Madonna
Louise Ciccone is an American singer, songwriter, actress and businesswoman.
She is referred to as the Queen of Pop since the 1980s. International authors
label her as the greatest woman in music, the most influential and iconic female
artist of all time. As a global icon, she has sold 300 million records
worldwide and is the best-selling female recording artist. Moreover, this
“Material Girl” is one of the most influential individuals in the fashion
industry even in the age of social media by constantly re-inventing herself.
But
an interview with Oprah Winfrey in January 2004 also revealed a sober side of
her. She claimed “I’m so not the Material Girl now. There were many years when
I thought fame, fortune and public approval would bring me happiness. But one
day you wake up and realize they don’t.” Motherhood was what ultimately
inspired her to seek out the more meaningful things in life when she gave birth
to her daughter Lourdes in 1996.
In
today’s Sunday Gospel, we are presented with an inspiring and instantaneous conversion
story of Zacchaeus, the Chief Tax Collector of Jericho. Described as very
wealthy, yet his wealth and status did not satisfy him. He felt something more
was missing. Public opinion was against him; he was a hated man in the city
because of his job. He felt he had no control of his life because he was
unhappy with how things were going. One day, Jesus showed up in Jericho. Having
climbed a sycamore tree, Jesus called him down because he wanted to dine with
him. This really hit him hard. He had such a great need of Jesus in his life.
That lunch date changed him.
Zacchaeus
understood that he was constantly chasing and prioritizing the lesser things:
work, wealth, fame and fortune. Now, he resolved to make things right. He opted
to take responsibility and demonstrated willingness to do whatever it takes to
reconcile his relationships. He decided to put Jesus at the center of his life
to experience healing and reconciliation. It was the turning point he needed to
have a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Thanks to Jesus, Zacchaeus re-invented himself.
Prayer:
Lord, when I chase for the lesser things in life, remind me to keep on the
right track so that I can live a more meaningful life. Amen.
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