Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator
Somebody's knocking at your door; somebody's knocking at your door. O sinner, why don't you answer? Somebody's knocking at your door.
Knocks like Jesus, Somebody's knocking at your door. Knocks like Jesus, Somebody's knocking at your door.
Somebody's knocking at your door; somebody's knocking at your door. O sinner, why don't you answer? Somebody's knocking at your door.
The words to this African American Spiritual are inspired by the verses from today's reading from Revelation: Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, [then] I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me (Revelation 3:20)
Though it doesn't happen often, both readings from the Lectionary for Mass on Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, converge as we also listen to the story of Zacchaeus, the wealthy tax collector of Jericho in the Gospel of St. Luke. Once again, we encounter a story that is peculiar to St. Luke, the champion of those who are on the outside looking in. Zacchaeus is regarded as a sinner by the Jewish elders. Yet his hospitality to Jesus seems to belie that notion. We learn a little later that he goes above and beyond in his attempts to remain honest in what was essentially a position that that invited corruption and deceit.
Of course, Zacchaeus was a sinner. So are we all. As we draw close to the end of yet another liturgical year, the lessons we learn from the Gospel are about conversion, repentance. Perfection will be ours only in the next life.