This is a reflection I wrote after praying the scripture Luke 19:1-10. If you would like to read the scripture about Zacchaeus, you can find here: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+19%3A1-10&version=NRSVA
You may notice some differences between the scripture and the reflection. Praying scripture is an invitation to be inspired by the scripture and see where it takes you. If you would like to know more about praying scripture you can email me at lleffler@live.ca .
I don’t know if I should be here. No one in town seems to like me very much. Well really, who would like the tax collector?
But what else was I supposed to do. I am too small to work in the fields and I don’t have any skills. I wasn’t born into wealth so I can’t just be some rich landowner telling everyone what else what to do.
If I take a little bit extra now and then, it is only so future generations of my family won’t face the same struggle. What’s the big deal? Everybody does it!
But this man, this Jesus guy, I have to hear him – have to see him. I hear his work is life changing… and my life needs changing.
I am sick of being invisible in this town. The only time anyone looks at me is when I am working – and then it is only with looks of disgust. I just want to be seen… to be known! Maybe this Jesus guy can help me with that.
But how will I see him over this crowd? No one is going to let me through to the front – even though they could see over me (I guess I’m not the only one who is selfish!)
I know! I will climb this tree!
There he is! I see him coming. I can see so much from up here. He’s coming this way! He is stopping. Something big is about to happen.
“Zacchaeus, come down immediately! I must stay in your house today.”
Zacchaeus? That’s me! He’s talking to me! He sees me!