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LK 19: 1-10 |
* by Dr. Mary Durkin | |
| Background:
* In
many of the Gospel stories, Jesus seemed to be hanging out with people considered
unacceptable by the rest of the community, especially by the religious leaders who tended
to cater to the more “acceptable” members – those who were elite and/or
powerful. Zacchaeus did not fit that image. The tax collector's occupation carried a
negative image, many of them were felt to be dishonest in the way they went about their
work. . Though a tax collector, Zacchaeus was so eager to see Jesus that he
disregarded the scorn of the crowd. His eagerness was rewarded in a way he might never
have anticipated. Jesus saw him and invited him to dine with him, a sure sign that
Zaccheaus was in for much more than he had anticipated. A look and an invitation from
Jesus changed this man from the sinner the community thought him to be into a man upon
whose house Jesus brought salvation. |
read the padre |
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Story: Once upon a time, not so very long ago, the members of a certain
parish were delighted to hear that the new archbishop of their archdiocese would be
confirming the members of the confirmation class. The new pastor set up a committee to
make all the arrangements – pre ceremony, after ceremony and anything else they
considered important. The committee members debated many items (as committee members are
wont to do). Finally, they reported their suggestions to the pastor. A select group
of high donors would be invited to a dinner preceding the ceremony. Other consistent
donors would be invited to the reception following the event. The pastor was not pleased
with their suggestions. He called them together and thanked them for their input but said
he thought gatherings before and after the confirmation should honor members of the
community that were visible signs of the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
Though he did not rule out donors, he suggested that there were many individual in the
community, though unable to make big contributions, were wonderful examples of the work of
the Holy Spirit in the community. He wanted the new confirmandees to know that everyone,
no matter what his or her status, is called to partake of the banquet and go forth and do
good. * by Dr. Mary Durkin |
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