Daily Readings - Tue Nov 21 2023
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 moral integrity. The first reading from 2 Maccabees tells the story of Eleazar, an elderly scribe who faces a daunting choice: conform to the king’s decree and eat forbidden food, or remain faithful to his Jewish traditions and face death. Eleazar chooses the latter, embracing martyrdom rather than compromising his beliefs. His decision is motivated by a deep commitment to his faith and a desire to set an example for others, especially the young, demonstrating the transformative power of standing firm in one’s convictions.
The Gospel reading from Luke introduces us to Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector often shunned by society. Despite his questionable profession, Zacchaeus’s curiosity and desire to see Jesus lead him to climb a tree. Jesus, noticing his efforts, invites Himself to Zacchaeus’s home. This act of kindness sparks a profound transformation in Zacchaeus, who vows to give half his possessions to the poor and make amends for any wrongdoing. Jesus’s response underscores the redemptive power of encountering God, emphasizing that salvation comes to those who seek it with an open heart.
Both stories highlight the importance of living with integrity and being open to transformation. Eleazar’s courage to stand by his principles, even in the face of death, teaches us about the impact our choices can have on others. Zacchaeus’s journey from isolation to repentance reminds us that it’s never too late to change and that true faith leads to action. These narratives encourage us to examine our own lives, to stand firm in our beliefs, and to embrace opportunities for growth and redemption. May we, like Eleazar and Zacchaeus, live with the courage to remain true to our faith and the humility to seek transformation, allowing God’s grace to guide us in our daily lives.