My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I have immense pleasure in meeting you through this column. I worship from the bottom of my heart our great Lord of hosts Who only protects and leads us in these days.

As we read Gospel according to Luke, Chapter 19 and verses 1 to 10, we come across a man called Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector and a very rich man. ( Luke 19:2).  Zacchaeus hears about Jesus of Nazareth. He became excited to know about the “good news” that Jesus preached and of His many signs and wonders. He was urged in his heart to some how have an audience with Jesus. At least once. The desire grew more each passing day. However, he thought of two stumbling blocks which restrained him from making any attempt to see Jesus :

1. The great multitudes always surrounding Jesus wherever He went.
2. His short stature which may prevent him seeing Jesus among the crowd.

But Zacchaeus determined himself  somehow to overcome these issues and see Jesus. Finally the day came. Zacchaeus heard that Jesus was passing through. The solution to his limitations came in the form of a “sycamore” tree near the house. Up he went on the tree, and awaited eagerly : To see Jesus. When Jesus finally came, He (Jesus)  stopped near the tree, looked up and called him by his name  :

“ Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house” (Luke 19:5)

Jesus went to his house and dined there and stayed with him. There came a great change of heart in Zacchaeus on that day. The house was redeemed and given salvation on that day. (Luke 19:9). For Zacchaeus said to the Lord: “ Look, Lord. I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold” (Luke 19: 8).

Yes, my beloved. As we are sunk in this sinful world, however we try , we will not be able to get delivered on our own. Even though we are children of God by the virtue of Abrahamic covenant, we are unable to get salvation on our own. Like Zacchaeus, we too have stumbling blocks restraining us from meeting Jesus : lack of spiritual growth; the world around and all its burdens. As Zacchaeus did, if we are determined to see Jesus, we can overcome these barriers. For Zacchaeus, the solution came in the form of a “sycamore” tree. For us, we have the wonderful “cross” where Jesus stands with his open arms, calling us to get redeemed. For He has already borne our inequities on the cross. Whatever may the pressing burdens or our circumstances today, let us determine ourselves as Zacchaeus did and look upon the cross and embrace the  feet of the Lord in tears. Our dear Lord  Jesus is capable of cleansing any type of sin and make us holy, in Him. For Jesus said : “ Today salvation has come to this house” (Luke 19:9).

As a closing note I wish to reiterate here that one important learning point here is that Zacchaeus was redeemed only because of his deep desire and determination to see Jesus. Despite his (seemingly) limitations, he took the step forward and made an effort. If you too aspire and seek Him, Jesus is capable of showering the same grace, same redemption and salvation as given to Zacchaeus. Make the move: Today and now.

Prayer :

Dear Lord Jesus,   

We also aspire to see You. As Zacchaeus did.

We are sinners and are immersed and bound by this world.

However, we look upon You and only You.

We look upon the cross and seek Your light.

The light which shown in the darkness. The light which darkness comprehendeth not.

Redeem us, cleanse us and make us Your children, for ever.

Amen.

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