Salvation came to Zacchaeus' house when Jesus, the Savior, came to his house and when Zacchaeus said: "I give half my belongings, Lord, to the poor. If I have defrauded anyone in the least, I pay him back fourfold" (Lk 19:8). Zacchaeus accepted Jesus and salvation by loving the poor, making radical changes in his life-style, and admitting that he may have defrauded others.

When we sin, we become spiritually blind and even blind to being blind. Nevertheless, Zacchaeus inferred that he may have been blind to injustices that he had done. This is a great grace when someone prays to be cleansed of their unknown faults (Ps 19:13) and thereby admits at least the possibility of spiritual blindness. Paul had this grace when he stated: "Mind you, I have nothing on my conscience. But that does not mean that I am declaring myself innocent" (1 Cor 4:4). Paul did not rule out the possibility of spiritual blindness. In contrast, the church of Laodicea did not realize how wretched, pitiable, poor, naked, and blind it was (Rv 3:17). This church needed to have its sight restored by smearing the ointment of repentance on its eyes (see Rv 3:18). However, like some of the Pharisees, the church of Laodicea said: "But we see," and their sin remained (Jn 9:41).

Eventually, blindness to spiritual blindness can become the unforgivable sin of blasphemy against the Spirit (Mt 12:31). How can we ask forgiveness when we've lost the sense of sin! With Zacchaeus, let us admit the possibility of spiritual blindness in our lives. This is part of accepting salvation into our houses.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, April 24, 2000

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 27, 2000