In a world filled with uncertainty and struggles, it is easy to feel lost or without hope. However, as Pope Francis reminds us, Jesus never ceases to seek out those who are searching for Him. In his April 2 catechesis titled “Jesus Christ Our Hope,” the Holy Father reflected on the Gospel account of Zacchaeus, a man who seemed irredeemably lost but whose encounter with Christ transformed his life.
“Perhaps we too feel this way at times: without hope,” Pope Francis wrote, reflecting on St. Luke’s Gospel. “Instead, Zacchaeus will discover that the Lord was already looking for him” (according to Vatican News). The story of Zacchaeus is a profound reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy.
Jesus Seeks Us First
Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, was despised by his fellow citizens for his role in collecting taxes for the Roman authorities. Despite his status as an outcast, he longed to see Jesus as He passed through Jericho. “When he comes to know that Jesus is passing through the city, Zacchaeus feels the desire to see him,” Pope Francis noted. “But when you have a strong desire, you do not lose heart. You find a solution” (according to Vatican News).
Zacchaeus’ solution was simple yet bold—he climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus. However, what happened next was unexpected. Jesus looked up and called him by name, saying, “Today I must stay at your house!” (Lk 19:5). As Pope Francis pointed out, “God does not pass by without looking for those who are lost” (according to Vatican News).
The Transforming Power of Encountering Christ
The encounter with Jesus filled Zacchaeus with immense joy. “It is the joy of one who feels that he has been seen, acknowledged, and above all forgiven,” the pope said (according to Vatican News). This joy was not just emotional but transformative. Inspired by Christ’s merciful gaze, Zacchaeus resolved to make amends, saying, “I will give to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody, I will repay them four times over” (Lk 19:8).
Pope Francis highlighted this transformation, stating, “He gets up to make a commitment: to return four times what he has stolen. He does so because he understands that this is his way of loving” (according to Vatican News). His encounter with Christ was not just about receiving forgiveness but about responding to that mercy with a changed life.
Allowing Ourselves to Be Found
Zacchaeus’ story serves as an invitation to all of us. No matter how far we may feel from God, Jesus is always looking for us, ready to call us by name. Pope Francis concluded his catechesis with a call to action: “Let us allow ourselves to be found by the mercy of God, who always comes in search of us, in whatever situation we may be lost” (according to Vatican News).
The story of Zacchaeus is a testament to the boundless mercy of Christ. Just as He sought out Zacchaeus, Jesus seeks each one of us, inviting us to open our hearts to His love. All we need to do is respond.
