The first reading today invites us to reflect upon the quality of our own witness to Jesus and everything he stood for. Am I one of those who think, "I am rich and affluent and have no need of anything," or do I fully realize and live out of the truth that I am "wretched, pitiable, blind, and naked?" Am I ready to open my heart whenever Jesus (mostly through the poor) comes knocking at the door? Do I hear his voice (the cry of the poor, at times), open up to and welcome him, receive Him with great joy? The gospel reading, the story of Zacchaeus, offers a further golden opportunity to reflect upon our own discipleship, whether we are ready not only to see Jesus, but to go out on a limb for him, to jump down and welcome him into our inner chamber? That, of course, will cost us everything, as it did Ignacio Ellacuria, Amando Lopez, Joaquin Lopez, Martin Baro, Segundo Montes, Juan Ramon Moreno -- all Jesuit priests -- and their companions, Elba Ramos and her daughter, Celina. Like Zacchaeus, they were able to receive Jesus and His way with joy. Am I? If I am, we are promised that we will hear these words of our Psalm fulfilled in us, "I will seat the victor beside me on my throne." |