Church of the
Annunciation

The name “Zacchaeus” means “clean.” It is an odd name for a man who collects taxes for the Emperor in Rome to pay for an occupying army. Zacchaeus is despised by the Jews in Jericho. He is also curious about Jesus and climbs a tree to see him. It is comical! As Zacchaeus looks for Jesus, Jesus is looking for Zacchaeus. Jesus tells him to come down out of the tree because he wishes to stay with him. Of all people! As onlookers grumble, Zacchaeus holds his ground. “I will give half my money to the poor. If I have defrauded anyone, I will pay the person back fourfold.” Curiosity regarding Jesus has changed into conviction. Jesus looking at Zacchaeus with the love of God and overlooking his sins has deeply touched him. He is a changed man. Imagine Jesus looking at us, overlooking our sins and saying: “I want to stay with you.” “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.”