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Commentary on the Gospel – November 18, 2025
True Greatness
Zacchaeus might have seemed great, since he was a leader and a wealthy man, but his greatness was merely an appearance. He didn’t measure up in what truly matters—in seeing what is essential, what truly saves the human person. That is why he could not see Jesus. Yet, in the midst of his smallness, he was capable of one humble gesture: he acknowledged his short stature (a symbol of his moral smallness) and looked for a remedy—he climbed a sycamore tree (itself a symbol of the chosen people). In doing so, he placed himself where Jesus could find him. And Jesus invited Himself into his home, bringing salvation with Him. It was Zacchaeus’ humility that made him great, that expanded his heart so he could recognize his sin and begin to act with justice and generosity. That is how he became great before God and discovered his true identity. “Zacchaeus” means “pure,” and when Jesus entered his house, he left behind his life of impurity and became who he was truly meant to be.
The greatness of a dignified life is within everyone’s reach, because it depends on our will, not on our wealth or social standing. But it is also true that sometimes, as in the case of Eleazar, it requires overcoming terrible difficulties and temptations. Integrity is not easy; at times, it demands heroism. We may feel that we are not made of that kind of material, that when faced with certain challenges we are as small as Zacchaeus. But the grace of God accompanies us in these difficulties. The sycamore tree that compensates for our smallness and weakness is the Church—the new People of God—which nourishes us with the Word, who is Christ, with His Body and Blood, with His forgiveness. Jesus has also invited Himself into our house, bringing salvation that enlarges our hearts so we may live generously in the ordinary situations of life—and so that, if the moment ever comes, we may be prepared to bear the supreme witness of martyrdom.
Fraternally,