The meaning of the Shortness of Zacchaeus

Gospel Thoughts

33rd Week : Tuesday

GOSPEL Lk 19:1-10

First Reading - Rv 3:1-6, 14-22

*The meaning of the Shortness of  Zacchaeus*

*He was short in stature*

*1) The Physical description of Zacchaeus*

The Gospel is very clear that He was short in stature

He was a tax collector, wealthy man

He had deep desire to meet Jesus. Since he was short in stature, he could not meet Jesus,  so  he ran and climbed a sycamore tree. 

*2) Physical Shortness also has deeper meaning* 

Shortness, means not properly grown. It shows that some areas are not properly developed that is why persons growth had some problems

So the physical shortness of Zacchaeus shows what type of person he was. Many of his personality traits show that he was not only short in stature, but also in his attitude and way of life. We can analyse in the following way.

*A)  He was Short in Sincerity*

Zacchaeus sincerity was very short. It means he was not sincere. 

As a tax collector he had collected lot of money from people, more than what was people supposed to pay

So people hated these tax collector because of their cheating and swindling their money 

*B) He was Short in Relationship*

Zacchaeus' human relationships were very short, in the sense that he was dealing with human beings only at business level

In his relationship there was no care, concern, love and personal involvement. 

*C) As a genuine human being - He was short*

Over the years, Zacchaeus had lost his real human nature. 

Because of his way of life, he was almost like an animal

This also proves why he claimed the tree to see Jesus. 

Only animals are found on the tree, not human beings. 

Even when he wanted to meet Jesus, finally, he had to come down and meet Jesus face to face and not on the tree. 

*D) He was Short in Generosity*

His generosity was short, in the sense that, he would not make any concession with regard to the tax. 

The virtue of generosity was not seen in Zacchaeus. 

*3) Jesus makes him to realise his shortness*

The encounter with Jesus, makes Zacchaeus to realise how short he was in all the aspects of his life. 

The act of coming down from the tree, was a symbolic act, where Zacchaeus also comes down from the *tree of Shortness* and becomes a tall man in his conversion

*4) His conversion shows how tall he became with the encounter of Jesus*

The conversion of Zacchaeus was not a simple conversion, but it is a conversion, which made the salvation to come at once to his life and to entire house hold 

His conversion involved really practical issues, 

He boldly proclaimed: half of his possession to the poor 

4 times more repayment to all from whom he has extorted the money 

With this Zacchaeus became a tall man, which made the salvation to get in immediately. 

*5) Shortness in my Life*

Shortness in no way helps us to grow. In fact in hampers our growth. 

What are the shortness of my life? 

Am l short in generosity, humility, sharing, smiling, loving, caring, hard work, sincerity, etc 

What can I do to change these shortness of my life? 

What are some of the practical solutions?

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*