Jesus is King
on seeking and saving what was lost
Dear Friends,
Kanye West's newest album is called Jesus is King. Although I haven't yet heard any of the tracks, I can see why it's causing quite the stir.
Neither fan nor foe recognizes this Kanye. Having rapped about sex, money, violence, and the like for decades, his newfound Jesus-following life is drawing attention - and scrutiny - from all quarters.
So what can (or should) we think about this? Our Gospel passage this weekend might have the answer...
The Calling of Zacchaeus
We know the story. Zacchaeus is too short to see. But, climbing a nearby tree, he draws the loving gaze of Jesus. Jesus' eagerness to stay at Zacchaeus' house is met by Zacchaeus' eagerness to host.
For this, Jesus draws the scorn of his detractors. Zacchaeus is the wrong kind of person to party with. He's unworthy of the attention. He's a hater of Israel, having colluded with the enemy for his own selfish gain. Jesus is undermining his mission by associating with him.
But the crowd has missed the point. Zacchaeus was lost and has been found. Giving away his ill-gotten gains Zacchaeus, once dead, is alive with the radical generosity of God.
What's the right response to all this? Rejoice! Join in the heaven-to-earth celebration. Become alive with the merciful love of God that has come to seek and to save what was lost, you and me and Kanye included.
I look forward to seeing you soon.
In Christ's Love,
Father Daniel
δοῦλος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ
PS Take a look at my bulletin letter this week. It's a humble reflection on Father Ed.
Preparing for Mass?
Check out this weekend's readings:
Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Calling of Zacchaeus