The need of running ahead and climbing the Tree

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Thirty Third Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 19:1-10*

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

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 15:2-3a, 3bc-4ab, 5*

*The need of running ahead and climbing the Tree*

*1) Zacchaeus, Running ahead*

The Gospel speaks about the man, who was called Zacchaeus

He wanted to see Jesus. But because of the crowd he could not see Jesus 

So he ran ahead and climbed the sycamore tree. From there he was not only able to see, but Jesus also saw him 

This running ahead and climbing the tree helped him to have encounter with Jesus, to have deeper divine experience and to change his life 

From this perspective, running ahead, and climbing the sycamore tree has greater significance in the life of Zacchaeus

*2) Spiritual meaning of Running and climbing the Tree*

What we see in the life of Zacchaeus, has a deeper and spiritual meaning to our life 

Since the crowd was block for Zacchaeus, he run away from the crowd and climbed the sycamore tree 

In our life we need to run away from the crowd, which hinders the vision or encounter of Jesus 

*3) Crowd that hinders to encounter of Jesus*

Like Zacchaeus, we too face different kinds of crowd which hinder the vision and encounter of Jesus 

The crowd of sin 

The crowd of ego 

The crowd of selfishness

The crowd of pride

The crowd of revenge

The crowd of arrogance

The crowd of greed 

The crowd of lust 

The crowd of self-righteousness 

The crowd of anger 

The crowd of attachment to worldly things  

The crowd of laziness

We need to run away from these crowds inorder to meet Jesus 

*4) The climbing of the tree*

The tree in a way helped Zacchaeus, to see Jesus and to meet him. This brought a great change in him 

In our spiritual life climbing the tree is very important 

Climbing always symbolises going or growing higher 

Climbing indicates a kind of growth 

Climbing also tells about positive things which happen in our life 

So we need to climb every day 

Need to climb the tree of holiness

Need to climb the tree of humility 

Need to climb the tree of love 

Need to climb the tree of simplicity

Need to climb the tree of service

Need to climb the tree of sacrifice 

Need to climb the tree of generosity

Need to climb the tree of prayer 

Need to climb the tree of gospel values 

When we climb these trees not only we are able to see Jesus but Jesus also recognizes us in whatever situation we are 

*5) Am I ready to Run and Climb?*

This is a challenging mission to all of us 

Ruuning away from the bad things and climbing the good things is very much needed and useful for our life 

It is a continuous process, which has to be done everyday in order to grow in our life in holiness 

Am I ready for this mission? 

What are the challenges I face in dealing these issues in my life?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*