2 Maccabees 6:18-31; Psalm 3; Luke 19:1-10
In the Gospel, Jesus tells us that his mission is to save those who were lost. Zacchaeus was lost but he made himself available by climbing a tree. So that the One who has come to seek the lost sheep of the house of Israel may easily find him (Matt.15:24). Llike Zacchaeus, we shall only be saved if we make ourselves available beyond all odds. These odds manifest in different ways; for Zacchaeus it was the crowd but he made himself available by climbing a sycamore tree. For Eleazar in the first reading the odds were the desecration and profanation of Antiochus Epiphanes. Eleazar was bold, he stood for God regardless of the ordeals of the King; and embraced martyrdom sealing his confidence and faith in God. For the rest of us; the odds could be materialism, intellectualism, immorality, idolatry, power and pride. Let us strive to overcome these pleasures for good measures and heavenly rewards.
LET US PRAY
Lord Jesus, may we not be clouded when you come seeking for us. Help us, we need you to overcome the darkness of our time; teach us the ways of peace and love. Amen! (Margaret of Scotland and St. Gertrude; pray for us). It’s my birthday today! Keep me in your prayers.
