JESUS LOVES THE RICH
Jesus’ encounter with the rich man Zacchaeus is a well-known story. The scene has been nicely worked up by Luke, maybe concerned by the difficulty that some rich families were encountering in order to integrate themselves in the first Christian communities.
Zacchaeus is a rich man, well-known in Jericho. «Small of stature», but a powerful «leader of the tax-collectors» who control the passage of merchandize in this important cross-roads. He’s not a well-liked person. The people consider him a «sinner», excluded from the Covenant. He lives by exploiting others. «He’s not a child of Abraham».
However this man wants to see «who this Jesus is». He’s heard talk about him, but doesn’t know him. He’s not bothered by doing something ridiculous, acting in a way that’s not in accord with his dignity: just like some kid, «he runs» to get ahead of everyone else, and «climbs a sycamore tree». He just wants to «see» Jesus. He himself probably doesn’t know that he’s looking for peace, truth, a more dignified meaning for his life.
When Jesus reaches that place, «he raises his eyes» and sees Zacchaeus. The story suggests an exchange of glances between the prophet who is defender of the poor and the rich exploiter. Jesus calls him by his name: «Zacchaeus, come down. Hurry». Don’t waste another moment. «I am to stay at your house today». Jesus wants to enter into the world of this rich man.
Zacchaeus joyfully opens the door of his house. He lets him enter into his world of money and power, while in Jericho everyone is criticizing Jesus for having entered «into the house of a sinner».
When he contacts Jesus, Zacchaeus changes. He begins to think about the «poor»: he will share his goods with them. He remembers those who are victims of his business dealing: he will return with interest what he has stolen from them. He lets Jesus introduce truth, justice and compassion into his life. Zacchaeus is a new person. With Jesus everything is possible.
Jesus rejoices because «salvation» has come also to that powerful and rich house. That’s why he’s come: «to seek out and save what was lost». Jesus is sincere: the life of those who are slaves of money are lost lives, lives without truth, without justice, without compassion toward those who suffer. But Jesus loves the rich. He doesn’t want one of them to throw away his life. Each rich person who lets Jesus into his world will experience his saving power.
José Antonio Pagola
Translator: Fr. Jay VonHandorf
