31st Sunday in Ordinary Time 2022
Luke 19:1-10
The scene of Zacchaeus perched on the sycamore tree is one beloved of budding artists in primary schools. There is daring, adventure, and perhaps, a hint of naughtiness that captures the attention of young children in the Gospel story today.
There are many explanations as to why Zaccheaus is up a tree when Jesus is passing. Yes, the scripture tells us that he was short in stature. A man of his importance in the community would surely be given a place in front of the crowds. But perhaps that was the problem: he may not have wanted such prominence on this occasion. After all, if he was in front perhaps he might have been asked to welcome Jesus officially. And yet, he was curious and didn’t want to miss the occasion. Maybe his was a curiosity that went a bit deeper.
Zaccheaus had heard of the activities and the teachings of Jesus. He did want to hear more but how would it be viewed if one like him was to show interest in such a person and yet there was something stirring in him. If he went up the tree and viewed from a distance, he would be in control, would have time to think and then he would decide if this ‘Kingdom of God’ was for him. His life would not need to change very much; he was good-living, he cared for the poor, he didn’t cheat. The decision would be his alone!
For disciples of Jesus, responding to the ‘call’ is the first requirement and there is not an ‘a la carte’ menu. Jesus came to ‘look for the lost one, bring back the stray, bandage the injured and make the sick strong’ (Ezk 34:16). The Gospel of St Luke portrays Jesus as the God of mercy. In this Gospel passage it is Jesus who is fully active. He takes the initiative.
Zaccheaus didn’t even know he was lost! He had it all under control! His life was good and his morals above reproach. Conversion is not what we want it to be. But we do need to be open to it and, when we receive the call, we rely on the Grace of God to respond generously.