Daily Catholic Reflection: November 17, 2020, Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious, Year A

Revelation 3 : 1-6.14-22,

Psalm 115:2-3a.3bc-4ab.5,

Luke 19:1-10 Full Readings

Saint Elizabeth of Hungary

 Open Up for Jesus

Brethren, Jesus’ encounter with people is mainly to restore them to life and also to friendship with God. He came to save what was lost. Hence, he does not make any distinction between class, race or religion. All are dear to him. As good by first reading, He stands at the door and knocks. He “enters and shares a meal” with anyone who opens the door and receives him, offering salvation. The psalmist in Psalm 15 enumerates the qualities of a transformed person. These qualities can be attributed to Zacchaeus after his encounter with Jesus. Personal encounter with Jesus is very important. It brings about the needed transformation and salvation.

What would you do if Jesus knocked on your door and said, "I must stay at your home today"? Would you be excited or embarrassed? Jesus often "dropped-in" at unexpected times and he often visited the so regarded as "unworthy" - the poor, the lame, and even public sinners like Zacchaeus, the tax collector! Tax collectors were despised and treated as outcasts, no doubt because they overcharged people and accumulated great wealth at the expense of others.

Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector and was much hated by all the people. Why would Jesus single him out for the honor of staying at his home? Zacchaeus needed God's merciful love and forgiveness. In his encounter with Jesus he found more than he imagined possible. He shows the depth of his repentance by deciding to give half of his goods to the poor and to use the other half for making restitution for fraud. Zacchaeus' testimony included more than words. His change of heart resulted in a change of life, a change that the whole community could experience as genuine.

Zacchaeus, the little tax collector, was another sickening person. Tax collectors, because of their complicity with the oppressive Roman government, made Jews sick. The Jews didn’t vomit, but they would sometimes spit at the tax collectors. Jesus also was repulsed by the sins of Zacchaeus and by the thought of having to atone for them on Calvary. However, Jesus reached out to Zacchaeus, invited Himself to share supper, and brought salvation to Zacchaeus’ house (Lk 19:5, 9).

We have been or are sickening in our sins. Even when we can’t stand ourselves, Jesus is knocking at the door. Open up to Him. Jesus takes initiative to come to us even when our intention is curiosity like Zacchaeus. Notice that Zacchaeus climbed a tree out of curiosity just to see who Jesus was, not even asking for forgiveness, but his curiosity brought salvation to his family. Today, Jesus is knocking at your door, the door of your heart, are you ready to open up for him and stay with him, to bring life and salvation to you? The Lord Jesus is always ready to make his home with each one of us. Do you make room for him in your heart and in every area of your life?

Let us Pray.

Lord Jesus, come and stay with me. Fill my life with your peace, my home with your presence, and my heart with your praise. Help me to show kindness, mercy, and goodness to all, even to those who cause me ill-will or harm.

 Be blessed