November 3, 2019

Post date: Nov 04, 2019 4:54:0 PM

November 3, 2019 Homily by Bishop Robert Barron given by Fr. Karl Schray

Tax collectors were, in Jesus’ time and place, particularly loathsome characters.

Not only did they collaborate with the hated oppressors,

but they also became rich at the expense of their own people.

Zacchaeus is described in Luke’s Gospel as the chief tax collector,

which means that he must have been hated with close to a justified hatred.

This despised man hears that the famous rabbi, Jesus,

is passing through the town; and so, he climbs a tree to get a better look.

Here is the first lesson from this story: never give up!

Zacchaeus must have known why people hated him;

and he probably regretted his career for the same reasons.

He knew he was a shark and a traitor, unworthy of the mercy of God.

But he climbed that tree anyway. That simple outreach,

that little bit of spiritual curiosity or hunger is all the Lord needs.

And that brings us to the second lesson. Jesus catches sight of him in the tree,

and without hesitation, says,

“Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.”

This is the invasion of grace. Without asking permission or demanding that

Zacchaeus demonstrate impressive qualifications, Jesus moves in.

Think of the house here as a representation of the man’s soul.

No matter how much you have sinned,

no matter how far you have wandered from the Lord,

no matter how unworthy you feel,

open your heart even a tiny sliver—and grace will pour in.

But then watch what happens:

Zacchaeus says to Jesus, ‘Behold half of my possessions I shall give to the poor,

and if I have extorted anything from anyone, I shall repay it four times over.’

This is the third and final lesson: grace is free, but it is not cheap.

Once you let Christ into your house, he will renovate it.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS BY JESUS!