Sometimes we are like Zacchaeus and sometimes we are like the crowd. Are there times when we have blocked people from seeing Jesus? Emmanuel Arenas, SJ, reflects on the story of Zacchaeus and having confidence in Jesus. Based on the readings for Sunday, October 30, 2022.
In who do we place our confidence?
I’m Emmanuel Arenas and this is my One-Minute Reflection
Saint Ignatius recommends to spiritual directors that “it is more appropriate and far better” that God should deal directly with the retreatant. In other words, the spiritual director should help cultivate the graces coming from God and avoid getting in the way of spiritual progress. So how does this advice relate to all of us?
In today’s Gospel, Zacchaeus, “a chief tax collector,” was seeking Jesus “but he could not see him because of the crowd.” Despite the crowd, Jesus looks for Zacchaeus and stays at his house.
We too can often be like the crowd, making it difficult for others to see Jesus. The reality is, none of us are perfect, but that shouldn’t lead to despair. Through grace, Jesus redeems our shortcomings and makes use of them. God works with and through all circumstances. Therefore, when things don’t go perfectly, have confidence that Jesus can still work through our limitations.
