Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary
November 17, 2020
Daily reading from the USCCB: Luke 19:1-10
Today’s reading shows us Jesus giving affirmation and recognition to a sinner–reaching out to him, even inviting himself to dinner at the sinner’s house.
But we also see the sinner reaching out to Jesus, wanting to see him. Zacchaeus is a sinner–a collaborator with the Romans. But there is more to him than that. Zacchaeus is also generous to those in need and willing to make up for any injustice he may have committed.
In his outreach to Zacchaeus, Jesus is also inviting us to reach out to him. Our care for those in need and our desire for justice constitute an effort to see Jesus–like Zacchaeus climbing the sycamore tree. And Jesus is pleased with our efforts, sinners though we are.
