Feria II after the Sixth Sunday after Epiphany
In the liturgical spirit of this feria, the Gospel and Apocalypse passages offer a rich tapestry of God’s transformative work in the human heart and the world. They remind us of the promise of renewal through divine love, manifest in both the individual soul and the universal Church.
“Behold, I make all things new” (Rev 21:5): The New Jerusalem and the Renewal of Creation
In Revelation 21:2–5, we are presented with the vision of the New Jerusalem, “coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” This majestic image represents the final glorification of the Church, united with Christ, her Spouse. St. Augustine, in City of God, describes this heavenly Jerusalem as the fulfillment of God’s redemptive work, where the Church, now perfected, will reign with Christ in unbroken communion.
The phrase “Behold, I make all things new” speaks not only of the eschatological renewal but also of the ongoing sanctification of the world through grace. St. Cyril of Alexandria explains that this renewal begins in the hearts of the faithful, where God wipes away the tears of sin, suffering, and alienation. This consolation is both present and future: a foretaste of the eternal joy that awaits the Church in heaven.
In our daily lives, this call to “make all things new” challenges us to participate in God’s transformative work. As St. Ambrose notes, “The renewal of the soul is a work of divine love,” urging us to embrace conversion and holiness, striving to reflect the beauty of the New Jerusalem in our earthly pilgrimage.
“Today salvation has come to this house” (Luke 19:9): Zacchaeus and the Joy of Conversion
The story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1–10 vividly illustrates the personal dimension of renewal. Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector, climbs a sycamore tree to see Jesus. His humble effort is met with divine generosity: Christ calls him by name and invites Himself into his home.
St. John Chrysostom marvels at the immediacy of Zacchaeus’ response, which he describes as a “leap of faith.” He contrasts the crowd’s disdain with Christ’s merciful gaze, which sees not the sinner’s past but his potential for transformation. Zacchaeus, moved by Christ’s love, repents and commits to restitution, embodying the fruits of true conversion.
The Church Fathers emphasize that Zacchaeus’ story is a model for all who seek God. St. Gregory the Great reflects on how Zacchaeus “descended from the tree of pride” to encounter Christ, reminding us that humility is the gateway to grace. Origen adds that Christ’s invitation to Zacchaeus’ house symbolizes the indwelling of the Word in the soul: “When the sinner opens his heart, the Savior enters and dines with him.”
Unity in the Divine Plan: The Individual and the Church
The pairing of these passages illuminates the harmony between God’s work in individual souls and His overarching plan for creation. The renewal of Zacchaeus’ heart mirrors the promise of Revelation: both point to the transformative power of divine grace.
As the Church Fathers often remind us, the journey toward the heavenly Jerusalem begins with the conversion of the heart. St. Irenaeus famously writes, “The glory of God is man fully alive,” and this fullness begins when we respond to Christ’s invitation to repentance and renewal. Like Zacchaeus, we are called to open our homes—our very lives—to the Lord, allowing Him to make all things new within us.
A Spiritual Challenge for the Week
In the spirit of this feria, let us ask: What sycamore trees must we climb to seek Christ? What parts of our hearts need the renewal promised in Revelation?
Pray with the Church’s timeless wisdom:
- Meditate on the renewal of the New Jerusalem as a model for personal holiness and as a vision of hope.
- Contemplate Zacchaeus’ humility and resolve to remove obstacles that prevent Christ from entering fully into your life.
- Seek practical ways to live this renewal, perhaps by performing acts of restitution, like Zacchaeus, or embracing greater devotion to prayer and the sacraments.
May this reflection on God’s transforming love inspire us to renew our commitment to holiness, trusting in the promise that He indeed makes all things new.