The reading from Wisdom has rich, insightful words about how God rebukes sinners so they will turn from sin and back to Him, because He has created all, and so loves all.
That is on display in the Gospel reading, the story of Zacchaeus. As a tax collector, working with the hated Roman authorities, and amassing wealth selfishly, the Jewish people consider him on the wrong side. Yet there's something so compelling about Jesus that Zacchaeus goes to great lengths to see Jesus, even going out on a limb literally.
Yet Jesus is after Zacchaeus, too, as the first sentence of the reading indicates that Jesus has a definite purpose for going into Jericho, which is to invite Zacchaues to open his home, and his life, to Jesus. This encounter compels Zacchaeus to repent of his ways and make things right.
Truly, a relationship with Jesus is meant to be life-changing. Like Bishop Casey spoke so insightfully in his homily at St. Martin de Porres Parish at their Feast Day Mass today, we are not to be stuck in our limitations, but are called to go out on a limb and embrace a new perspective. Jesus comes to us even today, telling us He must come into our homes and lives today, as He invites us to change our perspective on ourselves and others to a way that leads us closer to God Who loves us so much.
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