Everyone knew Zaccheus,
befriender of Romans
and traitor of his own people.
Zaccheus was despised, rejected, hated,
a social outcast,
a tax collector.

Yet it was Zaccheus whom Jesus chose,
tiny Zaccheus,
whom everyone loathed
and who had found the perfect vantage point
in a sycamore tree.
Before multitudes of people
Jesus singled out Zaccheus
as his companion for the day.

Why?

Because Jesus looked at Zaccheus differently,
looking beyond the greedy, money-grabbing exterior
that was so clearly visible to all.
Deep within Zaccheus
Jesus saw a deep longing for God.
Jesus looked at Zaccheus
with eyes of love
and Zaccheus,
who could not be crushed by criticism
was conquered by love.
He became a new man.

The story of Zaccheus challenges me
to look at others
with eyes of love
and to search for the potential
that is in each one of us.

The story of Zaccheus challenges me
to see whether in my own life
I, too, can conquer
with love.

© Claire Murray