The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today resonate with the experience of the Presence of God in our lives during times of adversity.
Adversity on the Journey
The reading from the Second Book of Maccabees describes the martyrdom of Eleazar.
* [6:18–7:42] The stories of Eleazar and of the mother and her seven sons, among the earliest models of “martyrology,” were understandably popular. Written to encourage God’s people in times of persecution, they add gruesome details to the record of tortures, and place long speeches in the mouths of the martyrs.1
Psalm 3 invokes trust in God under Adversity.
* [Psalm 3] An individual lament complaining of enemies who deny that God will come to the rescue (Ps 3:2–3). Despite such taunts the psalmist hopes for God’s protection even in sleep (Ps 3:4–7). The Psalm prays for an end to the enemies’ power to speak maliciously (Ps 3:8) and closes peacefully with an expression of trust (Ps 3:9).2
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus and Zacchaeus meet.
* [19:1–10] The story of the tax collector Zacchaeus is unique to this gospel. While a rich man (Lk 19:2), Zacchaeus provides a contrast to the rich man of Lk 18:18–23 who cannot detach himself from his material possessions to become a follower of Jesus. Zacchaeus, according to Luke, exemplifies the proper attitude toward wealth: he promises to give half of his possessions to the poor (Lk 19:8) and consequently is the recipient of salvation (Lk 19:9–10).3
Angela Maynard notes that the Gospel scenario is yet another one where Jesus chooses to spend time with those labeled sinners.
I’m taken back to the image of Jesus the Good Shepherd. He left the sheep to search for the one gone astray. I find great comfort knowing of Jesus’ capacity for unconditional love. No doubt Zacchaeus’ life was changed by his experience that day. When feeling small and lost, whether having a good day or a bad day, Jesus wants to be with us. He is the one who can bring love, peace and calm to us. It’s up to us to let him in. “But you, my Lord, are a god of compassion and mercy; you are very patient and full of faithful love.” --Psalm 86:154
Don Schwager quotes “To see Christ,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).
"Come and let us see what was the method of Zacchaeus's conversion. He desired to see Jesus and therefore climbed into a sycamore tree, and so a seed of salvation sprouted within him. Christ saw this with the eyes of deity. Looking up, he also saw Zacchaeus with the eyes of humanity, and since it was his purpose for all to be saved, he extends his gentleness to him. To encourage him, he says, 'Come down quickly.' Zacchaeus searched to see Christ, but the multitude prevented him, not so much that of the people but of his sins. He was short of stature, not merley in a bodily point of view but also spiritually. He could not see him unless he were raised up from the earth and climbed into the sycamore, by which Christ was about to pass. The story contains a puzzle. In no other way can a person see Christ and believe in him except by climbing up into the sycamore, by making foolish his earthly members of fornication, uncleanness, etc." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 127)5
The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 19:1-10 comments that it’s worth thinking about our own “seeking” after Jesus like Zacchaeus.
As you imagine Jesus in his everyday life, you’ll probably discover unexpected things that draw you to him. You may want to start with a Gospel passage or a favorite image of Jesus that you’ve come across. Rest assured, it won’t just be your imagination at work. Whenever anyone seeks Jesus, the Holy Spirit cooperates with that person to reveal new aspects of his life and love. Remember, Jesus is your friend, and you were created to be united with him. “Jesus, show me who you are in the flesh and in the Spirit.”6
Friar Jude Winkler uses the story of Eleazar to underline the importance of our example to others as we try to live as Jesus followers. Jesus will not make the isolation of Zacchaeus worse by avoiding the “contagion” that the Pharisees feared from sinners. Friar Jude reminds us of the realized eschatology of Luke and John as we are saved as soon as we accept Jesus in our lives.
Franciscan Media reflects on the life and charity of Saint Margaret of Scotland.
There are two ways to be charitable: the “clean way” and the “messy way.” The “clean way” is to give money or clothing to organizations that serve the poor. The “messy way” is dirtying your own hands in personal service to the poor. Margaret’s outstanding virtue was her love of the poor. Although very generous with material gifts, Margaret also visited the sick and nursed them with her own hands. She and her husband served orphans and the poor on their knees during Advent and Lent. Like Christ, she was charitable the “messy way.”7
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, at the age of 78, reflects that working with the editorial team to share these meditations is one of his greatest joys.
Helping people discover the often hidden or even denied traditions of Christian contemplation was what led me to found the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC), and 34 years later there is still a real sense of urgency to this work — perhaps more so now than at any other time I can remember. What we need is a new way of being in the world together that embodies the reality that all life is sacred, precious, and connected; only the contemplative mind can bring forward this new consciousness which is needed to awaken a more loving, just, and sustainable world. This work is only possible because of the trust, partnership, and support of people like you.8
We encounter adversity in our lives and witness it in the lives of others. We respond to the prompting of the Spirit to reduce the suffering and isolation of others.
References
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