Daily Readings - Tue Nov 16 2021
Luke
1He entered Jericho and was passing through.2And there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich.3And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small of stature.4So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way.5And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today."6So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully.7And when they saw it, they all grumbled, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner."8And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold."9And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful stories that invite us to reflect on the essence of faith and redemption. The first reading from 2 Maccabees tells the story of Eleazar, an elderly scribe who chooses martyrdom over compromising his faith. Despite the offer to pretend to comply with the king's decree, Eleazar stands firm, believing that his actions must reflect his beliefs, even in the face of death. His courage and integrity leave a lasting legacy, inspiring others to remain true to their faith.
The Gospel of Luke presents Zacchaeus, a tax collector shunned by society, who seeks Jesus with determination and humility. Climbing a tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus, Zacchaeus's life is transformed when Jesus invites himself to his home. Despite criticism, Zacchaeus responds with repentance, vowing to give half his possessions to the poor and repay those he wronged. Jesus praises him, emphasizing that salvation comes to those who seek redemption.
Both stories highlight the importance of living according to our beliefs. Eleazar's steadfastness reminds us to stand firm in our faith, while Zacchaeus's transformation shows the power of repentance and the inclusivity of God's love. Together, they challenge us to examine our lives, ensuring our actions reflect our faith and that we remain open to change and forgiveness.
In our daily lives, these stories encourage us to live with integrity and humility. Whether facing adversity or seeking forgiveness, we are called to embody our faith actively. Let us draw inspiration from Eleazar's courage and Zacchaeus's repentance, striving to live in a way that reflects God's love and redemption, embracing hope and transformation in our own lives.