Growth: the story of Zaccheus

We all remember the story of Zaccheus, a tax collector, rich man from Jericho --- he had an urge to see and listen Jesus but the amount of people around Jesus made it really difficult for him or anyone to be able to get close at all.

So in order to be able to listen to him, Zaccheus made a decision --- he climbed up a tree. After this decision the situation changed -- he ended up having a conversation with Jesus and having dinner with Jesus at his house. Wow!

The first step towards growth, is to liberate ourselves from stereotypes. For a rich man known by everyone in town to climb up a tree was definitely not a typical behavior but he decided to do it anyway, climb a tree like a little kid --- and resulted in a great gift (meeting Jesus).

Conditions to grow freely

We need to be vulnerable to be able to accept ourselves an our limitations in order to amass enough will to act.... and climb those trees in our life. This is the needed trait for growth to result in life, vulnerability. Now, how can we be vulnerable in a cunning world? This is why we pray every day the Our Father and this is why the Holy Spirit is here (on Earth) to help us with His Gifts --- just to mention a few which apply in these hazy times --- wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, and knowledge.

Eventually, as we grow and move on we will reach a new level of limitations and once again challenges will be presented outside our current capacity. Life expects from us to be vulnerable to recognize our physical, intellectual, and emotional capacities. We will have to enter uncertain arenas, very probable we will feel tempted to stop trying and throw the towel.

The paradox of suffering and the search for happiness

Thus, we end up understanding that as we continue to strive for growth we will encounter deceptions, obstacles, and frustrations. It is within us to absorb these moments and transform them into rungs of a learning ladder. In the day-to-day this is difficult to do, however once time has gone by we will be able to see how those moments opened our eyes, expanded our hearts, and allowed our being to learn from mistakes. We will understand that suffering is and will be part of the process of growing until the end of our days.

Honestly, it is a little uncomfortable and painful that our Father in Heaven allows this paradox of suffering and growth, but this is exactly how Jesus showed the Way.

The fact that there is a being that looks at me with complacency is something that should arouse great joy in me. Also believe that when looking at me God pronounces those words: He is my very beloved son.

Joseph Kentenich

As followers of Jesus, we are called to grow continuously developing ourselves into the best version of ¨me¨. And from that newer version of you, contribute to His Plans, ready to take the next mission you are called upon.