Revisiting the Zacchaeus Story

“’A’ for effort” is a common expression of our times. It is a rating we give to someone who gives his all for a work or cause. What are the things that we prioritize in life? What are our “A for efforts”? While society urges us to prioritize wealth, prestige & earthly possessions, we are called to make an extra effort to come near Jesus. We are invited to be a better person especially in this time of the pandemic.

In the gospel story, the Lord singles out Zacchaeus, a tax collector from the crowd. He is small in stature and bears many issues in life. He was shy to approach Jesus. Yet, he took an extra effort to be noticed by Jesus. Just like him, we are invited to pursue our way amid difficulties to be with God. As St. Teresa of Avila said “Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing frighten you. All things are passing. God never changes.”

Each of us is wanting to be called and to be discovered in life. At one point in our lives, we were called by God. Jesus is passing in our routes each day. Maybe he is giving us a message in the deepest corners of our hearts. Have we listened to the call? Are we ready to leave everything on our way to a new journey?

I am always at the point of embracing something new in my life — be it personal or professional. Opportunities come and I am always tempted to jump into what is new. However, will it draw me closer to my goal? For almost two years now, we discovered that life is short and at the end of the day, I ask myself: Is it all worth it? It will be worth it if we have lived our mission.

Last September, I was invited to be one of the resource persons in a talk show via Zoom organized by some students at the School of Nursing of the Ateneo de Davao University entitled Quaranfings (Ikamamatay mo ba ang mag-first move?). In the middle of the show, a thought suddenly came into my mind, and I cannot help but verbalize it. I said, “with all these new lifestyles brought about by the pandemic, I need to ask myself “do I need these at this point in my life?” Kailangan ko ba ito?

Zacchaeus, the tax collector must have reached that point in his life when he is ready to turn away from his former way of life. And he grabbed the chance when Jesus passed his way.

We too struggle each day to live in the plan of God for us. Discipleship means putting Jesus at the center of our lives. Salvation comes where Jesus goes. As we celebrate the 500th year of Christianity in our country with a global pandemic, it can be a great jubilee for transformation. To meet Jesus amidst this crisis is a great reason to celebrate!