Fr. Paul Campbell’s article for Thirty-first Sunday

Wis 11: 22-12:2                        2 Thes 1:11-2:2            Lk 19: 1-10

Jesus was always able to see positive traits in people; even those who were considered by society to be of questionable morality.  The woman at the well, the unjust steward and Zacheus all displayed an energy that Jesus wanted his followers to have. Granted they used their energy to build up their own kingdoms but at least they had initiative.  Jesus had no time for lukewarm followers.  This week’s gospel is about Zacheus. Zacheus was a Jew who collected the tax for the Romans.  He earned his living by adding extra charges for himself.  The more energy he put into his work the richer he got.  Luke tells us he was a wealthy man.  Yet there was something missing in his life and he was seeking to fill the void.  The rest of the story is familiar.  He ran ahead of where Jesus would walk, climbed a tree to see Jesus and his effort was rewarded by Jesus’ presence in his home.  In this seemingly simple story there are some consolations and challenges for all of us.  As I mentioned Zacheus had energy but he used it to make himself wealthier by exploiting his fellow Jews.  He was hated by them for his actions.  Yet in front of all of the people Jesus asks to dine with him. The consolation in this for all of us is love and acceptance leads to repentance.  The reading from Wisdom says, “But you (God) have mercy on all, because you can do all things; and you overlook people’s sins that they may repent”.  We are loved regardless of the wrong we have done.  Once we realize God’s love and forgiveness toward us we are compelled to respond. The challenge for us is to realize true conversion in others is achieved though love and acceptance rather then condemnation. As I have said before it is easy to condemn someone to hell.  It is much more difficult and Christlike to love them in the midst of their sinfulness.  Can we turn our energy of contempt into acceptance?  Zacheus challenges us by asking to what extent are we willing to go to encounter Jesus.  He was a wealthy man who climbed a tree.  Do we really want to encounter Jesus in a relationship?  How much effort are we willing to put in?  Yes we say the profession of faith each week but are we willing to live it each day?  Climbing a tree will change your perspective but it’s not the only way to do so.  Are you in a rut?  Does your schedule dictate your life?  Then change.  If you are holding on until you retire forget it.  Most of the retired people I know are busier now than ever. How do you change your perspective?  Several schools in our country are doing a series they call “Last Lecture”.  The premise is simple, if you were given one final opportunity to speak in public about what really matters to you, what would you say?  The tree we have to climb begins with composing our own last lecture.  Once you have composed it, see how much it compares to the reality of your life.  If there is a void you must begin to fill it.  It may involve stepping away from the crowd as Zacheus did.  Years ago I realized peer pressure influences adult behavior just as much if not more than it does a young person.  It may involve looking a little silly.  Grown people in trees may look silly but they have a sense of peace and a vision of what is important.  The last challenge Zacheus would offer is to make sure we don’t judge those who have the courage to try and climb the tree.  Those in the crowd laughed at Zacheus as he climbed, but it was Zacheus who had the last laugh.