I remember watching the World Youth Day in Poland in 2016. Today’s gospel was the gospel that was read at the closing Mass. Pope Francis, in his homily, spoke from his heart to over 3 million young people gathered there. I found his words very powerful, moving and uplifting for all of us who are God’s beloved children.
These are the points that stood out for me: “Jesus does not simply preach or greet people. He passed through the city. In other words, He wants to draw near to us personally, to accompany our journey to its end, so that His life and our life can truly meet.”
Obstacles: the Pope highlighted that Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus but he faced some obstacles. First, he was small in stature. Pope Francis recognized that we, too, can face the same challenge when we look at ourselves and say: ‘I’m not big enough; I’m not worthy.’ In those moments, we must remember our true stature, our deepest identity: ‘I am God’s beloved child; to him, all of us are important.’ In his eyes, the clothes you wear or the kind of cell phone you use are of absolutely no concern. He doesn’t care whether you are stylish or not; He cares about you! In His eyes you are precious.
The second obstacle was shame. In trying to climb the sycamore tree, he would have become a laughing stock of all. Yet, he mastered his shame because the attraction of Jesus was more powerful. Just the kind of thing that happens when someone is so attractive that we fall in love with them and end up ready to do things we could never have thought of doing.
The third obstacle was the crowd who first blocked him and then criticized him. How could Jesus have entered his house, the house of a sinner. The Pope continued: “How hard it is to accept a ‘God who is rich in mercy’ People will try to block you, to make you think that God is distant, rigid and insensitive…. people may laugh at you but do not be afraid. Don’t be discouraged, with a smile and open arms, proclaim hope and you are a blessing for one human family.
Finally, as Jesus told Zacchaeus that he wants to go to his house. He reminds them (and us) that Jesus wants to dwell in our daily lives, in our studies, friendships, affections, hopes and dreams.
Thank you.
I would like to thank our parishioners for making the dreams of the young people in our parish come true. As I indicated in the front page of the bulletin, we have hired a Youth Minister. She will work part time. We are looking to also hire a Young Adult Minister who will also work part time. We are grateful to you for your generous donation which has enabled us to move ahead to hire a youth minister. To date, we have raised $19,044.50. We have not reached our goal $50,000 yet. We will struggle along until we reach our goal. Thank you again for your sacrifice, generosity and love for our young people.
Your brother,
~ Fr. Obi