Belonging Believing and Bias

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary challenge us to awareness of the potential cost of our commitment to the Way of Jesus.

Consider the Cost

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. (2 Maccabees, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 3 hopes for God’s protection.

* [Psalm 3] is 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). (Psalms, PSALM 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke describes Jesus encounter with Zacchaeus the Tax Collector.

* [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).

* [19:9] A descendant of Abraham: literally, “a son of Abraham.” The tax collector Zacchaeus, whose repentance is attested by his determination to amend his former ways, shows himself to be a true descendant of Abraham, the true heir to the promises of God in the Old Testament. Underlying Luke’s depiction of Zacchaeus as a descendant of Abraham, the father of the Jews (Lk 1:73; 16:22–31), is his recognition of the central place occupied by Israel in the plan of salvation.

* [19:10] This verse sums up for Luke his depiction of the role of Jesus as savior in this gospel. (Luke, CHAPTER 19 | USCCB, n.d.)

Desiree Nownes comments that today’s readings are about doing what is right for the betterment of all, no matter the cost. Both Eleazar and Jesus know what standing up and speaking the truth will cost.

The gospel teaches us several real lessons:

1. No one is beyond God’s reach; Even the most unredeemed can be forgiven.

2. Encountering God’s love can change lives; Real faith is action, generosity, and justice.

3. God sees us all; God’s love is intimate and personal.

4. God’s grace is transformational; Acceptance and forgiveness inspire change.

5. The mission for us all as Christians is to find the lost, lonely, and suffering who have lost their way, to forgive them, and bring them home to Christ.

Be good to one another. God’s grace allows us to do great things. Be a person of integrity and lead with character.

“I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence.” ― Frederick Douglass (Nownes, 2025)

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 Luke 19:1-10 invites us to imagine Zacchaeus’ amazement as he scrambles down from that tree to receive Jesus “with joy” (Luke 19:6). He takes no thought of his readiness; he just wants to welcome the Lord. Instead of hiding or delaying Jesus’ visit, he allows the Lord to love him as he is: a sinner in need of mercy. Through that encounter with divine love, Zaccheaus’ heart is changed—and that interior change will transform the way he lives. 

So how can you receive Jesus with joy today instead of holding back in fear at what he might uncover? Remember that as he did with Zaccheaus, Jesus sees past your sins. He loves you and longs to dwell with you. So welcome him. Let him cleanse and heal your heart. Let his love change you from the inside out. The reward will be priceless: union with the Son of God!

“Jesus, help me to welcome you into my heart with joy.”(Meditation on Luke 19:1-10, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler notes that 2 Maccabees presents persecution against Jewish people by the Seleucid Empire as an example. Eleazar refuses the pretence of eating pork as the young people will be scandalized. Perhaps being a model of courage and virtue is the key to our golden years as an example of goodness and kindness. Tax collection for the Romans was by agents who had no incentive for honesty and Zaccheaus was taking a risk of injury as a hated agent. Jesus declares Zaccheaus a child of Israel to whom salvation has come.  This is a realized eschatology where we are experiencing salvation now and there is more to come in Heaven. Friar Jude notes Jesus reaches out to Zaccheaus, an anawim, to whom He gives love for healing.

Fr. Mike Schmitz introduces Jeff Cavins who joins Fr. Mike to discuss the final time period of the Bible Timeline. They discuss the historical context of the early Church, why Rome and the early martyrs are so significant, and how the Holy Spirit takes on a major role. They also explain the differences between Acts, the epistles, and the book of Revelation.

Brian McLaren has identified sixteen biases that prevent us from seeing things in their complexity and with greater clarity:

Confirmation Bias: … our belief system excludes whatever doesn’t fit. 

Complexity Bias: prefers a simple falsehood to a complex truth. 

Community Bias: don’t see what our community doesn’t, can’t, or won’t see. 

Complementarity Bias: If you are hostile… I’ll be hostile to your ideas. 

Competency Bias:  Incompetent people assume that most are incompetent.

Consciousness Bias: Some things simply can’t be seen from where I am right now. 

Comfort or Complacency Bias: I prefer not to have my comfort disturbed. 

Conservative/Liberal Bias: I lean toward an expression of my political identity. 

Confidence Bias: I often prefer the bold lie to the hesitant truth. 

Catastrophe Bias: I remember dramatic catastrophes but don’t notice gradual decline.

Contact Bias:  I don’t have intense and sustained personal contact with “the other”.

Cash Bias:  My way of making a living requires me not to see it. 

Conspiracy Bias: Our brains are attracted to stories that portray us as innocent victims.

Constancy/Baseline Bias: Our baselines may be reset when a new normal becomes our constant experience.

Certainty/Closure Bias: reaches for premature closure on an unwarranted certainty.

Cleverness Bias: Our brains are vigilant to protect us against deceptions, insulate ourselves from positive possibilities. (McLaren, n.d.)

We ask the help of the Spirit to help us resist prejudice and judgement in our encounters with people for whom we have a biased understanding.

References

Luke, CHAPTER 19 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/19?1 

McLaren, B. (n.d.). Biases at Work Within All of Us. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/biases-at-work-within-all-of-us/ 

Meditation on Luke 19:1-10. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/11/18/1431372/ 

Nownes, D. (2025, November 18). Daily Reflection November 18, 2025 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-november-18-2025 

Psalms, PSALM 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/3?2 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Zacchaeus Received Jesus Joyfully. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

2 Maccabees, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2maccabees/6?18 

Works Indifference and Salvation

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.

Open the door against 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