Daily Reflection

Reflection for November 18, 2025

A Holy Dissatisfaction

The story of Zacchaeus is one of the most beloved in the Gospels, often remembered for the vivid image of a grown man shimmying up a sycamore tree. But beneath this almost comical scene lies a profound drama of grace, a moment that captures the very heart of the Gospel message and the mission of Jesus: "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost" (Lk 19:10).

Zacchaeus was a man who, by the world's standards, had it all. He was the "chief tax collector," a position that made him wealthy and powerful, but also made him a traitor and a sinner in the eyes of his people. He collaborated with the Roman occupiers and grew rich by extorting his own neighbors. Yet, for all his wealth and power, he was profoundly unsatisfied. He was short in stature, but he was also "short" in spirit, in community, and in peace. This holy dissatisfaction is the first stirring of grace within him. He didn't just have a casual curiosity about Jesus; he "was seeking to see who Jesus was." His soul was yearning for something his money could not buy.

This is where we often find ourselves. We pursue wealth, success, pleasure, and recognition, only to discover a lingering emptiness. Like Zacchaeus, we can feel blocked—not by a crowd, but by our own sins, our past mistakes, our pride, or the distractions of daily life. We cannot see Jesus clearly. What does Zacchaeus do? He does something undignified, humble, and proactive. He runs ahead and climbs a tree. This is a powerful image of the spiritual life. The journey to Christ requires us to run ahead of the crowd—to reject the conventional wisdom of the world that says fulfillment is found in possessions or status. It requires us to climb—to make an effort in prayer, in the Sacraments, and in acts of charity to gain a better vantage point.

Then comes the moment of divine initiative. Jesus stops, looks up, and calls him by name: "Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house."

Notice the intimacy and the urgency. Jesus knows his name. He calls him personally, as He calls each one of us. The God of the universe desires a personal relationship with you, by name. The command to "come down quickly" is a call to humility. Zacchaeus must descend from his perch, both physically and spiritually. He must come down to the ground of his own reality, his own sin, to meet the Lord. And most stunningly, Jesus invites Himself in. He doesn't ask, "May I come?" He declares, "I must stay at your house." This is the necessity of salvation. The grace of God is not passive; it is a force that actively seeks to dwell within us.

The crowd grumbles, "He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner." How often do we, like the crowd, set limits on God's mercy? We decide who is worthy of His love and who is not. But Jesus shatters these categories. He goes precisely to the one who acknowledges his need.

The result of this divine encounter is a radical and immediate conversion. Zacchaeus doesn't merely offer a vague apology. He stands and makes a concrete, fourfold act of reparation: "Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over." This is more than the Law required (which was repayment plus a fifth). His faith is alive, demonstrated in works of justice and charity. His conversion is not just a private feeling; it transforms his relationship with money and with his neighbor. True encounter with Christ always bears fruit in tangible change.

For us today, the story of Zacchaeus is a powerful reminder:

Acknowledge Your Holy Dissatisfaction. That feeling that there must be more to life than what the world offers is the voice of God calling you to seek Him.

Be Proactive in Your Seeking. Don't let the "crowd" of distraction or sin block your view. "Climb the tree" through prayer, Adoration, and spiritual reading. Make a effort to see Jesus.

Hear Him Call Your Name. In the silence of your heart, know that Jesus sees you, knows you, and desires to stay with you. He invites Himself into the home of your soul, especially in the Holy Eucharist.

Welcome Him with Joy and Repentance. When Jesus enters, we must be prepared to let go of whatever keeps us from Him. Like Zacchaeus, we must make amends for our sins and commit to a life of justice and charity.

Rejoice in Your Salvation. Jesus concludes by declaring that salvation has come to Zacchaeus's house. He is no longer lost. This is the joy of the Gospel—that no one is beyond the reach of Christ's seeking, saving love.

Lord Jesus, like Zacchaeus, we seek to see you. Help us to overcome the obstacles that block our view. Call our names, and when you do, give us the grace to come down quickly, to welcome you with joy, and to allow our encounter with you to transform every part of our lives, for you live and reign forever and ever. Amen.