The Gospel lesson of Luke 19:1-10 is a parable which is wonderfully adaptable to many lesson regrading discipleship and the Christian life. The Gospel parable speaks to us not only about the change which must occur within our hearts for us to follow Christ, but suggests to us that the change of heart also changes our relationships with everyone else.
“It’s an epiphany for him, and in a funny, upside-down way, he is singled out by Jesus much as Jesus was singled out by God at his own baptism. Jesus, at his baptism, is identified as the son of God, and beloved; so Zacchaeus is called on by name, a name which means ‘innocent’ or ‘clean’ – not at all how he is perceived by those around him – and clearly, he gets the message that he is beloved. From that sense of beloved-ness comes his change of heart, his metanoia. It is left for us to imagine what comes from that change. But I can only think that it will ultimately change the heart of the rest of Jericho, as well. That this change of personal fiscal policy on the part of the chief tax collector is going to change the attitudes of those around him.” (Sister Katrina – Nun of New Skete, GOSPEL REFLECTIONS, pg. 46)
See also Zacchaeus – A Change of Heart
Advertisement
Like this:
Be the first to like this post.
Pingback: Zacchaeus – A Change of Heart | Fr. Ted's Blog
One thing that struck me about it as that people often talk about poverty as a cause of crime, but very rarely do people talk about crime as a cause of poverty, yet clearly Zacchaeus’s criminal activities impoversihed amny, and he was willing to do what he could to make it right. And perhaps that is a lesson particularly appropriate for our times.
Very good observation and point
Dear Father Ted, thank you for your thoughtful insights. I have visited your blog a number of times recently in search of Orthodox Christian perspectives. The reason for this is that I am searching for contributors for the homophilosophicus blog, and I would like to include a good, educated and articulate Orthodox perspective. Homophilosophicus is an ongoing theological discussion – and quite frankly it need more than me (ha). I would be honoured if you would drop by and have a look; see what you think. It is not a place for inter-Christian debate you will be glad to hear, but a hub of theological and philosophical ideas. It is my hope to gather enlightened opinions from various religions with a hope to answering some of the questions that arise when faith meets the modern world. Please do let me know what you think.
Jason Michael
Thanks for letting me know about your blog – I’ve added you to my blogroll. I did visit your site and will be back. I’m probably not as philosophically sophisticated or trained as you. So I will join the conversation on those occasions when I think I’ve something to add. The willingness to reach across disciplines and beliefs is something the blogosphere makes possible and yet it is rarely done (or maybe rarely done with success). I appreciate your effort to speak across the disciplines of theology, philosophy and science.
Thank you for such a kind compliment Father. The point I am want to make is that I am the one who is not as Orthodox-ly trained as you. It is for this reason that I had hoped to enlist the odd ‘Orthodox Opinion’ as a contributory article rather than comment. This, however, I am happy to leave entirely to your own discretion. If you would consider joining homophilosophicus as a contributor please do not hesitate to contact us at homophilosophicus.wordpress@gmail.com – we would be delighted to have you on board.
Jason Michael