Turning Point – 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Madonna Louise Ciccone is an American singer, songwriter, actress and businesswoman. She is referred to as the Queen of Pop since the 1980s. International authors label her as the greatest woman in music, the most influential and iconic female artist of all time. As a global icon, she has sold 300 million records worldwide and is the best-selling female recording artist. Moreover, this “Material Girl” is one of the most influential individuals in the fashion industry even in the age of social media by constantly re-inventing herself.
But an interview with Oprah Winfrey in January 2004 also revealed a sober side of her. She claimed “I’m so not the Material Girl now. There were many years when I thought fame, fortune and public approval would bring me happiness. But one day you wake up and realize they don’t.” Motherhood was what ultimately inspired her to seek out the more meaningful things in life when she gave birth to her daughter Lourdes in 1996.
In today’s Sunday Gospel, we are presented with an inspiring and instantaneous conversion story of Zacchaeus, the Chief Tax Collector of Jericho. Described as very wealthy, yet his wealth and status did not satisfy him. He felt something more was missing. Public opinion was against him; he was a hated man in the city because of his job. He felt he had no control of his life because he was unhappy with how things were going. One day, Jesus showed up in Jericho. Having climbed a sycamore tree, Jesus called him down because he wanted to dine with him. This really hit him hard. He had such a great need of Jesus in his life. That lunch date changed him.
Zacchaeus understood that he was constantly chasing and prioritizing the lesser things: work, wealth, fame and fortune. Now, he resolved to make things right. He opted to take responsibility and demonstrated willingness to do whatever it takes to reconcile his relationships. He decided to put Jesus at the center of his life to experience healing and reconciliation. It was the turning point he needed to have a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Thanks to Jesus, Zacchaeus re-invented himself.
Prayer:Lord, when I chase for the lesser things in life, remind me to keep on the right track so that I can live a more meaningful life. Amen.
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