Daily Readings - Tue Nov 21 2023
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 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.