Daily Reflection for Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Tuesday’s readings at this link:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/111720.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22
Responsorial: Psalm 15:2-5
Gospel: Luke19:1-10
Our reflection on Tuesday’s readings:
For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost. Luke 19:10
Today’s gospel tells the story of a man who is transformed by the love of Jesus. As Jesus was passing through the city of Jericho, Zacchaeus the chief tax collector for the occupying Romans, climbed a tree to get a glimpse of Him as he passed by. Zacchaeus was probably the most despised man in Jericho. Imagine his surprise and that of his neighbors when Jesus singles him out of the crowd and chooses to stay at his house. Then something remarkable happens—Zacchaeus is transformed from a greedy man into a person of courageous justice and lavish generosity. This happens not because Jesus sternly preached repentance but because he enabled Zacchaeus to experience God’s unconditional love.
It took reading a fascinating article to help me see how often in the gospels Jesus just happens to pass by at the very moment when someone needs help or healing. In Luke’s gospel alone, Jesus happens to pass by when several demoniacs need curing. He happens to pass by when the future disciples are toiling to earn their daily living and calls them to follow Him. He happens to pass by when the centurion’s servant is near death and when the widow of Naim grieves the death of her only son. He happens to pass by lepers on the road in need of curing and on the day when Zacchaeus is open to salvation. Coincidence?
In retrospect, I can view some of my own experiences as moments when Jesus happened to pass by just when I needed it: retreats that lifted my spirit and deepened my faith at a critical moment. Times when the love of friends and family assured me that I was lovable when I wasn’t totally convinced of that myself. The strengthening affirmations of trusted mentors that I could accomplish a task, even when it felt like something beyond my reach. Moments of fear for myself or loved ones when we emerged unscathed.
In other scripture stories, the word saved is translated as made well, healed, and made whole. Today’s final verse makes it clear: Jesus' visit in Zacchaeus' house was not a detour on his journey to Jerusalem; it was and is the very purpose of the journey. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.
Where in your life can you see moments when Jesus happened to pass by?
What current concerns do you have where you want Jesus to happen to pass by?
As a member of Christ’s Body, where can you bring His saving power to those you happen to pass by in your own daily life?
Wishing you God’s blessings,
Jean Galanti