Repentance should not be confused with mere remorse; it is not just feeling sorry for past mistakes. Repentance is an active, positive attitude, consisting of setting oneself on the right path. (Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh)
On the Sunday of Zacchaeus the Publican, with the blessing of His Eminence Vladimir, Metropolitan of Chișinău and All Moldova, His Grace Siluan, Bishop of Orhei and Vicar of the Metropolis, officiated the Holy and Divine Liturgy at the Metropolitan Cathedral of the “Nativity of the Lord” in Chișinău.
The Gospel passage read today highlights the theme of repentance through the personal example of Zacchaeus, a man who, despite being chief among the publicans, felt the need for a transformation. His high status was equivalent to a position of power and wealth in today’s world. However, something deeper troubled him: he desired to see the Lord Jesus Christ, drawn by His miracles and teachings.
Scripture tells us that Zacchaeus was short in stature and, unable to see Jesus because of the crowd, climbed a sycamore tree. But as a man of influence, could he not have found a place at the front? The fact that he did not push through suggests that Zacchaeus was aware of his sins and considered himself unworthy to stand before Christ. However, the Lord, recognising his humility, called to him, saying: “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” (Luke 19:5)
As Saint Ignatius Brianchaninov explains:
“The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. God, taking on human nature, came of His own will, without being sought or called by men, out of His immeasurable goodness, to find and redeem the human race lost through its estrangement from God. He came to lift up every person drawn into perdition by sin, with one condition: to accept Him, the One who seeks and desires to save them.”
In his sermon, Bishop Siluan spoke about Zacchaeus as a model of true repentance:
“Today’s Gospel passage is one filled with hope for all of us who, like Zacchaeus, await our encounter with God—an encounter that can change our entire lives. Meeting Christ caused a profound spiritual revolution in Zacchaeus’ soul, leading him to renounce his sinful past and seek a new way of life. We can all see ourselves in this parable, as we repeatedly err before God and our neighbours. By following Zacchaeus’ example, we too can detach ourselves from worldly concerns and journey toward our encounter with God, which will bring us healing and a life of deeper meaning and purpose.”
The gift of Christ’s presence was not just for Zacchaeus but for all of us. The Lord assures us:
“Behold, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20)
Yet there is one essential condition: we must recognise and accept His call, for “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)
Source: manastireacurchi.md