DO NOT CRITICIZE SINNERS, RATHER BE COMPASSIONATE

 Tuesday 33rd week in Ordinary Time Year A, 17th November, 2020. The Memorial of Elizabeth of Hungary

Readings: Rev. 3: 1-6.14-22, Ps.15, Luke:19:1-10

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

DO NOT CRITICIZE SINNERS, RATHER BE COMPASSIONATE

Oftentimes we are quick to criticize, condemn and label people as sinners, outcast and good for nothing. But this is not the attitude of Jesus who is always compassionate especially to sinners and those rejected in the society and wants us to do the same. This is evident in our Gospel passage today, where we were told the story of Zacchaeus. A man who was regarded as a public sinner.  Wanting to see Jesus, but being small in size, he ran ahead and climbed up a sycamore tree and waited for Jesus to come by. He really had a great desire to see Jesus. 

Thus, the attitude of Jesus upon seeing Zacchaeus on the tree was very touching. Jesus does not ask, nor does he demanded anything. He only responded to the inner desire of a sinful man who seeks to see him and he said to him, “Zacchaeus come down. Hurry, because I am to stay at your home today” Zacchaeus gets down and received Jesus, in his house, with great joy. People complained and criticized him saying “He has gone to stay at a sinner’s house”.

But Jesus does not care about the criticism. He went to the house of Zacchaeus and defended him from the criticism. And rather than calling him a sinner, he called him “son of Abraham”. Here we see how Jesus accepts those who were not accepted. He offers a place to those who do not have. He receives as brothers and sisters people whom the society and religion rejected. 

And we heard him reveals in our first readings saying: If one of you hears me calling and opens the door, I will come in to share his meal, side by side with him. He also warns us not to be lukewarm neither cold nor hot. But repent. If we do not wake up, he shall come to us like a thief, without telling us at what hour to expect him.

Dear friends, how do we accept people who are despised and marginalized in our society? Can we, like Jesus, perceive people’s inner desire for compassion and give them attention? Remember, the compassion and tenderness of Jesus brought about a total change in the life of Zacchaeus. Why not show some compassion to those we meet today, for it may be the only opportunity to embrace the salvation they will ever have in their life. 

Let us learn from St. Elizabeth whose memorial we celebrate today for she was known for her constant visit to the sick and those who were particularly repulsive; to some she gave food, to others clothing; some she carried on her own shoulders, and performed many other kindly services.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, we are sinners in need of your mercy. As we climb the sycamore tree of grace with contrite hearts, may you find in us the inner desire for mercies and in your compassion purify us and welcome us back to your kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed day.