‘‘... and Jesus said to him, ‘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 19:5, 9-10).
While reflecting on the life of Zacchaeus, I remember an old friend who had gone through a personal conversion.
Due to a high paying job in a big company, he made it good in terms of material wealth.
He indulged himself in drugs and gambling, which caused him to lose his wealth and property.
He also indulged in womanising, which destroyed his relationship with his wife and his children.
The biggest setback of his life is when the doctor said he was only going to live for another six months.
It was only then he realised how foolish he had been in his life.
While talking to me he said, ‘‘If only I can go back to my life I will repair it, make it good, use it fruitfully and love my wife and family. Now that my life is coming to an end I am asking the Lord to forgive me. I don’t deserve it, but I know God is compassionate and forgiving.’’
After the conversation I left him, but deep down in my heart I knew he received the Lord in his life joyfully.
Now I can imagine how happy Zacchaeus was when the Lord entered into his house to dine with him face-to-face.
The Son of Man had come to seek and save what was lost.
My old friend was lost like Zacchaeus, but was found by the Lord.
Like Zacchaeus, is there anything in your life that needs forgiveness and healing? The Lord is waiting for your decision.
~ Contributed by Fr Line Abilgos of St Michael’s Catholic Church, on behalf of the Combined Churches of Deniliquin.
30°C