Scratching the Surface & Ol’ Scratch

There’s an old story about the Duke University basketball team that involves the school’s mascot, the Blue Devil. It seems that it was one of those rare occasions when the team had lost on the road. They were headed back home on the bus through rural North Carolina when the bus encountered mechanical problems. Eventually, the bus died.

The team was tired, defeated and grumpy. Besides, most of them were asleep when the bus had to pull onto the shoulder of the country road. This was in the old days before On Star, cell phones and such, and the mascot — a man who’d forgotten he was still dressed in a blue devil suit — was still awake and willing. Peering out of the bus window, he spotted a light off in the distance and told the driver he’d go for help.

Trudging up the hill on the cold winter’s night, the mascot was glad he was all covered in tights and cape, not to mention the mask. Yet, again, due to the circumstance of the evening, and his familiarity with the costume, he’d totally forgotten what he looked like.

As he got closer, he was relieved to see that the light was not just a country home, but a small Baptist church; with hymns pouring out the door and cars in the lot, he knew there’d be someone there that could help get them back on the road to Durham.

As he opened the door the hymn had just ended and the preacher had gone back to preaching of the horrors of hell. In walked the Duke Blue Devil and suddenly the whole atmosphere changed. There were screams of panic, glass breaking, people running and an outright trampling of terror ensued. In a moment, the entire church was cleared. Not a soul remained … save one little old lady sitting up near the front.

The mascot was dumbfounded. What could have caused such a commotion? He raised his hands to speak and noted the gloves and rest of his devil suit. No matter, the little old lady came up to him, smiling and with and a twinkle in her eye said: “You know … I’ve been on your side all along.”

Funny how an old story with an obvious punch line can still bring a chuckle. Because it’s true. Things aren’t always as they seem! Sometimes, you scratch hard enough — ain’t no tellin’ what you’ll find.

We have an example in today’s Gospel reading about the unpopular tax collector, Zacchaeus. He’d heard that Jesus was going to be in his vicinity and he desired to see Him. Problem was, Zacchaeus was short and, given his societal position, not well liked. No problem; he decided to run ahead of the crowd and climb up into a Sycamore tree.

The Lord comes by, sees him, and says: “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today.”

Of course, you know, people talk. “Pssst! He’s gone to be the guest of a sinner! Psssst!”

Zacchaeus stands and says to the Lord: “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold.”

To which our Lord replies: “Today salvation has come to this house …”

Now, the question is: When was the beginning of Zacchaeus’s salvation?

Was it when he confessed to giving goods to the poor?

No.

Was it when the Lord came to His house?

No.

How ’bout when the Lord saw him and said He was going to call?

No.

Was it when Zacchaeus was up in the tree, our Lord to see?

No.

When he ran ahead? No.

The Church Fathers teach that our first parents fell when the desired to eat of the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The Fall did not occur solely upon eating the forbidden fruit. Rather, the very desire to eat of the fruit began their downfall.

In the same way, Zacchaeus’s salvation began when he longed to see the Lord Jesus. That longing, that desire, was the beginning of salvation for the short tax collector. The desire may have been just a scratching of the surface — but look at the fruit it bore!

Apostle Zacchaeus followed the Lord and, after Pentecost, followed Apostle Peter. St. Peter appointed him Bishop of Ceasarea in Palestine. He served the Lord faithfully and died in peace. Zacchaeus’ life serves as an example of what is possible through repentance and as a caution against judging others. The crowd saw a short, devious tax collector. But Jesus looked up and saw a faithful Apostle and Bishop for his Church.
Source

As the people of God, the Church, we now have four Sundays before the beginning of the Great Fast, Lent. How often have we gone to Confession saying, “I’m just not where I used to be … I’m going through a dry spell … I used to be in a better place … I want to do better” … (etc)?

Today, Zacchaeus Sunday, is, at least, a yellow flag for Orthodox Christians. The time of preparation — repentance — draws nigh. Let’s not wait till a few days into the Great Fast to say, “Aww! I wanted to do so much better this year!”

Rather, like Zacchaeus, let us long to see the Lord … let us run ahead … climbing above the cares of this world … so as, through repentance, to make our home a fitting place for the Lord.

After all, no tree was ever grown … no fruit ever borne … without first scratching the surface.

Let’s begin …

Thou didst treasure the wealth of salvation and hate unjust gains, O blessed Zacchaeus. When the Saviour came to thy house thou didst bring forth the fruits of repentance: the righting of wrongs, protection of the poor, and a new, God-pleasing life.

— Troparion, Tone 8