Homily

Fr. Jose Kallukalam - Pastor



Thirty first Sunday in Ordinary Time

“I want to stay at your house”

Today’s Gospel story describes how Jesus recognized Zacchaeus for exactly what he was - a lost sinner in need of a Savior. It also tells us how God’s grace worked in Zacchaeus to lead him from mere curiosity to repentance, conversion and restitution. 

The context:   It was Passover time, which meant that tens of thousands of Jewish pilgrims were coming down from Galilee, by-passing Samaria and coming to the toll booth at Jericho to pay their taxes.  Jesus also made this trip, coming from Galilee in the north, to Jerusalem in the south, by way of Jericho.  Since Jesus had become very famous by that time, people passing through the customs-house at Jericho wanted to see him.  Naturally, Zacchaeus was curious to see the new rabbi from Nazareth who, people said, welcomed tax-collectors and sinners as his friends.
Therefore, despite any ridicule he might receive from the crowd, he resolved to get a look at Jesus.  To escape the crowd and to get a clear vision of Jesus, he climbed a sycamore tree and sat hidden in its leafy branches.  That is when Jesus noticed him and asked him to come down from the tree and take him to his house.  They went off together, the sinner and the Son of God.  A mere glance and a few words of acceptance from Jesus changed this man from the sinner into a man to whom Jesus brought salvation. 

We need to consider this story together with the first reading from the Book of Wisdom. It focuses on God the Creator, not in terms of his Power, but in terms of his mercy and love for his creatures. Therefore:

Life messages: 1) We need to accept the Divine invitation for repentance.  We are all sinners to a greater or lesser degree.  Jesus is inviting each one of us to total conversion today.  We need to remember that Jesus loves us in spite of our bad thoughts, broken promises, tarnished ideals, resentments and envies, lack of prayer and faith.  Like Zaccheus we should admit our sinfulness and accept God’s call to repentance, conversion and renewal of life for our salvation.

2) How would we respond to Jesus’ demand, "I must stay at your house today?"  How would we react to such an invitation?  Would we be ready to welcome Jesus into our home?  If he enters our house, will it change our family atmosphere?
Indeed, Jesus has visited the homes of each and every one of us!  Through the Sacrament of Confirmation, we have received the indwelling Spirit of Christ within us.  Through the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, we receive the Divine Presence of the Lord.

Let us consider the following questions for our self-examination. How many of our families have the presence of God, presence of Jesus? Do we mention God in our family conversations? Do we regularly listen to the Word of God and pray in our families? Do we have religious symbols such as a crucifix or a picture of Jesus and Holy Bible in our houses? How much of God-experience do our children get in our families? For those of us who have not yet received the Lord into our homes and lives, it is never too late to repent and welcome Him.  

When we allow Jesus to enter our homes, our lives will change.  As we continue with the celebration of the Holy Mass, let us pray for all of us who do not yet have the indwelling of the God in our homes and lives.