Today we welcome guest blogger Jim Van Vurst, OFM. Friar Jim co-writes the free monthly e-newsletter Friar Jack?s E-spirations. To learn more click here.
There are what we call ?graced moments? in people?s lives. They can also be described as ?the touch of God.? I suspect most of us have experienced such a moment in our lives. After all, we are in God?s hands and God is always walking with us. Jesus himself said that he would never abandon us.
One of the most significant and dramatic touches of God is when a person experiences a conversion in his or her life. It may be somebody who really doesn?t know. Then there are conversions that take place in people?s hearts, who, though they believe in God, has wandered away and led a life directly contrary to God?s gospel values. A conversion is one of the most mysterious events that can occur simply because it happens in the deepest part of the person: the heart.
The Conversion of Zacchaeus, the Tax Collector
We are blessed in that the Gospels give us several scenes or events that reveal to us just how that conversion and change take place. One event in particular is what happened to the wealthy tax collector who met Jesus as he was passing through the town of Jericho (Lk 19:1-10). This encounter took place shortly before Jesus entered Jerusalem and faced his passion and death.
Have you experienced moments of grace?
Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector, is curious to see Jesus. It is at a moment like this that his heart opens, and the grace of God slips in. The Gospel tells us that Zacchaeus tried to get a good look at Jesus as he approached, but he was short, and the gathering crowd blocked his view. And so he climbed a sycamore tree and perched up there like a bird in a tree.
Now he could see Jesus coming. Jesus looked up, spotted Zacchaeus, smiled and shouted, ?Zacchaeus, come down. Today I must stay in your house with you.? Jesus? voice and his manner filled the heart of Zacchaeus.
It is at that very moment that the heart of Zacchaeus responded to Jesus? invitations. He hurried down from the tree and ran to Jesus. Luke uses these beautiful words, ?Zacchaeus received Jesus with joy.?
Conversion Means Change of Life
Zacchaeus illustrates a key element of the grace of conversion: He changes his behavior and makes reparation for all he has cheated in the past.
After Zacchaeus fulfilled that promise, he was probably no longer a rich man. In truth he was richer than ever. His heart was filled with the riches of God?s grace.
Jesus knew what Zacchaeus was saying and that he really meant it: ?Today salvation has come to this house because this man, too, is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and save what was lost.? Jesus? words are a confirmation that Zacchaeus really made the change, and the grace of God filled his heart with goodness.
I believe that, in our own lives and journeys, we have all experienced one or two conversions and life changes. After all, the Gospel events that we relish are not just for our enjoyment, but to remind us of God?s love and God?s constant seeking of us.
*****
Featured image: Emin Ozkan
Inset image: pakorn
Source: http://blog.americancatholic.org/2012/01/god%E2%80%99s-touch-is-a-graced-moment/