Memorial of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious
“I will set the victor beside me on my throne.” (Rev. 3:21). Jesus promises a victory to those who follow Him. This isn’t false hope. Jesus will not leave us disappointed. We also have to understand that this isn’t a victory of the World. If we only focus on achieving, we will lose sight of our Heavenly homeland.
Jesus is on His way to Jericho in today’s Gospel. Jericho was the place of a great victory for Joshua and the Hebrew people when they were conquering the Promised Land. Joshua led the Jewish army around Jericho for six days, and on the seventh day, the Walls of Jericho fell and the city was taken. This victory did not last forever, and Israel would eventually fall to foreign powers. Jesus, however, offered a far greater victory to Zacchaeus. He implores him to come down from the tree quickly for He wants to stay with Zacchaeus and share a table with him. The people around them grumble since they see Zacchaeus as a sinner. Zacchaeus is so overjoyed by Jesus’ magnanimity that he vows to give half of his possessions to the poor and to repay anyone he’s wronged fourfold. Zacchaeus was celebrating a far greater victory than any Earthly achievement. He celebrated the victory of salvation in Jesus Christ.
How do you respond when you see someone of “short stature” in the eyes of others, like Zacchaeus, take part in the life of the Church? Are you able to move past personal presumptions and realize we are all sinners in need of the great victory of salvation in Jesus?
Reflection by Br. Matthew Marie, OSB
Posted in Articles for Lent, Daily Reflections, Lenten Resources