The Word Engaged

Zacchaeus

“I want to stay at your house.” (Lk 19:5)

Judging from the harsh things that Jesus said about wealth and privilege, we might reasonably think it well nigh impossible for a rich person not only to enter the gates of heaven, but also to come into the good graces of Jesus himself.

Zacchaeus was rich. A prominent tax collector, he even seemed to have suspicions about fraud in his own practices. He may have been small in stature, but he was definitely into big-time operations. It also happened that he wanted to see what Jesus was like. So, running ahead of a big crowd’s rush, he climbed a sycamore to see what he could see.

It’s an interesting scene—unlike my own imagined scenario. I would have the master, eyes aflame, look at the conniver and warn him of his impending doom. Jesus would then launch into a rousing condemnation of exploitation and injustice. Zacchaeus would serve as prime example.

But the Christ of Luke’s Gospel (a Gospel, mind you, that is one of the harshest in denouncing riches and the oppression of the poor) once again confounds expectations. “Zacchaeus, hurry down. I want to stay at your house.”

Now I would have at least put some conditions on my visit. “Do you promise to turn away from your greedy behavior? Are you willing to abandon the errant ways of your business and lifestyle?”

Why do these things not cross the mind of Jesus?

He has preached about greed often enough. And here’s a real live capitalist pig he could whale into; but instead, he asks to be invited home. Needless to say, Zacchaeus was thrilled. He welcomed Christ with delight.

John Kavanaugh, SJ

**From Saint Louis University