Zacchaeus, the tax collector, was not well liked. But even the most crooked and worst of sinners have the opportunity to turn back and receive mercy, forgiveness, and healing if they repent. Jesus notices Zacchaeus' efforts. Zacchaeus was shocked when Jesus requested to visit his house. He would have no time to clean up and to hide things, just as we too would feel the discomfort of Father Matthew announcing that he would visit our homes without any notice. We would have not time to clean up and prepare for a visit. Zacchaeus immediately repents and says that he will give away half of what he owns, and that he will pay back those he had defrauded four fold. It's an amazing conversion story. Sin cannot exist when Jesus is present. Zacchaeus chooses Jesus over sin, and he decides to make reparations. Jesus then forgives him by saying salvation has come to this house. We always need to be ready because one day Jesus will walk up to us like he did to Zacchaeus.
