Daily Readings - Tue Nov 19 2019
Luke
1Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through.2A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy.3He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd.4So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.5When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today."6So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.7All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.'"8But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount."9Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what 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.