Salvation came to Zacchaeus' house when Jesus, the Savior, came to his house and when Zacchaeus said: "I give half my belongings, Lord, to the poor. If I have defrauded anyone in the least, I pay him back fourfold" (Lk 19:8). Zacchaeus accepted Jesus and salvation by loving the poor, making radical changes in his lifestyle, and admitting that he may have defrauded others.
When we sin, we become spiritually blind and even blind to being blind. Nevertheless, Zacchaeus inferred that he may have been blind to injustices that he had done. This is a great grace when someone prays to be cleansed of their unknown faults (Ps 19:13) and thereby admits at least the possibility of spiritual blindness. Paul had this grace when he stated: "Mind you, I have nothing on my conscience. But that does not mean that I am declaring myself innocent" (1 Cor 4:4). Paul did not rule out the possibility of spiritual blindness. In contrast, the church of Laodicea did not realize how wretched, pitiable, poor, naked, and blind it was (Rv 3:17). This church needed to have its sight restored by smearing the ointment of repentance on its eyes (see Rv 3:18). However, like some of the Pharisees, the church of Laodicea said: "But we see," and their sin remained (Jn 9:41).
Eventually, blindness to spiritual blindness can become the unforgivable sin of blasphemy against the Spirit (Mt 12:31). How can we ask forgiveness when we've lost the sense of sin! With Zacchaeus, let us admit the possibility of spiritual blindness in our lives. This is part of accepting salvation into our houses.
| PRAYER: | Father, open the eyes of our hearts (Eph 1:18 in the Greek) and of all who read this. |
| PROMISE: | "I will never erase his name from the book of the living, but will acknowledge him in the presence of My Father." –Rv 3:5 |
| PRAISE: | Belinda repented deeply of years of living a lifestyle of sexual sins. She has since been receiving Jesus daily in the Eucharist for years. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College