Zacchaeus Sunday marks the end of the season “after Pentecost” and points us toward the beginning of the pre-Lenten season a week from now. Climbing the sycamore with Zacchaeus, we catch sight of our Lord Jesus Christ; he is already on his way to Jerusalem, on his way to the Cross. Let us hasten to follow him on the road of sorrow that leads to joy. The sorrow is the product of our sins; the joy is the product of his victory. By traveling down the way of mourning—penitential recognition of our sins and falls—we will reach the gladness of Christ’s mercy and forgiveness. Today, we already bear witness to the lavish mercy that the Lord bestows upon Zacchaeus; if we wish to receive that same rich mercy and that same Paschal joy of forgiveness, then let us take Zacchaeus as our model this Lent. The short-statured publican recognizes his sins and thoroughly repents, taking concrete steps to make amends for his transgressions. This Lent, how shall we make amends with those whom we have harmed through our sinful words and deeds?
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