As we meditate on the Gospels, it’s only natural that we would try to imagine what the various biblical figures looked like.

One character I find especially intriguing is Zacchaeus, whose encounter with Our Lord is recorded in Luke 19:1-10. Whenever I think of him, I picture Louie De Palma, Danny DeVito’s character in the popular 1980s’ television series Taxi. We know that Zacchaeus was not only short of stature, but also dishonest, despised and resourceful. He was hardly the sort of character we might choose to emulate. Yet I’d suggest that Catholic laymen do well to meditate on the call and conversion of Zacchaeus.

Perhaps the call of the rich young man is better known. This man, you’ll recall, kept the commandments but wanted to know what else he had to do to attain eternal life. Jesus’ response — sell everything, give to the poor and “follow me” — was more than the rich young man bargained for.

But what about us “rich,” middle-aged men — with a wife, children, job, mortgage, bills and student loans? Are we supposed to sell everything, give the proceeds to the poor and, only then, follow Jesus? How does Jesus’ universal call to discipleship relate to Catholic men who are to remain “in the world,” but not of it?

Enter Zacchaeus. First, though we might think, like Zacchaeus, that we’re going to great lengths to find Jesus, the reality is that he is the one searching for us. He encounters us where we are. While many in Jerusalem did not recognize the time of their visitation (Luke 19:44), Zacchaeus sure did, and he made the most of it.

Second, Zacchaeus shows us that two hallmarks of Christian discipleship are obedience and joy. Zacchaeus’ response to Our Lord was one of immediate, unconditional acceptance. While the rich young man was sad in his hesitation, Zacchaeus was joyful in his prompt obedience. Are we conflicted in some areas of our faith — perhaps when it comes to the Church’s teachings on sexual morality?

Third, Jesus didn’t simply seek to enter Zacchaeus’ heart. Rather, Our Lord also sought entrance into Zacchaeus’ house. This episode reminds us to be godly men who take personal responsibility for the Christian identity of our families. We must totally give our lives over to Christ, and then lead our families through word and authentic example.

Fourth, Our Lord doesn’t ask Zacchaeus to sell everything. On his own initiative, though, Zacchaeus does give away half of what he has and also makes full restitution to those whom he has cheated. While tithing (giving 10% to the Church) is a good rule of thumb, the Church recognizes that faithful stewardship doesn’t always lend itself to predetermined percentages. What’s crucial in the case of Zacchaeus is that his actions reflect a true spirit of generosity as well as a new set of Christ-centered priorities.

Lastly, this episode demonstrates yet again how nobody is beyond the reach of a God who has come to save the lost. In response to onlookers who consider Zacchaeus an “illegitimate” disciple, Our Lord remarkably says, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham” (Luke 19:9). The God who can raise descendents of Abraham from mere stones has truly made Zacchaeus part of the family.

The new life of grace in the Holy Spirit is a reality that Our Lord makes available to the least of us. Even the Louie De Palmas of the world. Even us.

Leon Suprenant is president of Catholics United for the

Faith and  Emmaus Road Publishing, and publisher of

LayWitness magazine.