Daily Readings - Tue Nov 19 2019
Luke
1And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.2And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.3And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.4And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.5And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.6And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.7And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.8And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.9And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.10For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful stories of faith and moral courage. The first reading from 2 Maccabees tells the story of Eleazar, an elderly scribe who chooses to endure brutal torture rather than violate the laws of his faith by eating forbidden food. Despite the offer to pretend to comply with the king’s decree, Eleazar refuses to compromise his beliefs, even in the face of death. His decision is rooted in his deep commitment to his faith and his desire to set an example of integrity for others, especially the young. Eleazar’s courage and conviction remind us that living according to our principles, even in the face of suffering, is a testament to the power of faith.
The Gospel reading from Luke presents us with the story of Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector who, upon encountering Jesus, undergoes a profound transformation. Zacchaeus, known for his dishonesty, climbs a tree to see Jesus, symbolizing his desire to rise above his sinful ways. When Jesus invites himself to Zacchaeus’ home, Zacchaeus responds with generosity and a commitment to make amends for his past wrongs. His actions demonstrate that true repentance leads to tangible change, as he dedicates himself to justice and compassion. Zacchaeus’ story shows us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace and that faith can lead to radical transformation.
Both readings highlight the connection between faith and action. Eleazar’s refusal to compromise his beliefs and Zacchaeus’ decision to live a life of integrity and generosity challenge us to examine our own lives. How do we respond to moral dilemmas? Are we willing to stand firm in our faith, even when it is difficult? Do we allow God’s grace to transform us and inspire us to live with compassion and justice? Let us draw strength from Eleazar’s courage and Zacchaeus’ humility, striving to live in a way that reflects our commitment to God and to the values of His kingdom. May we, like Zacchaeus, open our hearts to Jesus and allow Him to transform us, so that we may live as faithful witnesses of His love and mercy.