Sycamore Tree

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Sycamore Tree

Zacchaeus     Abraham Descendant

Seeking     Running     Climbing

Clear Vision of Jesus

Conversion

(photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture: Luke 19:1 to 10

Jesus was approaching Jericho with the intention of passing through the town on His journey. 

There was a wealthy man in that town named Zacchaeus who was one of the main tax collectors. He really wanted to see Jesus but he was very short, and he could not get a clear look at Jesus because of the huge crowd.

He decided to climb up a large sycamore tree to get a better look at Jesus. 

When Jesus was passing by, He looked up and saw Zacchaeus in the tree. He said, "Come down now, Zacchaeus, because today I will stay at your house."

Zacchaeus came down as quickly as he could and brought Jesus to his house with great joy.

Some people were very upset with this and said, "Jesus is going to stay in the house of a sinner."

Zacchaeus said, "I have decided to give half of my possessions to the poor. If I have taken any money from someone illegally, I will make sure that person gets four times as much back."

Jesus said, "Today God's gift of salvation has come to this house. He is a descendant of Abraham. The Son of Man has come here to bring healing to those who have lost their way."

Reflection

Zacchaeus could not see Jesus. 

He was too small.

It can be so hard to see Jesus sometimes.

Our world, our vision can be too small to recognize His presence.

We need to make the effort that Zacchaeus made. We need to change our perspective. 

It is easy to get lost in the crowd. To follow along. We don't want to stand out. We don't want to be different.

Jesus looks into the eyes of Zacchaeus. This encounter was not on the schedule. Jesus intended just to pass through Jericho. There was no plan for a visit.

Jesus does not always stick to the agenda. He recognizes something special in Zacchaeus. He knows that he wants more in life and is not satisfied with his wealth, power, and position. 

Jesus has exactly what Zacchaeus is looking for--salvation, healing, good news.

We are challenged by this reading to go and find our own sycamore trees so that we can get a good look at Jesus.

It's tree climbing time!

1. Why is it so hard to see Jesus sometimes?

2. How do you try to enlarge your vision of Jesus?

3. Where will you find the sycamore tree that you need to climb?

4. What do you see as you reflect on Kathy's photo?

(scripture adaptation, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara)