Today's gospel story is about Zacchaeus a rich tax collector who went down to his self-made throne to see what Jesus' was like. There are three stages in his life story.
First is that, Zacchaeus was a wealthy man but he is unhappy. He was lonely because he had chosen a way that made him an outcast. Despised and hated by his fellowmen, Zacchaeus was reaching after the love of God.
Secondly, despite of this he was determined to see Jesus and would not let anything to stop him. For Zacchaeus, mingling with the crown alone is a courageous thing to do, even with his stature he climbed a sycamore tree.
Thirdly, Zacchaeus took steps to show to the community that he was a changed man. When Jesus announced that he would stay in his house that day, and when he discovered that he had found a new and wonderful friend in Jesus, He made a decision. Upon encountering Jesus, he decided half of his wealth to the poor, and half of it to be used to make restitution to his misdeeds especially defrauding his neighbors of which he confessed that he is guilty. And he was ready to pay neyond what is legally acceptable.
God in his goodness and mercy is also asking us to go down to the pedestal we buit for ourselves. Like Zacchaeus we need to give up our ego and pride so that Jesus could come and dwell in us. He have to forego those that hinders us of our intimate relationship with God. God is waiting for us to come down and walk with him in newness of life.
