The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to assess the obstacles in our environment that impede our good works and reduce our commitment to conquering indifference.
The reading from the Book of Revelation is the Message to Sardis and Laodicea
* [3:1–6] The letter to Sardis does not praise the community but admonishes its members to watchfulness, mutual support, and repentance (Rev 3:2–3). The few who have remained pure and faithful will share Christ’s victory and will be inscribed in the book of life (Rev 3:4–5).
* [3:14–22] The letter to Laodicea reprimands the community for being lukewarm (Rev 3:15–16), but no particular faults are singled out. Their material prosperity is contrasted with their spiritual poverty, the violet tunics that were the source of their wealth with the white robe of baptism, and their famous eye ointment with true spiritual perception (Rev 3:17–18). But Christ’s chastisement is inspired by love and a desire to be allowed to share the messianic banquet with his followers in the heavenly kingdom (Rev 3:19–21). (Revelation, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)
Psalm 15 asks Who shall abide in God’s Sanctuary?
* [Psalm 15] The Psalm records a liturgical scrutiny at the entrance to the Temple court (cf. Ps 24:3–6; Is 33:14b–16). The Israelite wishing to be admitted had to ask the Temple official what conduct was appropriate to God’s precincts. Note the emphasis on virtues relating to one’s neighbor.(Psalms, PSALM 15 | USCCB, n.d.)
The Gospel of Luke describes the encounter of Jesus and Zacchaeus.
* [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). (Luke, CHAPTER 19 | USCCB, n.d.)
Tamara Whitney comments that even after Mother went into home hospice, last year, it was ten months after that when she died. We do not know the hour, even when we think we do.
In the Gospel a short man called Zacchaeus wants to see Jesus, but he is too short to see over the crowd. I can relate to that. I too am short of stature and can never see the parade or the movie when there are tall people in front of me. Zacchaeus climbs a tree and gets the attention of Jesus who changes Zach’s life in this encounter. Jesus calls to him, and Zacchaeus answers the call. He welcomes Jesus into his home and more importantly into his heart. The churches need to answer the call and the people need to answer the call before it’s too late. (Whitney, n.d.)
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) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22 comments that violence, and the idea of retribution or “getting even,” is commonplace. We may even have personal experience of a parent or teacher or other authority figure coming down on us too hard or making us feel guilty or inadequate. So it should be no surprise to discover that we assume that God acts the same way. When we have sinned, we might expect a wrath-filled, overpowering, and outsize reprisal.
God assured the Laodiceans that he chastises only out of love (Revelation 3:19). He showed them where they needed to change so they could once more know the joy of being in his presence. The same is true for you. Don’t let fear hold you back. Open the door and let God in!
“Father, thank you for loving me enough to want to heal me!” (Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler notes that the Revelations passage addresses the deficiency of each city using imagery that is meaningful to the geography, history and lifestyle of the particular city. Zacchaeus was hated as tax collector and of short stature. He had to climb the sycamore tree where he could be attacked. Friar Jude reminds us that in John and Luke, salvation begins when we encounter Jesus.
Dr. Barbara Holmes’ book Joy Unspeakable explores contemplative practices in the Black church. She shows us how contemplation can be practiced through community, music, and movement. Holmes considers the transcendent nature of “ecstatic singing”:
It is anointed singing from consecrated singers … that allows access to the holy, but more specifically it is the repetition of verses that shifts perception … [and] allows individuals to fill in their own story, silently or through the cries of recognition and affirmation. This is the contemplative moment, the recognition that each and every member of the congregation shares the same angst over the troubles of the world and the need for reunion…. The “ohs” are repeated over and over again until every person remembers a time when they cried out for God’s intervention. A deep listening abides between every note and stanza. Those who listen know that the Holy Spirit is in control. [2] (Holmes, n.d.)
We ponder the enthusiasm and action of Zacchaeus and express our openness to being called to full life in Christ by the Spirit.
References
Holmes, B. (n.d.). Contemplation in Community. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 19, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/contemplation-in-community/
Luke, CHAPTER 19 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 19, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/19?1
Psalms, PSALM 15 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 19, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/15?
Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved November 19, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/11/19/1132926/
Revelation, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 19, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/revelation/3?1
Schwager, D. (n.d.). Zacchaeus Received Jesus Joyfully. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 19, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=nov19
Whitney, T. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. OnlineMinistries. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/111824.html
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