The Lord upholds me.-- Psalm 3:6
Mass readings: 2 Maccabees 6:18-31 / Luke 19:1-10
Down through the ages, the subject of faith and works has been misunderstood and misinterpreted: Are we saved by faith or by works? But -- to use C.S. Lewis' analogy -- this is like asking whether the cloth is cut with the right blade or the left blade of a pair of scissors!
In today's Gospel, Jesus extends grace to a sinful man and Zacchaeus embraces the gift with joy and gratitude. But how do we know that Zacchaeus wasn't just mouthing the right words, without really meaning it? As Zacchaeus welcomes Jesus into his home and into his heart, he also declares that he will repay anyone whom he has cheated. Zacchaeus' actions (his ''works'') are the fruits of his faith, which prove the reality of his faith. Hence Jesus declares, ''Today, salvation has come to this house.''
Prayer: Holy Spirit, empower me to bear good fruit for You.