Forgiveness changes the life of a hard-line fraudster (Luke 19.1-10). What could such grace do now?

The world of Zacchaeus – characterised by greed, fraud, and oppression of those who are vulnerable – is still very much alive. What happens when we read the story in the light of the things we see for ourselves and hear about in the news? 

 

Jesus doesn’t condemn Zacchaeus, but invites himself to dinner. What would happen if we engaged with the bad guys in that way?

 

This week's news

There have been lots of stories around in recent months about the Haves oppressing the Have-nots, Big Business taking advantage of Little People, Bling and Big Spending flaunted in the face of poverty. For example:

The Archbishop of Canterbury’s crusade against pay-day lenders and support for Credit Unions has been running for two months. Other well-known people have joined him. 

Energy companies increase prices. 

The Bishop of Bling spending a vast amount on an episcopal palace. 

And a story about Brighthouse that hasn’t had a lot of publicity, but which I know affects people badly in the area where I live.

How far do these stories represent the world of Zacchaeus today?

 

Reflection

Zacchaeus was the little man who played big (power, ego, money, lifestyle) with a work ethic that undermined the oppressed and beggared the orphan and widow (cf. Isaiah 1.16-18). He would have been despised and hated by the local people – the local bogeyman.

 

And yet, and yet…there was something more.

 

First sign of this is his strange behaviour: he ran ahead (men in the middle-east don’t run, especially men with a position to uphold) and climbed a tree (very undignified), so that he could see Jesus for himself, in a place where no one would notice him.

 

What was it that Jesus saw in Zacchaeus? How did he notice him, hidden in the branches? And having ignored the offers of hospitality that were surely offered him by the good people of Jericho, he invites himself to the Bad Man’s house. When you see someone you don’t approve of, someone you think is downright wicked, someone who has taken the next meal away from the poor widow next door, do you invite yourself round for a cup of tea? It is an extraordinary request.  

 

That act of coming alongside Zacchaeus is an act of forgiveness high up the scale. I am angry with the institutions that oppress the poor people in my parish. I would find it incredibly difficult to be gracious with them, never mind approach them in love and charity and invite myself round for a meal. I can only invite myself in that way into the homes of people I love and trust. And that is one reason why Jesus’ self-invitation is such a demonstration of love.

 

But look at the impact! That act of extraordinary grace touches something very deep in Zacchaeus and he responds wholeheartedly and generously in complete keeping with the gift that has been given to him. Can we ever imagine payday lenders acting with such generosity to the people who turn to them?

 

When is it right to fight for justice for the poor and oppressed, and when do we live out the forgiveness of Jesus? Is it different when we are dealing with corporations rather than individuals? How would things change if we engaged with our enemies?

Prayer

A meditation to use on your own or with a group:

The leaves are falling,
but there are just enough to hide me
where no one will see.

The leaves are falling,
but I can look down from my refuge
and see the Master.

The leaves are falling.
He is surrounded by his people
and the crowds from the town.

The leaves are falling.
He stops and looks up
and calls me down.

The leaves are falling,
like my defences,
like my attitudes,
like my habits of a lifetime.

And I find that it’s OK
to be a bare tree
waiting for the new buds of spring.

Questions

• Who do you think would Zacchaeus be in our day, in our community?  How many shop fronts near where you live represent the world of Zacchaeus?
• How easy would you find it to forgive those who oppress the poor in our world today?

Action

Find your nearest Credit Union. If you can afford it, invest some money with them – say £100. Otherwise, commit to investing £2 a week. This will enable the Credit Union to lend out more money to people on sensible terms.

If you are not in a position to invest, think about volunteering with the Credit Union.

If you can do neither (or even if you can do both), commit to praying for those who are in debt.

Young People

Rewrite and perform the story, but in place of Zacchaeus, try one of the following:

• Wonga-man (other pay-day lenders are available!) (and pay-day lenders may be of either gender)
• A representative from ‘Bright House’ (call them Bruce or Bridie, if you like).  This is their website :  here is a critique :  and here is someone’s experience: 
• Energy Company Chief Executive (you could call them ECCE – which is Latin for ‘Behold’)

Then afterwards, discuss what it felt like or what you observed and the thoughts it triggered.

Meg Gilley is a parish priest in Gateshead.

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