Are You Up a Tree?

I like to see patterns.  I think they are helpful for us to see the bigger picture in circumstances.  In listening to the proclamation of the Gospel of Luke (19:1-10) about the tax collector, a wealthy man, it is easy to discern a pattern that still applies to us today.

Jesus was passing through a town and Zacchaeus, the tax collector, wanted to see him.  Zacchaeus climbed up a tree and when Jesus saw him, he told Zacchaeus that he was going to stay at his house.  Now everyone knew that this man was not an honest person and certainly not worthy of having Jesus come to his house!

But there he was, in the midst of the crowd, called out by Jesus, the subject of much grumbling by those standing around watching the event unfold.

In response to Jesus, Zacchaeus said he would give away half of his possessions to the poor and repay anything he had taken from others dishonestly.

Next, Jesus pronounces salvation.

Here's the pattern:

We have an encounter with Jesus.  He calls us forth.  We respond.  Salvation is proclaimed. 

Where are you on this journey, in this pattern? Have you had an encounter with Jesus in your life?  An encounter usually involves a very real experience, or sense, of God's presence.

Have you had an encounter and already begun to respond, wondering, "What does this mean?  What am I supposed to be doing?"

Or, have you been through all of this and now live in gratitude, knowing the joy to come in eternal life?

The pattern shown in the story of Zacchaeus can lead us to a deeper connection to God.  It can potentially change our life. When we have such an encounter and follow the process, we will surely discover the peace and happiness that God intends for us to have.

Begin today with a thoughtful assessment of where you are in this process and consider where you want to be.  If you have not had such an encounter, and are at the very beginning, ask yourself what you need to do to open yourself up.

While we cannot initiate such an encounter--it is a pure gift from God and according to his timing--we can certainly prepare ourselves so we are ready to receive it.  Sitting quietly before a tabernacle, or with a crucifix, is a good place to begin.  Meditating on a scripture passage or doing acts of kindness for others would also be good.  Anything involving attentive prayer should be tried.

Of course, if none of that works, I suppose, like Zacchaeus, you could start by climbing a tree and waiting for Jesus to pass by!

Janet Cassidy
janetcassidy.com

#zacchaeus
#salvation

Thinking about not voting out of frustration? I'd like to share a link with you that has to do with the importance of forming our conscience and participating in the political process. 

"As a nation, we share many blessings and strengths, including a tradition of religious freedom and political participation. However, as a people, we face serious challenges that are both political and moral. This has always been so and as Catholics we are called to participate in public life in a manner consistent with the mission of our Lord, a mission that he has called us to share . . ."  

Please continue reading by clicking this LINK.