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| “The Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple” by Pierre Mignard, c. 1635 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: 2 Maccabees 6:18-31
Commentary on 2 Mc 6:18-31
The story of Eleazar given from the Second Book of Maccabees is the companion story to that of the mother and her seven sons (see 2 Mc 7:1-2, 9-14). These stories, while intended to serve as examples of heroic courage and fidelity to God’s Law, were popular with early Christians because they gave a solid theological underpinning to martyrdom.
CCC: 2 Mc 6:30 363
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 3:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
R. (6b) The Lord upholds me.
Commentary on Ps 3:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
Psalm 3 is a lament, singing of the plight of one attacked and oppressed by enemies on all sides. These strophes are clearly an echo of King David’s sorrow, as all that the Lord has given to him seems to be at risk with no sign that God will come to his aid. In spite of this apparent abandonment, the singer has faith that God will continue to defend his servant.
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Gospel: Luke 19:1-10
Commentary on Lk 19:1-10
In this passage, we hear the story of Zacchaeus, the tax collector, and Jesus. While still on his final journey to Jerusalem, this encounter takes place in Jericho, on the western edge of Jordan Valley, about 6 miles north of the Dead Sea, northeast of Jerusalem. Jesus chooses Zacchaeus’ home for his resting place (an unpopular choice: “…they began to grumble, saying, ‘He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner’”).
Jesus uses this occasion to give us a clear idea of why he came. When Zacchaeus tells him what he has done with his material possessions, Jesus proclaims: “…the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.” The Lord's mission is salvation.
The story of Zacchaeus is another of the stories unique to the Gospel of St. Luke. The tax collector exemplifies the attitude the faithful should take. He detaches himself easily from his wealth. Zacchaeus' offers go beyond what Mosaic Law calls for (assuming some of his dealings were dishonest: Exodus 21:37; Numbers 5:5-7) to give half of his possessions to the poor, and to make amends four times over for any accounts he has wrongly settled. This action, the Lord tells those present, has earned him salvation.
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Reflection: (For a homily on the Blessed Lady’s feast day go to the proper.)
Hearing the story of Zacchaeus we probably think: “That’s really good advice for the wealthy.” That was the point the Lord was making with his comment to the tax collector, right? He undoubtedly spotted Zacchaeus in the tree and saw his fine clothes. Jesus may have turned to one of the crowd of people around him and asked: “Who’s the rich guy in the tree?” (It probably sounds much more formal in Aramaic.) At any rate, he addressed him by name: “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house."
We are a little taken aback by his presumption. This was not a question, it was an announcement, as if he could have made that demand of anyone present. But then he recognized that Zacchaeus was Hebrew, and as such was under the obligation of hospitality.
The response from Zacchaeus was immediate. Not only did he accept the Lord’s statement eagerly, but he went further, announcing publicly that he was donating half of what he owned to the poor and anyone who he had wrongly charged, he would repay four times over. (Tax collectors were not paid a salary, they were expected to take a portion of what they were paid and typically padded the tax bill excessively.)
Now back to that opening line: “That’s really good advice for the wealthy.” Scripture scholars do indeed say this was the group Jesus was addressing with this story. But we, by the standards of the modern world, are all wealthy. We do not have to beg in order to buy food, we do not depend upon others for survival as did the poor in the Lord’s Day.
We are bound by Jesus’ injunction. Today we hear the Lord addressing us: “… for today I must stay at your house." Again the Lord makes a statement, not a request. We are his disciples after all and we should, like Zacchaeus, be honored that he has chosen us. And what shall we tell the Lord? “Lord I am honored but I gave at the office.” Or “I’d love to have you over but I have other plans.”
No, today the call is not just to the wealthy. It is to each one of us. It is the call to love one another once more. We are commanded to share what we have with those in need, be that material resources or time and effort. The Lord calls us by name today and tells us - today I must stay at your house. What is our response?
Pax
[1] The picture is “The Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple” by Pierre Mignard, c. 1635
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