The first reading for today’s Mass, from the book of Wisdom, provides enough reflection for an entire notebook. The opening lines are a beautiful poetic description of God’s majesty and omnipotence. They are about as close as human language can come to describing the indescribable.
After setting the stage by comparing the insignificance of the universe with the awesome power of God, we hear the most beautiful and welcome message. Everything that God has made is good – because He was the maker. And of all the good things he created, he has a special love for each one of us as unique individuals.
The story gets even better! God understands our fallen world and our own weaknesses (He came to live with us so we would be sure to know that He understands). It turns out that God’s mercy and forgiveness are just as awesome and infinite as His power. He continually “rebukes offenders little by little” (Wis 12:2 ) to bring us back into friendship with Him.
God’s Mercy in Action
Luke’s gospel reading about Zacchaeus and the sycamore tree gives us a perfect example of God’s saving grace in action. Jesus has just informed His apostles that they are going to “travel up to Jerusalem.” It is the most important journey of His earthly life to the place where he will fulfill his earthly mission.
Jesus had intended to pass through Jerico but then he saw one of His lost sheep, the wealthy and corrupt tax collector Zacchaeus, up in a tree. Jesus changes His plans and stops in Jerico for a rescue mission. He takes His customary direct action, unpopular with the crowds who grumble about “eating with sinners,” but perfectly aligned with His mission of bringing souls to God.
Our Response
Zacchaeus put himself in the Lord’s path out of human curiosity and perhaps a sense of his own deeper need. When Jesus turns to face him, Zaccheaus joyfully accepts his salvation. We know that sometimes our acceptance of God’s friendship seems harder and more complicated.
Is it because we feel unlovable or too far gone for forgiveness? We need to remember the goodness of God’s creation and the boundlessness of His mercy. Do we shy away from the practical considerations of following God’s will? Zacchaeus did more than just accept salvation. He declared a detailed plan of penance and new behavior. We need to remember that it is only by following God’s will for us that we can find true peace and happiness.
I pray for God’s grace to enable me to be ready to accept His mercy and bring my life into alignment with His will, for my salvation and the salvation of my home.
