We have a parish in the diocese of Reno under the patronage of St. Albert the Great. I have many friends who are parishioners of that parish. I am excited to share his life in a very concise way. St. Albert was born in 1200 somewhere in southern Germany. He had a brilliant mind and deep love for God as a young boy. In 1223 he joined the Domincan Order, became a religious priest and dedicated his life to preaching and teaching. He was a great scholar who received different academic degrees and titles. He was called the greatest philosopher of the Middle Ages. Because of his holiness, writings, commitment to pastoral works and teaching ministry, he enlightened so many people, even up to this time, in particular the youth. He died in 1280 in Cologne, Germany.
We live in a world where there is much confusion and lack of faith in God. There are increasing numbers of both young and old people who are searching for the truth; however, their inclination is leaning towards believing in science rather than religion. I believe that our extra effort visiting the writings of St. Albert and other saints would help us understand that there is no conflict between science and faith. There is an inherent harmony between the two because when we arrive at finding the scientific truth, then there is an opportunity for us to dwell on human reasoning for contemplation on the power of God. We need to admit that our rational knowledge is a gift from God, which leads us to the understanding of faith; hence, we can be assured of the possibility of arriving at believing in God.
The gospel today is the story of a man, a tax collector, who was eager to see and learn from Jesus. He was a smart person whose intelligence had been used to outwit people to his advantage. However, hearing of the coming of Jesus, he was curious about Him. On the part of Zacchaeus, it began as curiosity, then turned into his transformation and conversion.
When Jesus was being followed by numerous people, Zacchaeus climbed the sycamore tree to find a better view of seeing Jesus from the tree. Jesus said, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” Jesus was walking, followed by a huge crowd through Jericho. Immediately Zacchaeus offers half of his possessions to the poor and offers to pay back monies if need be.
In Luke’s gospel it is written that the crowd grumbled and could not believe Jesus was going to a sinner’s home. However, Jesus’ heart sees that one sinner needs healing and salvation.
Most of us become a hindrance to someone’s desire to meet, to encounter and to know Jesus. We become greedy and jealous if someone is getting more than we are. Our natural tendency is to be envious and bring them down, and our insecurity becomes our defense.
Despite the attitude of the crowd, Zacchaeus welcomed Jesus to his home to share with his family and friends. Zacchaeus humbled himself by his personal experience with Jesus. He was filled with gratitude and did not mind at all his critics.
This gospel story touches my heart so profoundly. I am praying and hoping that every person must be aware of Jesus’ passing by in our lives. Then, our relationship with Jesus is something precious that will happen to change us. Jesus’ voice is telling us to come down from our tree of pride.
Like Zacchaeus, I personally want to take this opportunity to be present with Him, taking action even if I am being confronted with so many obstacles and some risks in life. I am certain that allowing Jesus to be welcomed in my heart is already a gift to sanctify my soul.
St. Augustine says, “Late have I loved Thee,” However, it is never too late to return to God because He searches those who are lost. When we think that we have wasted so much time for nothing, imagine Jesus saying, “Salvation has come to this house.” I believe Jesus assures us of salvation, and there is so much joy and His warm embrace which dissolves all guilt, hurts and pains. It’s never too late.
Remember that our being short-sighted would never close opportunities for our journey to God. Not only having a short stature like Zacchaeus, but our own disabilities can also be assets to be closer to God.
Let us get out and watch Jesus come closer to various types of people. He wants to deal with us just as He ministered to people in small towns like Jericho.
Jesus helps us to move forward if we repent sincerely like Zacchaeus.
St. Albert, pray for us.
Fr. Arlon, osa
