In this weekend’s Gospel, we read the story of Zaccheaus, the man who was willing to be a fool to see the Lord. He was a grown man willing to climb a tree to get as close to the Lord as possible. When I think of such bold curiosity to know the Lord more completely, I am inspired. I pray you are, as well.

This is our worthy reflection: what in our lives stands too frightening to be overcome in our pursuit of the Lord?

There are those among us who do not wish to rock the boat of our marriages or families. If our faith deepens, it fundamentally changes the dynamic of those relationships. Those relationships define us.

There are those of us who will not dive any deeper into our Faith because who couldn’t do our jobs as effectively. If we hold to the teachings of Christ, it would adversely impact our ability to do our jobs. We don’t see that as an option because we might have to move to a different neighborhood or drive a different car or lose the esteem of our colleagues.

It’s been said that the devil doesn’t tempt with trash, but anything at his disposal which draws us away from the Lord. Fear. Worry. Greed. Pride.

Zaccheaus is a model for us here. He climbs the tree only to find the Lord wanting more. “Zaccheaus, come down quickly. For today I must stay at your house.”

The Lord wanted to reside in his home as he wants to reside in our hearts. Zaccheaus quickly accepts, without reservation, and receives the Lord “with joy” and without a thought for what the others might be saying. And the others were talking. In fact, they grumbled, saying Jesus was staying at the house of a sinner.

Instead of thinking of what boats he was rocking, he went a step further. He vowed to change his ways. In return, the Lord accepted him and salvation was brought to his home.

If we do the same, salvation will be brought to our hearts.

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