It's that time of the week when preacher and people need to study and pray over the Lord's Day scriptures in preparation for Sunday Mass. This week's texts can be found here and for some background material on these readings, look here.
The gospel this weekend tells the familiar story of Zacchaeus. This wealthy tax collector was "seeking to see who Jesus was but he could not see him because..."
Well, if remember or re-read the story, you'll see why Zacchaeus couldn't see the Lord. My guess is that many who read this blog are seeking to see who Jesus is, too, but for one reason or another are having trouble seeing him...
And before I give away my homily, I'll stop here and encourage you to look the scriptures for Sunday and the short background articles!
For some reason I still see things outside the box. I understand that there is forgiveness withing the Scriptures and Gospel, but I can't reconcile with that for some reason. If you live a life causing pain and hurt, and at the end of your life you ask for forgiveness, will Christ grant that?
ReplyDeletePerhaps I'm reading this completely wrong. If so, please put me on the right track.
Thanks.
Regina: I'm not sure if you meant to raise that question on this post - but here goes...
ReplyDeleteIf you're picturing a hurtful person suddenly "getting religion" on his deathbed, well - only God would be able to judge the honesty and sincerity of that man's plea for mercy.
More often the case is that the hurtful person has, many times in his life, asked God for help and forgiveness and has received it and then gone back to his bad ways.
God's grace is not cheap or easy. But it is freely given to those who ask for it from their heart of hearts.
I always consider it good news that I only have to really worry about me and God at the pearly gates. How God deals with others will not be up to me. I have enough to worry about on my own rap sheet.
Did I misinterprete the scriptures? I never seem to be able to get the picture until I hear your homily. Then it falls into place.
ReplyDeleteEven though Zacchaeus was seeking Jesus, I think he feared retribution because he was a wealthy tax collector. Watching Jesus from up in the tree was easier than seeing him face to face. Jesus knew Zacchaeous was seeking him, and freely gave him mercy and forgiveness. This is what I learn from the readings: those who seek him, need not fear him; and will receive forgiveness and mercy. Those who seemingly do not seek Jesus, as Regina mentioned, will be judged by Him. For it is only Jesus that can truly see what is in the heart and minds of others.
ReplyDeleteGrace,
ReplyDeleteYou put the way I meant my response into the correct words. I look at what I wrote and realize that I didn't even come close to saying what I meant. As a tax collector Zaccheaus did things to others that were less than honorable. Grace was right on when it came to how I read the scriptures...I read into his actions that he was afraid of Jesus because of the wrongs he committed and was looking for forgiveness when he offered to atone for his actions.
I still don't think I'm getting across what I really mean. But I think with Grace's help my words have become a bit easier to understand.
ConcordPastor is VERY happy! His readers are studying the scriptures ahead of time, sharing their impressions and questions AND helping each other come to a better understanding! Makes my day, it does!
ReplyDeleteGrace has sorted through things well here. The scripture resources I read aren't quite sure about Mr. Z. Many/most tax collectors were "bad guys" but it seems that Z may have given generously even before meeting Jesus. I'll have to figure that out before I preach on the weekend!!!
Grace really did a wonderful job, especially for me and my misunderstandings and misinterpretations. I truly appreciate what she has done.
ReplyDeletePerhaps through Grace's interpretaions and others, I may be able to find a better way to see what the written words mean, and understand how to interperate them better. Thanks!
Regina,
ReplyDeleteYou are too kind. Thanks for your words ... but ... pay close attention to the homily this weekend. I'm sure it will pull it all together for you this weekend! :-)