See and Be Seen

Greetings on this the Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Wis 11:22-12:2; Ps 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13, 14; 2 Thes 1:11-2:2; Lk 19:1-10
Notes: In today’s Gospel portion, Zacchaeus outlines his restitution plan and his renewal in almsgiving.

He is speaking about a radical reorientation of his life to community and charity.

Why such a remarkable turnaround?

A result of having been invited by Jesus to dine together as an outer expression of the inner need:

• Zacchaeus wanted to be wanted by the Lord.
• Zacchaeus wanted to see and be seen by the Lord

• Jesus looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.”
• And he came down quickly and received him with joy.
• And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house.”

Today.
and Forever.

Three years ago: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2019/11/02/bringing-down-walls-of-defiance/

Almsgiving

• CCC 2462 Giving alms to the poor is a witness to fraternal charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing to God.
• CCC 2446 St. John Chrysostom vigorously recalls this: “Not to enable the poor to share in our goods is to steal from them and deprive them of life. The goods we possess are not ours, but theirs.” “The demands of justice must be satisfied first of all; that which is already due in justice is not to be offered as a gift of charity”.

Restitution

• When someone steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters or sells it, he shall restore five oxen for the one ox, and four sheep for the one sheep (Ex 21:37).
• Tell the Israelites: If a man or a woman commits any offense against another person, thus breaking faith with the LORD, and thereby becomes guilty, that person shall confess the wrong that has been done, make restitution in full, and in addition give one fifth of its value to the one that has been wronged (Num 5:6-7).
• He shall make fourfold restitution for the lamb because he has done this and was unsparing (2 Sam 12:6).

First reading
The Lord’s perspective on you:

Love and Mercy

• Mercy.
• He loves you.
• He is the lover of your soul.
• He dwells within you.

Creator and Sustainer

• You are will by God.
• You are fashioned by God.
• You are preserved by God.

He wants the best for you

• He spares you because you are His.
• Overlooks our sins for the hope of repentance.
• He gently reminds you of sin so you may abandon wickedness and believe.

Responsorial Psalm
I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.

The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. The LORD is good to all and compassionate toward all his works.

Second reading
Brothers and sisters:
We always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith, that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, in accord with the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ.

Alleluia Verse
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life.

Gospel Portion
At that time, Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town.

But.

• Zacchaeus wanted to be wanted.
• He wanted to see Jesus and to be seen by Jesus up there in the tree.
• And he was, is and will always be wanted by the Lord.
• You too.

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.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry