I am trying to imagine, to discover and identify with the state of heart of that man when he was climbing the tree among the crowds of people. He must have been in joyful expectation because he was sure that he will see the Lord. Again he was humble enough to be aware of his incapacity to wait on the ground, so he was actively seeking way to make such encounter possible. In a way, what happened that day in history, reappears symbolically in everyday prayer – humble awareness that we have to climb up, over the worlds of sense-information-crowds surrounding us, to the world of the pure heart to meet Him; and of course, sincere anticipation that we will feel for sure the presence of our Beloved in this life, somewhere, somehow, faith that it will happen in His Hour in His Way (Matthew 5:8).
In those elevated moments of our life, when such feeling of Presence is authentic, human being feels profound detachment from transitory values of the sense world. As Gospel informs us, Zacchaeus who was wealthy tax collector, immediately offers half of his possessions to the poor. Whether it was smart thing to do or not is another matter, point here is that it was sure outward sign that something magnificent took place inside his heart at that moment.(Matthew 13:46)
But then again, why did not other people who were stating that Jesus “has gone to be the guest of a sinner” feel similar impulse? They also arrived there with the intention to meet the Lord.
The answer is in the values that we can find in a childlike heart. Such values may seem illogical, many saints were not recognized by their contemporaries; but simplicity, sincerity and purity of such heart are the keys that open the door. (Luke 18:17)
Innumerable are the space-time corridors in the desire world, from every morning till evening there are innumerable images. But, O Lord, do give us strength in these seconds, minutes and hours, that instead of sleeping we “stay awake”(Mark 13:37), silently and creatively aspiring for more fulfilling realities in our own lives, in this very world that we live in.

Dear Father,

I read today story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19, and was inspired to write something to offer you as sign of my gratitude for your constant creative efforts in writing this blog. Your blog is great service to humanity, because you are integrating ancient tradition with means of expression that new technologies bring, which is not at all easy thing to do. But it is a sign that spiritual person accepts the outer world in peace, and tries to creatively embed inner harmony with the current level of progress of the outer world, dynamically seeking new ways of expression using available means from surroundings. Thank you for everything – my deepest gratitude & greetings from Serbia! Vaistinu Voskrese – Indeed He is risen!

What a powerful line in the song! Absolutely no hint of dualism. Heaven and earth overlap in the resurrection of Jesus the Messiah. The age to come is inaugurated!

I love this song.

A Blessed Pascha to you, your family and parish.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0w10yHwv7tk&w=420&h=315