Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 2 Mc 6:18-31; PS 3:2-3, 4-5, 6-7; Lk 19:1-10
Notes: Today we have two men each with a difficult question.
Eleazar, facing certain death, decided that fidelity and example were the pathway to a good judgement.
Zacchaeus, knowing his own sinfulness, decided that conversion and restitution were the pathway to a good judgement.
How does salvation come to me? How shall I answer?
- Eleazar knew today he must continue and trust the promise made ages before.
- Zacchaeus knew today conversion and to follow the promise in front of him.
Today Salvation.
First reading
Eleazar was an amazing man.
He held firm to his fidelity to the Lord, refused to eat pork or even pretend to eat a forbidden food.
Although the path of deflection and ease were available to him, he chose first honor.
But Eleazar made up his mind in a noble manner,
worthy of his years, the dignity of his advanced age,
the merited distinction of his gray hair,
and of the admirable life he had lived from childhood;
and so he declared that above all
he would be loyal to the holy laws given by God.
This is how he died,
leaving in his death a model of courage
and an unforgettable example of virtue
not only for the young but for the whole nation.
And for us.
Responsorial Psalm
The Lord upholds me.
Alleluia Verse
God loved us, and sent his Son
as expiation for our sins.
Gospel Portion
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.”
Today salvation comes as well:
- Not by enforcing others to be holy.
- By being holy ourselves.
- By setting example.
- By making restitution.
- By trusting the promise.
- By trusting the promise in front of us.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 