Daily Readings - Tue Nov 16 2021
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 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.