PARISH NEWS

TAX COLLECTORS!

What is it with Tax Collectors? This despised (and feared) caste appear so often in Jesus travels and parables. Today we often characterise them as outcasts, like drunks and drug addicts in our own society, but in truth there were various types and levels of tax collectors and they weren’t especially figures for pity. What they shared was a propensity for unfair dealing and stand-over tactics and a reputation as traitors. 

When tax collectors came to Jesus to be baptised (Luke 3:12-15) and asked what they should do about their trade, Jesus told them not to overcharge or intimidate or falsely accuse anyone, which suggests that this was their normal practise. No wonder they were despised.

Jesus cuts through reputations and preconceptions though.

Though the Pharisees were probably disgusted, Jesus calls Matthew (Mt 9:9), the tax collector to leave it all behind and follow him and the tax-collector in last week’s gospel parable, “went home at rights with God”, because he recognised his sinfulness and asked for mercy.

Zacchaeus, the somewhat comical figure of this week’s gospel (Lk 19:1-10), was a “chief tax gatherer” who has made himself a rich man, probably on the proceeds of defrauding and extorting the poor. He would have been doubly despised.

But not by Jesus. No, to the chagrin of upright people, Jesus honours him by visiting his house. The result? The cocky Zacchaeus is repentant, forgiven and assured of salvation.

The lesson for us? We too find ourselves in a world of circumstances beyond our choosing. Our call is to make the best we can of our world and be sure that our God is proffering merciful forgiveness whenever we turn to Him.

Deacon Mark Kelly

PARISH SACRAMENT ENQUIRIES

Sacrament Enquiries:  Mrs Therese Meggetto

Mobile: 0439 306 642 Email: Warragul.sacraments@cdsale.org.au