HOPE for the RICH...

Today 31. Sun C - the Ev Luke (19.1-10) brings us the story of Zacchaeus:
"HE MADE HIS APPEARANCE": (30.10.2016) [the way of Christian Life in 6 steps]
a) a rich tax collector (it is suppose: he is corrupt, a sinner)
b) anxious to see what kind of man Jesus was
c) He got difficulties to get a picture of Jesus
d) but he is clever enough to master the difficulties on his way
e) And he got an Invitation
f) What a joy.
"THEY" [ it means the religious people of God] complained - not about Z but about Jesus:
"THEY" say: Jesus is wrong because of his solidarity, of his care with sinners.
"THEY" say: Sinners must be condemned... excommunicated...
                     [like the Luke-Community is now excommunicated from the People of God].
Z comes out to defend the decision of Jesus...  Z shows and proves the people that he has
converted: his hands do now justice, his heart is now merciful.
And Jesus is glad to see: "Salvation has come to this house". All the people around (the Luke-Community) got a sign of Salvation..  it's what we need.

The EPIPHANY for the people around (Luke):
A rich corrupt man like Mr. Z has the chance to become a real follower of Jesus...
the conditions: not the circumcision; not the old creed, not the large Thora but..
a) The richness has not satisfied him totally; he is still open for more...
maybe for an other level of Life... there is still a desire..
b) He is able, he has the power to manage the hindering obstacles against his desires.

For the PASTORAL WORK (Rom. Cath. Parishes 2016):
1.) In rich talented people (sure sinners) you discover the desire after more... keep this desire burning (finally it's the desire after the fullness of Life)
2.) Accompany such people and give courage to overcome the obstacles... show them where is a higher level of Richness, of Life... they may discover to be on the way into the fullness of Life for all.
To the Parish-Priest: Come seek out + save what was lost.
To the People: If you are or feel rich, blessed, advantaged, talented... worse: you have the desire to get more richness and life, more grace, adventures and energy, more joy and happiness...  Luke tells you: You are not lost...  Jesus came to keep open your desire after the fullness of Life for all.