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I can compare myself to Zacchaeus by being “blind” and having “Napoleonic Complex” and that is what struck me the most about his story. Having been born into an academic achieving family, I too should follow in their footsteps in accordance to their standards. That is why I have become “blind” and develop “Napoleonic Complex”

Being blind is a fearsome thing, I’m not blind by physical means but I was once blind, blinded by my desire to achieve something that I am willing to give up everything just to accomplish my desire, “by any means necessary” thinking that “the end justify the means”. Driven by this desire, I was blinded that I didn’t even saw what’s really important, I realized that the thing I should have been looking for was right in front of me but I couldn’t even see it. Lost, I turned to Jesus and asked him for forgiveness and directions. When the situation has gotten out of hand I realized that my realization before was Jesus talking to me, making me recognize my mistakes that I have walked the wrong path, to give up my desire and need to trace my steps back reminding me that it’s never too late.

The thing about my desire is that it is like the earthly possession that keeps me from achieving beatification and only by abandoning it will I ever find true happiness, just like Zacchaeus when he gave up half of his wealth to the poor. Jesus Christ is like a helping hand that truly understand the needs of his people. His love filled my heart and soul.

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Zacchaeus is a sinner and so am I. Zacchaeus had these insecurities in life and having that, pushed him down that led him to do bad things he betrayed his people, his religion. He was in wrong path like me not until Jesus came for him. Jesus said to him that it is in the plan of the Lord to meet him and Christ saved him from his complex and saved and he repented from his sins he gave up his money to follow the ways of the Lord. He understood that with Christ nothing is more important with Him in this world.

I had insecurities in ever since for my appearance, my attitude and my whole personality especially when I was young. I was bullied and rebelled in my family. I closed all of my doors and not letting anyone come in. I did many unforgivable things but I gain salvation through Jesus's grace just for me. Jesus came for me and saved me. Jesus led the right people for me those are the people who guided, who helped me in the right direction.

What stuck me the most is Jesus Christ came to him, knowing he is a sinner, knowing that he has done many bad things, unforgivable things. He betrayed his people his religion but still He came to save him, to stay in his place because it is God's plan. No matter how grave your sins are, no matter who you are you are important in the eyes of the Lord. Zarrachaeus was saved by love shown by Jesus Christ. For me, Jesus used my family, my friends people around me to came to know Him and save me from my inhibition that i have been suffering from. Jesus has shown me in this story his merciful and loving heart.

Zarrachaeus and I may have our similarities but God saved us in different ways and time.  God transformed me and Zarracheaus by His grace, his people with his love

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Zacchaeus is a man who is described as uniquely designed for he lacks height that somehow people look down to him both literally and figuratively. Because of his lacking in height, he suffered from the Napoleonic complex which made him thirsty for recognition. He tried to compensate it by becoming a tax collector so that people will be able to acknowledge him and recognize his existence. Just like Zacchaeus, we also suffer from this complex when we determine ourselves as inferiors. We try to consider stuff that can make us more noticeable be it in a good or awful way.

To begin with, Zacchaeus was blinded by all the material things he could have, specifically, money, and I am a liar to say that money is not of importance. I can compare myself with Zacchaeus on this since I honestly feel like I should consistently possess stuff that others are wishing for, for when people notice I feel affirmed. Money is essential for us to live, for it provides us with privileges that other people cannot attain, and we are lucky enough to have such entitlements that bring us to prestigious schools like University of Santo Tomas.But on the other side, money causes a lot of sinful acts since it cannot be acquired easily. That is why others opt to participate in wrong doings just like what Zacchaeus has done. He stole from the people of Jericho. Basically, we are all blinded by the achievement of material success, but are we satisfied with it all? --- No, because all of these material things are temporary and can soon be taken away from us, but not our relationship with Jesus our Savior.

In conclusion, what struck me the most in the story is that even though Jesus knew that Zacchaeus was a sinner, he sought him. Jesus looked up to him and acknowledged his presence. Jesus knew that he has done heaps of abominable acts, but still he managed to forgive and offer his love to Zacchaeus. Our lord does not choose who he loves, rather he lives in us even in those people who does not seek to him.

"Jesus knows anything about you, all the good, all the bad, everything you have done or will do, but that does not stop him from wanting to be close to you."

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Just like Zacchaeus, I am silent one and a sinner. I have done and believed in things that will make me and the others question my faith. I have been exposed in the earthly sins and temptations, most especially that this world has now become more diverse and open to new beliefs than ever.

Since Pope Francis' first few months of papacy, he has been already seen as a radical pope. A pope who has a heart for the poor, and that shows in his actions. He has said some statement regarding sensitive subjects relating to Catholic faith such as homosexuality, "If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord, and has good will, who am I to judge?." He also suggested that doing good is better than believing what is right, as he had a conversation with an atheist, with a quote from him saying "The Lord has redeemed all of us, all of us, with the Blood of Christ: all of us, not just Catholics. Everyone!" In my eyes, I see God in him. I see love, mercy, and compassion in him and that is the God that I believe in.

When he came to the Philippines, I immediately asked my parents to go and try to see him, or welcome him to our country. We went to Intramuros, even before the break of dawn and waited for him to arrive. I was like Zaccheaus, hoping to see who Christ is. And when the entourage came, we were all shouting "Papa Francisco!" and we have felt the rush of holiness and blessedness as his car passed us by. I feel renewed, and touched by Jesus himself, Just like, Zacchaeus. Since then, I have become more open and accepting towards people. There too much hate in this world, why not just spread love and acceptance like Pope Francis? Why not focus on doing good, rather than fighting for what you only think is right?

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I see myself in Zacchaeus as I was also silent, a silent Christian. I’ve been studying at a Christian school ever since I was in first grade but I had been consciously been shutting myself from the Word of God. Studying Christian Education felt like any other subject, all I needed was to pass it. Every year, they would excuse us from class to talk with our guidance counselors and every year I’ve been telling them “I have accepted Jesus Christ”. I know in my heart that was true, it’s just that I had a hard time living it. It was as if my relationship with Christ had become stagnant.

When I was in ninth grade, I believe that God was the one who led me to attend a youth conference called Nationwide Youth Conference. There,  God led me to amazing pastors and inspiring teachers that moved me. I distinctly remembered that on the fourth day they made us evaluate our relationship with Christ and I said that the camp made my relationship with Christ stronger and it was as if I’ve felt His presence for the first time. This is where I also see myself in Zacchaeus. Throughout the whole camp, I believe it was Jesus who planned it all along. He knew that the camp will help me with my relationship with Him.

At the end of the video, it stated that “each man’s salvation is genuine”, and I really believe that. God has always been there for all of us in ways that are so different from one another. Though the circumstances are different, at the end of the day we all have been changed for the better. In my case, since I was a silent Christian, now I continuously exert effort in strengthening my relationship with Christ.

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If I will compare my self to Zacchaeus, we are both imperfect person, I have insecurities, I am sinner but still I have my faith in God and I am thirsty for His words. Even if people doesn’t like my characteristics or my attitude, at the end of the day, I am not pleasing man, I am trying to please God. And I will do anything just to please God. Money is temporary, fame is temporary, work is temporary and even life is temporary. God is eternal and God gives eternal life. So do not focus too much on things that is temporary but set your heart, mind and soul to what’s eternal. Just like Zacchaeus, I know I will be facing barriers that will stop me from getting closer to God but if you have the will, you can be closer to Him and you will find Him. And as you find Him, you will know that treasures are not found in earth, but it is found in God.

Yes we are all sinners but God doesn’t called us for impurity, but in holiness. So test everything, hold fast what is good and abstain from every form of evil. So as you continue your life in earth, whatever you do, work heartily as for the Lord and not for men. Do not follow the crowd or the world for it will lead you to danger. You should walk blamelessly and walk in wisdom and in His light. Find a way to seek Him and acknowledge His words because at the end of the day, all you need is Him. Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.”

In the story of Zacchaeus, the things that struct me the most is when he climb up in the sycamore tree just to see Jesus. It inspires me because it shows that if you really have the will to see Jesus or seek Jesus, nothing can stop you from doing so. Keep your faith in Him, stand out from the crowd. Do what is right and just to His eyes for He can see everything that we do. Following and obeying His words may be challenging and you might experience pain but remember this, “GOD OFTEN USES OUR DEEPEST PAIN AS A LAUNCHING PAD FOR OUR GREATEST CALLING”