Homily for Tuesday 20th November 2018
_“And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, ‘Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house.’” *Luke 19:8-9*_
Sharing a meal with someone goes beyond merely filling one’s stomach with food. To eat on the same table or from the same plate with a person is a deeply spiritual act; it is a form of bonding. As our people say; “Only a child who washes his hands clean can eat with the elders.” This saying is deep. It shows that it is not everyone and not any type of person you can invite over for a meal or afford to eat with.
To be invited for a meal is a sign of respect, honour and love. The case of Zacchaeus in today’s Gospel passage is one clear example of how a single meal can change a person’s life. All that Jesus needed to do to make Zacchaeus repent was to ask him to provide lunch at his house.
Just as a man would get on his knees to propose to his spouse at table, we see Zacchaeus overwhelmed with joy and the feeling of honour declare: “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone, I shall repay it four times over.” Wow! Indeed, a lot of miracles happen at the table.
Again, it is interesting to note that it was Jesus who invited Zacchaeus for a meal. Zacchaeus on his own did not have the boldness to walk up to Jesus to invite him to his house. It is even more interesting to note that just as Jesus asked Zacchaeus to prepare lunch for him, Jesus has extended this invitation to every one of us. As we hear in today’s first reading, Jesus is saying:
“Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will enter his house and DINE with him, and he with me. I will give the victor the right to sit on my throne, as I myself first won the victory and sit with my Father on his throne.”
Dear friends, let us open the doors of our hearts to Jesus. Let us prepare the best meal ever for him; the meal of our goodness; the sumptuous meal of our fidelity to his commandments; the sweet aroma of our shining example. Jesus would be glad to have a date with you. Please don’t keep him outside.
Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, help me to open my doors to you always. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time. Year B. Bible Study: Revelation 3:1-6,14-22 Psalm 15:2-5 and Luke 19:1-10).
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