Luke 19:1-10

1 He entered Jericho and was passing through it. 2 A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3 He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way.

5 When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. 7 All who saw it began to grumble and said, “He has go.” 9 Then Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.”

"I must stay at your house today"

Here in St. Luke's gospel, we are going up to Jerusalem where Jesus is preparing the disciples for His last days on earth. This is one of the last events on His way. Jesus is telling us more about God's plan of redemption and salvation, which is manifested by Jesus as He invites a "sinner" to host Him and His disciples at his house.

Zacchaeus is a rejected man and a tax collector. He works for the occupying power, is hated by his fellow citizens, is spiritually and morally excluded by society, and is invited to receive Jesus at his home. We see Jesus taking the initiative as he called Zacchaeus, “Hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today!"

Zacchaeus discovered that making the collection of money the treasure of his life, being highly esteemed by the governing authorities, and enjoying a high social/professional position could never provide him internal peace and real happiness. He then returned to himself and thought about Jesus.

When Zacchaeus shows just a sign of curiosity to see who Jesus was, the Messiah notices and does not condemn him, but rather offers him the way to peace with God, with himself and with his neighbor.

It’s amazing how St. Luke uses their beautiful linguistic culture in his narration about Zacchaeus climbing a sycamore tree. The word sycamore has subtle meanings ranging from rehabilitation to complete healing. The name Zacchaeus means innocent or acquitted. The short man, aware of his need for a healer, climbs a tree of rehabilitation, resulting in him becoming acquitted and healed.

After his public confession of his "sins" and showing repentance by compensating others for his infringements upon their rights, he is acquitted as his name means. By accepting Jesus, confessing his transgressions, and showing readiness to compensate others, Zacchaeus is healed.

The rejected is accepted and, thanks to Jesus' love, inspiration and presence in his house, the man receives internal peace and redemption. He becomes a model for those who are looking for internal peace and righteousness that is guaranteed only by Jesus' presence in their hearts, minds and deeds.

May we hear His voice say to each of us, 'Hurry, open your heart, for I must stay there today!' As we give time for meditation on this gospel, may we pray with St. Augustine of Hippo: "Our hearts were made for you, O Lord, and they are restless until they rest in you!”