The story of Zacchaeus is familiar to most Mass-goers especially to those who have been to numerous First Reconciliation celebrations or those of Rite II of Reconcilation. As a result it is a challenge for a preacher to say something new nevertheless we can always mine a nugget of insight from a closer reading of the text. It strikes me today that Jesus feels a sense of urgency and obligation to relate to Zacchaeus even before the man has spoken a word: "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today." (Lk 19: 5) This reminds me of the explanation of the father to the elder brother in the parable of the Prodigal: "But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found." (Lk 15: 32) God, it seems, is impelled by the force of his own infinite comapassion and love to be merciful. He will brook no delay! God is not a reluctant giver and does not wait for us to return. Instead he runs to me us and invites himself to a party that we did not even realise that we were going to have yet! What an amazing, joyful and generous Lord we have who watches out for our return to him and summons us to celebrate with him the new life that he offers each one of us every time we repent of our sins. This prompts us to generosity of our own. May we also be blessed to hear the words: "Today salvation has come to this house" (Lk 19: 9) during this Year of Mercy.
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