2Macc 6:18-31/ Ps. 3/ Luke 19:1-10
Zacchaeus
In today’s gospel, we find the story of Zacchaeus, a tax collector who climbs a tree to see Jesus. Zacchaeus’s zeal to see Jesus despite his short stature shows that our physical disabilities are not obstacles to the faith. Anyone, regardless of their circumstance, can seek and find Jesus.
In that encounter, Zacchaeus repented and carried out restitution. He said, “I will give half of my goods to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will restore it fourfold.” This is called restitution; in fact, he went far beyond what was legally necessary; he became charitable.
Restitution in moral theology signifies an act of commutative justice in which exact reparation, as far as possible, is made for an injury that has been done to another. That means you can’t be in possession of the item you stole, yet you cry to God for forgiveness. Until you return it, you won’t be forgiven.
Summarily, the narrative highlights salvation as its main topic. Jesus declares “Zacchaeus,salvation has come to your house”. This shows that encountering Jesus Christ results in spiritual salvation.
Today is the memorial of the Presentation of Mary. We recall the Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple which suggests that Mary’s life was in some way consecrated to God from her own earliest years. Mary gave expression to this consecration through her obedience to God. Let us imitate her virtues and enter into our heavenly inheritance.
Let us pray
As we venerate the glorious memory of the most holy Virgin Mary, grant, we pray, O Lord, through her intercession, that we, too, may merit to receive from the fullness of your grace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
