The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost
Luke 19:1-10
Ackuaku Edmund Elorm
The text under consideration is a narrative about the encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus. Prior to this, we hear of Jesus as near Jericho (not in Jericho yet) and He performed a miracle of restoring a beggar's sight (sense organ, external). In Jericho, He did another 'miracle', surprising one of course. He healed the inner self of a man who searched and longed for rest. He, like St. Augustine said, had a restless heart which finally rested in Christ. Like the Psalmist said, his foes surrounded him on every side. He sought vindication and wanted to prove his innocence.
We speak of Zacchaeus, the short man (v. 3), the tax collector (v. 2), the Sinner (v. 6) and a descendant of Abraham (v. 9). The result of this encounter brought him Peace, Joy, Charity as expressed in (v. 8) and an admission of possible guilt (thus,... 'if I have cheated anyone', v.8). He faithfully says Psalm 51 within.
This event took place in Jericho. We know of Jericho both in the Old Testament and also in the New Testament. In Joshua 6, we hear of Jericho and it was the first town attached and conquered by the Israelites (please reflect on this). It was the same Jericho Jesus talked about in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10: 25-37). In this parable, those who passed by were probably from Jericho as only two end points were mentioned (Jerusalem and Jericho). These people, like the Priest and the Levite (v. 31-32) were on their way to pray, (where?) at Jerusalem. This suggests the kind of people in Jericho. They are adamant to the condition(s) of their own and even others. They are egoistic and selfish in holiness. That was why Jesus propounded a 'theory of love' for them.
Zacchaeus quickly climbed a Sycamore tree. This tree has a symbolism of protection as it is a big tree. It also produces edible fruits which is a symbol of satisfaction. This is where rest is sought. Rest is equated to satisfaction. That was why Zacchaeus climbed that kind of a tree. Like the Psalmist (Psalm 23), he was led to greener pastures and his soul was restored or revived. His probable prayer was trust and confidence in the love of God (Psalm 86:1-2).
He sought to see Jesus as if in the Blessed Sacrament. It was as if he heard Jesus saying to him 'Come to Me'. He wished to tell the Lord ' _Mane Nobiscum_'(Stay with us). (Remember the Emmaus Encounter?)
May we also experience the Salvation of Christ as in the case of Zacchaeus.
Amen.
Happy Sunday
Luke 19:1-10
Ackuaku Edmund Elorm
The text under consideration is a narrative about the encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus. Prior to this, we hear of Jesus as near Jericho (not in Jericho yet) and He performed a miracle of restoring a beggar's sight (sense organ, external). In Jericho, He did another 'miracle', surprising one of course. He healed the inner self of a man who searched and longed for rest. He, like St. Augustine said, had a restless heart which finally rested in Christ. Like the Psalmist said, his foes surrounded him on every side. He sought vindication and wanted to prove his innocence.We speak of Zacchaeus, the short man (v. 3), the tax collector (v. 2), the Sinner (v. 6) and a descendant of Abraham (v. 9). The result of this encounter brought him Peace, Joy, Charity as expressed in (v. 8) and an admission of possible guilt (thus,... 'if I have cheated anyone', v.8). He faithfully says Psalm 51 within.
This event took place in Jericho. We know of Jericho both in the Old Testament and also in the New Testament. In Joshua 6, we hear of Jericho and it was the first town attached and conquered by the Israelites (please reflect on this). It was the same Jericho Jesus talked about in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10: 25-37). In this parable, those who passed by were probably from Jericho as only two end points were mentioned (Jerusalem and Jericho). These people, like the Priest and the Levite (v. 31-32) were on their way to pray, (where?) at Jerusalem. This suggests the kind of people in Jericho. They are adamant to the condition(s) of their own and even others. They are egoistic and selfish in holiness. That was why Jesus propounded a 'theory of love' for them.
Zacchaeus quickly climbed a Sycamore tree. This tree has a symbolism of protection as it is a big tree. It also produces edible fruits which is a symbol of satisfaction. This is where rest is sought. Rest is equated to satisfaction. That was why Zacchaeus climbed that kind of a tree. Like the Psalmist (Psalm 23), he was led to greener pastures and his soul was restored or revived. His probable prayer was trust and confidence in the love of God (Psalm 86:1-2).
He sought to see Jesus as if in the Blessed Sacrament. It was as if he heard Jesus saying to him 'Come to Me'. He wished to tell the Lord ' _Mane Nobiscum_'(Stay with us). (Remember the Emmaus Encounter?)
May we also experience the Salvation of Christ as in the case of Zacchaeus.
Amen.
Happy Sunday
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