Tuesday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time

A Heart Transformed: Welcoming Christ with Joy and Action

In today’s Gospel from Luke 19:1-10, we encounter the familiar and powerful story of Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector in Jericho. He was a man of wealth, but also a man who was despised by society. His occupation made him an outcast, someone considered a traitor and a sinner. And yet, Zacchaeus had a deep desire to see Jesus. That longing was so strong that he did something quite undignified for a man of his status—he climbed a sycamore tree just to catch a glimpse of the Lord passing by.

Jesus, knowing his heart, stops and calls him by name: ‘Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.’ This moment changes everything. Zacchaeus welcomes Jesus with joy, and that encounter leads to a radical transformation. He doesn’t just say he’s sorry—he acts. He gives away half of his wealth to the poor and promises to repay fourfold anyone he has wronged.

This Gospel invites us to reflect deeply. Where do we find ourselves in this story?

Are we Zacchaeus—longing for something more, aware of our shortcomings, and willing to take bold steps to encounter Jesus? Are we willing to climb whatever ‘tree’ we must in order to see Him more clearly, even if it means humbling ourselves or stepping out of our comfort zone?

Or are we part of the crowd—watching from a distance, quick to judge, murmuring when mercy is extended to someone we think doesn’t deserve it? The crowd grumbled when Jesus chose to go to Zacchaeus’ house. They couldn’t believe that He would associate with such a sinner. But Jesus came precisely for people like Zacchaeus—and people like us.

But there is another question we must ask: Are we being Jesus to the Zacchaeuses in our lives?

Do we see the potential for redemption in others, or do we write them off because of their past? Do we extend mercy and welcome, or do we stand at a distance, judging and withholding compassion? Jesus saw beyond Zacchaeus’ reputation. He saw his heart, his longing, and his capacity for change. He called him by name and entered into his life.

St. John Chrysostom once said, ‘Do you see how great is the power of repentance? It made a publican to be counted with the apostles.’ Zacchaeus’ story reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace, and that true repentance bears visible fruit.

In our modern lives, this Gospel challenges us in three ways:

First, like Zacchaeus, are we seeking Jesus with sincere hearts, willing to change?

Second, like the crowd, are we tempted to judge others and limit God’s mercy?

And third, like Jesus, are we willing to reach out to those on the margins, to call them by name, and to offer them a place of welcome?

Let us pray for the grace to recognize where we are in this story—and to respond accordingly. May we seek Jesus with courage, welcome Him with joy, and extend His mercy to others with compassion. And may our lives, like that of Zacchaeus, be transformed by the power of an encounter with Christ.