18 November, Tuesday — Climbing to see Jesus

Tuesday of Week 33 in Ordinary Time

2 Mac 6:18-31
Lk 19:1-10

So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus who was to pass that way.

Brothers and sisters, Zacchaeus was anxious to see Jesus. But he was too short, and the crowd blocked his view. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree, something no respectable man in his position would normally do. I love that image: this wealthy tax collector clinging to a tree branch, just to get a glimpse of Jesus. And yet that simple, almost child-like act changed everything.

When Jesus passed by, He looked up. He saw Zacchaeus, called him by name, and said, “Come down quickly, for I must stay at your house today.” It was not Zacchaeus who invited Jesus in; it was Jesus who took the initiative. But it all started because Zacchaeus made the effort to see Him.

That moment makes me think of this year’s Good Friday service. I came early, but the church was already packed. I ended up standing behind a pillar, barely able to see the altar. For a moment, I felt frustrated. I had come so early, only to miss the view. But as the liturgy unfolded, I realised something – I might not be able to see Jesus clearly, but what mattered is I felt He saw me; and in the quiet moments of the service, He was inviting Himself into my heart.

This is what happens in our faith too. We all have days when we feel ‘too short’, when distractions, guilt, pride, or fatigue block our view of Jesus. But like Zacchaeus, maybe all we need is to take one small step, to climb whatever ‘tree’ is in front of us. Maybe it is a few quiet minutes of prayer before the day begins. Maybe it is choosing patience when it would be easier to snap. Maybe it is just showing up, even when faith feels flat.

Because the moment we try, Jesus notices. He looks up. He calls us by name. And sometimes, before we even realise it, He says what He told Zacchaeus: “I must stay at your house today.” That’s the beauty of this story. Zacchaeus thought he was just trying to see Jesus. He did not realise that Jesus was already looking for him.

(Today’s OXYGEN by Stacey Fernandez)

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You see me even when I can’t see You clearly. When faith feels distant, teach me to rise above what weighs me down. Give me humility to let You meet me where I am, and let Your gaze change my heart. Amen.

Thanksgiving: Thank You, Lord, for noticing me; for looking up when I try, even awkwardly, to reach for You. Thank You for calling me by name and for choosing to stay with me despite my weakness. Help me to see this day as Your visit of grace. Amen.