb over these obstacles.  Be foolish in the eyes of the world by making the time and effort, to quickly climb up the tree like Zacchaeus did to see Jesus.  By doing so you’ll be wise in the eyes of God, seeking to be with the one who seeks to save us.