Zacchaeus is a figure of contrasts. Though a person “short in stature,” he rises above others. An Israelite and “a chief tax collector,” he is an outsider among his people.

What sort of experiences lead to life-transforming changes? When has an event or relationship opened a door to new possibilities that you couldn’t imagine before?

Then Jesus entered and walked through Jericho. There was a man there, his name Zacchaeus, the head tax man and quite rich. He wanted desperately to see Jesus, but the crowd was in his way—he was a short man and couldn’t see over the crowd.

Zach was the co-worker who made life miserable for everyone in the office. He spent the better part of his days playing video games and made others work late to cover for him. He repeatedly ran over budget and blamed mistakes and excessive spending on junior partners. He minimized or ignored the success of anyone else and made snide comments about them.

Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.

God creates out of nothing. . . . but he does what is still more wonderful: He makes saints out of sinners.