Binhi sang Pagtuo
July 12, 2010
Dear Centralians and Friends,
Greetings from the campus!
Our reflection for this week is about the encounter of Jesus with Zacchaeus.
This encounter happened in Jericho, a wealthy and important town during that time. It was the center of trade and industry. Its commerce was mainly on palm and balsam. Zacchaeus lived in this town.
He was wealthy but was unhappy. He was lonely for he had chosen a way that made him an outcast. He was not only a mere tax collector but the chief publican. He was despised and hated by people. He was corrupt because he charged more than what is supposed to be. He was an extortionist. This was his kind of life before he met Jesus Christ.
We can learn three things from Zacchaeus.
First, he had an Eager Attitude. He was determined to see Jesus and would let nothing to stop him. Zacchaeus threw away his pride, being a chief publican, and climbed the Sycamore tree in order to see Jesus.
Are we eager to find Jesus Christ? Do we let the crowd, the people, our work hinder us from coming to Jesus Christ?
Second, he had an Obedient and Open Attitude. When Jesus said that he will dine in the house of Zacchaeus, he immediately came down. He did not hesitate.
Jesus is continually knocking on our doors. Are we open to receive him? What obstacles do we have to overcome to see Jesus?
Third, he had a Repentant Attitude. There was a radical repentance in Zacchaeus. His change of life was evident in the actions that followed. He promised to give away half of his health and to return four-fold to those whom he cheated.
How do we act on our repentance?
The verse ending the story of Zacchaeus says, “salvation has come to his house.” It means that Zacchaeus became a blessing to his house. He brought the means of grace and salvation to his household.
Tradition tells us that later Zacchaeus became the bishop of Caesarea. What a turn of events if someone encounters Jesus Christ!
May God bless us all!
Sincerely,
Pastor Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
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