PODCAST - Press sideways triangle below to
listen
or click here if there is no triangle
In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute. Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more: https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/
In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute. Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more: https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/
Tuesday 33rd
Week OT
Cleveland Priests’
Retreat
November 19, 2013
THE STORY +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
Story of Zacchaeus climbing a tree 2C J is a
delight
Ø
We smile to picture this little man shedding his
dignity to catch a glimpse of the famous Rabbi
Ø
The charm of the story, however, belies the
profundity of the message
Zacchaeus ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
1st, fast-forward to the end of
today’s story, to Jesus’ final word to Zacchaeus and to everyone who will
listen
Ø
“Today
salvation has come to this house”
Ø
This is the eschatological now – the eternal
today – the moment of salvation that only Jesus can inaugurate and fulfill
Ø
Zacchaeus has made it, and with so little
effort!
Ø
There is a 2nd part to this message
of good news
Ø
Who of us has not known deep longing to see the
face of God?
Ø
The psalms articulate this desire: “it is your
face, O Lord, that I seek. Hide not your face (Ps 27)
Ø
So Zacchaeus goes out on a limb to see Jesus
Jesus +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
Jesus arrives and simply “looks up”; he sees
Zacchaeus
Ø
In that mutual gaze each sees more than a face
Ø
A look of curiosity turns into a moment of
profound recognition and love
Ø
In that moment Zacchaeus sees himself -- his less-than-honest dealing with his
countrymen
Ø
He also sees one who clearly offers him freedom
– a way out
Ø
Jesus, for his own part, sees a man who is ready
to receive all he wants to give
OUR ENCOUNTER ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø The
liturgy invites us to look into our own hearts today
Ø We
may have met Jesus many times, but have we allowed the look of Jesus to propel
us into a wild, jubilant scramble down to receive all that he wants to give us?
CONCLUSION +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
To see oneself is risky business
Ø
To see oneself in the face of Jesus is salvation
and we can experience it in the moment
Ø
Are we ready to hear the invitation as if for
the 1st time?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
