In today’s second reading, St. Paul prays that God will “fulfill all your desires for goodness.†Zacchaus’ desires for goodness were fulfilled as he responded to them. He did not let his good feelings run to waste. He turned his emotions into actions and his thoughts into deeds. He acted on his desire to see Jesus by climbing a tree. He acted on his desire to change his life for the better by giving to those who were poor. The great mystery of God’s dealings with men and women is spotlighted in the encounter between Zacchaeus and Jesus. The boundless love of God stooped down in Jesus to meet the sinfulness of humankind.
Zacchaeus stepped out in faith, believing both that he would be welcomed by Jesus and that his good desires could be fulfilled and turned into deeds. He found the strength to turn away from his chief fault, greed, and to practise generosity instead.
Our hearts can have many good desires and intentions. We can want to pray more, or to learn more about the Christian faith. We can make it our intention to visit a sick person, to help those who are poor, or to forgive an injury. Like Zacchaeus we are able, with God’s help, to act upon our inward desires and intentions, and turn them into outward acts. Unlike Zacchaeus, we have no need to climb up a tree.