One of the frustrations that can come with an aging body is not being able to see things clearly. I wear contacts, but still need help seeing the fine print so I find myself using “cheaters”. Without these inexpensive glasses, located in every conceivable place in my house, things are blurry and can make reading a frustrating experience. Seeing helps us navigate our daily world and nothing reminds me of this more than when I put on those glasses and things become focused. 

The power of sight is central to today’s gospel, reminding us of the need to both see and be seen. Let’s start with Zacchaeus. He wanted to see Jesus, but he was short, not just in physical stature, but also in terms of his moral standing. However, his desire to see Jesus was so great that even though he couldn’t see over a crowd who disliked him he humbled himself and climbed a tree like a child in order to get a good glimpse. He took a dangerous risk, let his guard down and in doing so found belonging, love, and joy. This is what happens when we open ourselves to being seen by Jesus.  

Next, to the crowd. They see a man, who to them is despicable, getting embraced by Jesus. Jesus does the unexpected, he shows the crowd that even a chief tax collector is a child of God. He opens their eyes to what it means to seek out those who are lost. His actions embody the promise that anyone — anyone! — who desires to be seen by Jesus will. Being seen isn’t just for people who fit a narrow moral code. God's love extends to all of us. 

To see and be seen, according to Brene Brown, is the greatest gift of love. Today’s gospel provides a powerful example of what this love looks like in action.  

As we work through our busy week let’s pray that we can be as vulnerable as Zacchaeus and take the risk of letting Jesus see us. Let’s also pray that we take a second look at those we have judged undeserving, see who they are, and not be surprised by their generosity and faith. Let’s clean off our glasses and really look and see Jesus working in and through our lives. Let's focus, by keeping God close to us. In doing this we cannot help but see and feel love, belonging and connection.