Saving Grace

   

  Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

30 October 2022 

 

First Reading: Wis 11:22-12:2

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13, 14

Second Reading: 2 Thes 1:11-2:2

Gospel: Lk 19:1-10

 

Reflection

By: Theresa Ballo-Manio

 

We are all like Zaccheaus at one point in our lives. Sometimes life drifts us apart from the straight road. We do sinful ways because we become impulsive to act to our desires, histories, and self-preservation. There are also times when sin creates a feeling of home, an illusion that we are not and will never be alone. We fall into temptations. There are also times when we rationalize sin for good intentions like stealing and lying to feed a family, killing a killer, or saying it was just part of my job or what I was raised to. In spite of these sinfulness and shortcomings, there’s the small voice that echoes within us telling us the truth. The truth that says we want to be good, we long to repent, and we wish to feel God’s attention and favor in us once again. Like Zaccheus, we crave for Jesus’ attention and forgiveness. He climbed a tree and called out to Jesus. What Jesus did, he stopped, looked at him, asked him to go down and stayed in his house even though this was not actually part of his planned itinerary. 

That’s how Jesus responds when we show interest in Him, no matter how small and how sinful we are. He goes out of His way for us. He draws us closer to him. He offers to listen, dine with us, and  have a personal encounter with us. This kind of love and attention changed Zaccheaus. Same with us, when we feel God’s presence in our lives, the more we strive to be good, to offer whatever we have in obedience and in the service of Him. 

Moreso, we can be like Jesus too in every Zaccheaus we meet in our lives. Let us not focus on the sin but on the sinner. We are invited to listen and see each person  as needing love and attention – this changes people. In this way, we get trust in return. Then we can now go towards helping the person correct his mistakes and turn away from sinful habits and ways. Zaccheaus changed his mind about the importance of money and told Jesus that he will now give rather than just receive. Indeed, true repentance is a change of thought that results in a change of action. 

The Gospel today contains a promise to all of us, that anyone, even sinners desire to see Jesus' will. More than that, Jesus sees us and in this way he will make our joy complete. 

Prayer

Lord, God, You showed as saving grace through Zaccheaus' conversion. Help me to be generous, so that they will see how wonderful it is to follow You! Help me become more aware that I am in Your loving presence at all times and in all places. Help me to see the helpful generosity  in me and in every person that I meet, and this includes those whom I may find difficult. Amen.