Today’s Thoughts: Today we have two stories that reflect the journey of faith. In our first reading from the Second Book of Maccabees (2 Mc 6:18-31), we encounter the closing moments of Eleazar’s life. In the Gospel we encounter the famous story of the Chief Tax Collected of Jericho, Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10). Eleazar lives his faith as an example for all to his death and Zacchaeus with his liabilities, one he was short, and the other was that he was a tax collector found and saved by Jesus.
Eleazar, given an opportunity to extend his life chooses not to take the easy road as he wants his life to have meaning until the end. He draws of the gift of God’s wisdom in his old age to be a lasting example of faith. He is willing to lose what is most precious to him, his life in order to be saved. Zacchaeus, on the other hand, could not do anything about his shortness that was with him to stay. Being a tax collector seemed to be his choice. We do not know how he got the job or why he wanted it, but it put him in a bad light with many people and the religious leadership. He was seen as a sinner, someone who sold out to the Romans and someone who was cheating his own people just to get ahead in life. However, there was something honest and interesting about Zacchaeus. When he heard that Jesus was in town, he wanted to see him, catch a glimpse. So as the story goes, he climbed a tree, and we might say the rest was history. Jesus saw him and invited him down for a closer look. We find out through the conversation between Jesus and Zacchaeus that Zacchaeus is trying to be an honest man and he is willing to go the extra mile if he has hurt or harmed anyone by his position and he is rewarded for his honesty and good heart as Jesus comes to his house. Zacchaeus was able to take his shortcomings, his liabilities and turn them into strengths. He was able to make a positive situation out of a negative. All he needed to do was seek out God in his life. Our stories today remind us of God’s constant presence in our life. Eleazar, because of a life-long relationship with God enhanced by his aged wisdom, trusted in the presence of God and while it brought him temporary suffering it also brought him eternal joy! In the story of Zacchaeus, Jesus reminds us that good things, faithful things can come from unexpected situations and people. Like Zacchaeus we need to be on the lookout for the presence of God in our life and be bold when our chance comes to encounter that presence! Have a holy and blessed Tuesday everyone!
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Fr. Paul R. Fagan, C.P. "Preacher on the Run"Just a few thoughts to help you on your journey through life...let me know from time to time what you think... Archives
April 2024
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