As we remember the dead, allow us to encounter Jesus and repent

We commemorate the solemnities of All Saints and All Souls this week. The liturgical calendar reminds us to reflect intentionally on those that have died and to see ourselves in communion with them, at the same time as we’re still alive. Remembering saints and departed souls, especially our family members, may give us inspiration, guidance, peace and intercession. The tone and type of such reflections can vary from very solemn to very festive, particularly in cultural expressions similar to Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). For per week during which death features prominently, we will use this time to reflect on how we will improve ourselves and live higher lives. The Gospel for this Sunday gives us an example of private growth, repentance and transformation that may encourage our actions.

Within the Gospel reading from Luke, we hear the narrative of Jesus and Zacchaeus, a person who’s a wealthy tax collector who apparently has not dealt fairly in his community. The interaction between the 2 figures is notable as Jesus helps to facilitate Zacchaeus’ growth, yet Zacchaeus also shows initiative and awareness that may serve for instance for us.

As Jesus approaches, Zacchaeus rushes to climb a tree in order that he can see him, showing his interest and eagerness. Jesus reaches out to this wealthy tax collector and demands hospitality, telling him that he “must stay at your home.” Zacchaeus hurriedly and joyfully responds by serving him.

Zacchaeus’ response calls to mind Abraham’s actions when he’s visited by divine messengers (Gen 18:1-8). Abraham, similarly, rushes with Sarah and a servant to organize a meal for the guests, offering them alternative meat and bread. Ultimately, these guests proclaim that Abraham and Sarah would have a son, Isaac.

Zacchaeus makes a proclamation himself after he offers Jesus hospitality. He confesses that he has not all the time dealt fairly in his life, but he has made amends and repents for his actions:

“Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I even have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it 4 times over.”

While we give attention to the dead this week, today’s Gospel reminds us to give attention to how we live.

Zacchaeus demonstrates how he can use his financial resources to assist those in need. More explicitly, he redistributes his wealth to assist to repair an unjust system from which he has personally profited. As well as, he commits to creating restitution. Not only does he promise to present away his possessions, but additionally repay 4 times what he has taken unjustly, constructing in a penalty and extra compensation to those he has wronged. Zacchaeus models tips on how to address systemic financial failures by acting decisively in ways in which help correct corruption. As financial injustice persists today, the Gospel should encourage determined motion to repair what’s clearly broken.

The actions of Zacchaeus are daring and would change his life and the lives of those in his community. Yet, as can also occur today, there have been naysayers who focused more on Jesus’ association with a corrupt figure fairly than the act of repentance and transformation that was happening.

Jesus’ response is powerful and telling. He invokes Abraham, noting Zacchaus is a component of the Abrahamic family. Jesus also highlights salvation and repentance:

“Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to hunt and to save lots of what was lost.”

Jesus’ response reminds us that repentance is feasible and vital for salvation. The interest in saving those that are lost recalls the parables of the lost items, similar to the sheep, coin and son (Lk 15:1-32). While we give attention to the dead this week, today’s Gospel reminds us to give attention to how we live. It calls for a private eagerness and openness to come across Jesus and a commitment to turning away from sin and making recompense for past actions.