WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT ZACCHAEUS AND BARTIMAEUS?
ZACCHAEUS SUCCUMBED TO THE CHARM OF JESUS.
“At that time, Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town.
"Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature.
"So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way.
"When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.”
And Zacchaeus came down quickly and received him with joy.
"When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner.”
"But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.”
"And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.” (Luke 19: 1 - 10).
TUESDAY 19TH NOVEMBER 2024 IN THE 33rd WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME.
Zacchaeus experiences the irresistible power of the Presence of Jesus and was overwhelmed by the charm of Jesus Christ. . Result: Instant and profound conversion.
What do you think of the encounter of Jesus with Zacchaeus in Jericho? Accident or Providence?
Accident, chance, coincidence are not part of Bible vocabulary or Bible worldview. In the Scriptures, the teaching of the Church and the Church Fathers, everything is Divine Providence.
It is therefore interesting to note that Zacchaeus was ready for this moment. Abraham was ready when God called. David was ready. Mary was ready when Archangel Gabriel came knocking. Readiness for key moments in our lives is part of predestination. Are you ready now if Jesus is passing by your house?
Many thieves and fraudsters who are caught red handed try to negotiate the terms of the settlement. Not Zacchaeus. His attitude is: Lord, I give up everything to be a part of You and Your Enterprise.
Taking a cue from the conversion of Zacchaeus, the Church teaches:
"Jesus calls to conversion. This call is an essential part of the proclamation of the kingdom: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel."......... It is by faith in the Gospel and by Baptism that one renounces evil and gains salvation, that is, the forgiveness of all sins and the gift of new life." (CCC 1427).
Let us note that Zacchaeus and Bartimaeus are in a class of their own. Both miracles happened in Jericho. Jericho must be a good place to meet Jesus.
"But you have mercy on all, because you can do all things; and you overlook sins for the sake of repentance." (Wisdom 11: 23).
I will praise Your name forever my King and my God.
"As for you, dear brother, beloved friend, and priest of My Heart, attach yourself firmly to My Mother by means of her Rosary, and she will never forsake you. Call upon her in every need of yours, great or small, of soul or of body, and you will understand that she is in truth your Mother of Perpetual Help." (IN SINU JESU).
November is the Month we pray for the Souls in PURGATORY.
Can you say: One Our Father, One Hail Mary, One Glory be every day from now to the end of November for the Souls of the members of your family who have departed this life?
For Catholic Church teaching on the Souls in PURGATORY and how to help them, click the link below:
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