Student Daily Reflection

“Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.” Luke 19:9-10

Today’s Gospel gives one of the many examples of Christ’s mission “to seek and to save what was lost”. Luke provides insight to the fact that Jesus purposely sought out the marginalized people. The Bible is evidence that Christ reached out to the numbers who were not socially accepted: the poor, the lowly, the sinful, widowed and orphaned, and all others who faced oppression.

In this instance, Zacchaeus was a socially marginalized man. He was wealthy but was a tax collector, a traitorous and sinful position to be had in Biblical times. Jesus saw beyond the social stigma and grumbling, beyond the sin, and into the very heart of a human individual. What is more, is that when Christ stopped and dined with Zacchaeus, He found a heart that yearned to repent. Zacchaeus did not need societal judgment to know his own transgressions, for he was ready to do justice for those he had offended.

When I read this Gospel, I tried to apply it to today. In Christ’s footsteps, one can approach life through pure and equal vision, free from the filters of prejudices, oppression, and other presupposed judgments. In Zacchaeus’ footsteps, one can always turn from unjust actions and towards justice. We are made in Christ’s image because it is our responsibility and duty to continue on with His mission to seek out those who remain hidden in the margins of society, our brothers and sisters in Christ.