Jesus brings conversion into our lives

November 15, Tuesday of the 33rd Week of Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: Revelation 3: 1-6, 14-22, Psalm 14: 2-4, Luke 19: 1-10

Today’s gospel shows us that our lives are a journey of change and conversion. Jesus comes to the world to bring about change, lasting change, and conversion. Conversion of mind, heart, and life.

This change and conversion we have seen in the gospel Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature.

Here is the mystery of today’s reading. Zacchaeus wants to see Jesus. His desire is fulfilled by the call of Jesus: "Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house." When Jesus called Zacchaeus by name, he changed his mind; he welcomed Jesus with joy and promised to give his property to the poor.

We need a great desire to see Jesus in our lives to follow him and his commandments. We need to change our minds and hearts and make a journey to share our belongings with others. Sharing life and property makes a person happy.

Many Christians have read and sung about Zacchaeus, the wealthy tax collector who met Jesus through the branches of a sycamore tree. This short New Testament story speaks volumes to the church about the importance of a just distribution of wealth in our world.

This story challenges us today to consider how just our society’s economic system is and the role we play in any injustices. In recent years, the rich have grown richer and the poor and not-so-poor have grown poorer.

Let us make a journey, listen to the voice of Jesus, and change our lives to live a life of sharing with joy.