RBWords

     Zaccheus is one of the more vivid characters in the gospels.  But he is very much like the Blind Beggar we just encountered yesterday.  He hears of Jesus and desires to "see" him.  In this case, it is not a matter of physical blindness but physical size.  Zaccheus is too short to see over the crowd!  But, as many of us know from childhood experience, a whole different perspective can be gained from climbing a tree!  His desire to "see" Jesus results in Jesus "seeing" him!  Just as when he "sees" the Blind Beggar and responds to the beggar's faith, Jesus responds to Zaccheus' faith and invites himself to Zaccheus' home!  This action has a dramatic impact on Zaccheus' who pledges to give half his possessions (remember, he is a "wealthy man") to the poor and to repay far beyond the required amount anyone he may have defrauded (remember, he is a "Tax Collector!").  

     In the Gospel of Luke, faith in Jesus has implications for lifestyle and possessions!  An inability to detach from possessions causes one man to "go away sad."  The Blind Beggar was truly poor.  He had no possessions and he had lost his physical sight.  But he became wealthy in another way through his desire to "see" Jesus.  Zaccheus has a similar conversion, but in a different direction.  Through he desire to "see" Jesus he goes from being "wealthy" in possessions to being "wealthy" in Jesus' presence in his home.  His faith goes from curiosity to commitment.  

     We in the crowd should also consider our position.  We try to silence the Blind Beggar, and now our "size" keeps Zaccheus, at first, from "seeing" Jesus.  There is much to consider about how the larger "church" welcomes those who want to "see" Jesus.  The Blind Beggar and Zaccheus have much to teach us about our collective witness!   AMEN