Dear Friends in Christ

The Lord was passing through Jericho on His way to Jerusalem when he meets Zacchaeus; the streets were thronged with people eager to catch a glimpse of The Lord. He famously climbs a sycamore tree in order to see Him; and he is rewarded. What a great example he gives us, since he must have had a burning desire to set eyes on Jesus. Pope St John Paul II commented on this encounter, which St Luke recounts for us: Do I want to see Christ? Do I do everything to see Him? This question, two thousand years later, is as relevant as it was then, when Jesus passed through the villages and cities of His land. It is a relevant question for each of us personally today. Do I want to? Do I really want to? Or do I perhaps avoid the encounter with Him? Do I prefer not to see Him and do I prefer Him not to see me (at least in my way of thinking and feeling)? And if I already see Him in some way, then do I prefer to see Him from afar, not drawing too near, not venturing before His eyes so as not to perceive too much…so as not to have to accept, the whole truth that is in Him, that comes from Him - from Christ? (2 Nov.’80) The figure of Zacchaeus shows us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s gaze and His grace. As far as the people of Jericho were concerned this man was an outcast. Nevertheless, from the time He set foot in Jericho Jesus was thinking of this man; how he could meet him, how he could bring him salvation. Many people today live like Zacchaeus, very much wanting to see Jesus. We may be the one who brings them to Jesus, who helps them to see Him. We never doubt the goodness and mercy of God, no matter how extreme the circumstances, but always realising that God is greater than our poor human limitations.

God bless you in this coming week!

Msgr Kevin Hale

Priest@LourdesLeigh.org ✚ 01702 478078
The Sunday Homily is available as a podcast at LourdesLeigh.org