The account of Zacchaeus in Luke’s gospel is much more than a narrative about climbing trees to see Jesus. Yes, Zacchaeus was short. Yes, the road on which Jesus passed by was lined with much taller folks. But we would be remiss if we left it at that. Never mind the story of a short guy finding a high perch for a better view. Rather, Zacchaeus teaches us something about having real encounters with the living God. He also shows these encounters change us, how they make the key difference in ways we treat those around us.
When it comes to personal encounters with God, Zacchaeus isn’t the only one. Let’s turn our attention to the apostolic letter written by Pope Francis on June 29 of this year, the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul. Entitled Desiderio Desideravi (I have earnestly desired), the Holy Father speaks about encountering Christ in our lives. No references to short people climbing sycamore trees here; rather, Francis speaks of our encountering Jesus in the celebration of Mass.
The letter is lengthy—some 65 paragraphs—but the bulk of Desiderio Desideravi focuses on helping Catholics learn to recognize and, frankly, to be astounded by the great gift of the Mass. The letter emphasizes that the Eucharist is not simply a weekly “staging” or “representation” of the Last Supper. Instead, it allows people of all times and all places to encounter the crucified and risen Lord and to consume his presence in holy communion.
As a church, we believe that Jesus is truly present beneath the appearances of bread and wine made holy. Sure, I’m aware of the surveys that say many Catholics don’t believe it. But allow me to speak for the thousands of Catholics to whom I have distributed holy communion. They believe it.
But before Real Presence occurs in receiving communion, we can never forget that there is real sacrifice taking place at the altar. The one eternal sacrifice made at Calvary is made visible to us. At every Mass, the Lord offers himself to us, and we offer ourselves with him. The prayers at the altar are not some kind of recipe to “make Jesus.” Rather, they are the prayers of the Lord himself as he entrusts himself to his (and our) heavenly Father in a sacrifice of praise.
If we recognize this one simple reality, then we will surely be taking Pope Francis up on his offer. Like Zacchaeus, we will be having a personal encounter with the Lord, who calls us from a distance and invites us to eat with him, to drink with him, and to allow that friendship to lead to just and merciful relationships with others. All that….without ever having to climb a sycamore tree.
