seeing the blindness
“Today salvation has come to this house.” —Luke 19:9
Salvation came to Zacchaeus’ house when Jesus, the Savior, came to his house and Zacchaeus responded: “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 lifestyle, 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. St. 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.
Prayer: Father, open the “eyes of [our] hearts” (Eph 1:18, RSV-CE) and of all who read this.
Promise: “I will never erase his name from the book of the living, but will acknowledge him in the presence of My Father.” —Rv 3:5
Praise: When Thomas decided to forgive, his elevated blood pressure went down.
Reference:
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from Octobert 1, 2024, through November 30, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 24, 2024"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.