I Hate Climbing Trees

Last week we heard the Gospel story of Zacchaeus, the tax collector.  If there is anything we all can agree on, the tax collectors of their time and the tax collectors of today are not liked by many people.  Zacchaeus was no different.  Back in his time, tax collectors got paid by collecting more taxes than what they had to give to the king.  Some people paid more than others, depending on how easily they were convinced of what they owed.  Not a very fair system back then, and all the more reason to be disliked.

Zacchaeus was a small man.  When in large crowds, he would not stick out in any way or be seen by others.  So he hears Jesus is coming and in his desperation to see Him, Zacchaeus climbs a sycamore tree.  That is not so easy to do, for it does not have any low hanging branches to get started.  So I imagine the word climb could be changed to shimmy.  It does not matter how he climbed the tree, it does matter that Jesus noticed him and they went off together, to the ire of the crowd, many asking, “How could He eat with a sinner?”

I find this story intriguing.  I can see myself in the role as a sinner, like Zacchaeus, as well as a member of the angered crowd.  I find myself in hypocritical situations and judging as the crowd did.  I am sure everyone in the crowd was a sinner, but they had no problem judging Zacchaeus.  I often find myself saying that my sins aren’t as bad as…(fill in the sin). 

This story had a really good ending though.  Zacchaeus realized that he was a sinner and offered to give back anything he took, unlawfully, and agreed to pay back those he cheated, in full, times four.  Now, being the wealthy man he was, Zacchaeus probably had no problem making that statement.  I, and many of us, do not have that luxury. 

Many might disagree with this next statement, but Zacchaeus is really a role model for us all.  While he was a tax collector and gained his wealth by cheating others, he realized his sin and sought out Jesus and His forgiveness.  I do not plan to climb a tree and wait for Jesus to pass by and invite Him to my home, for I would be there for a really long time.  However, we have a great opportunity, to seek forgiveness through the upcoming Penance services. 

Afraid of seeking Reconciliation?  Consider Zacchaeus was probably the “biggest” sinner of his time.  He lied, cheated, and stole to gain wealth and all that comes with it, and Jesus forgave him.  I have often felt unworthy of forgiveness, but as Pope Francis tweeted not too long ago, “God never tires of offering His forgiveness each time we ask for it.”  So, it is important that I seek forgiveness for my sins, and the more I ask forgiveness, the more forgiveness God will give me. 

With Advent right around the corner, there are three great opportunities to seek God’s forgiveness through Reconciliation.  Our North Deanery Penance services have been set.  I ask that you overcome your fears and busyness and mark your calendar for one of these dates.  Look on the bright side, at least you do not have to climb a tree.