To make good use of things

The story of Zacchaeus is my favourite because, like him, I am small of stature (Luke 19:3). Moreover, what he did reminds me of the teachings of an ancient Chinese philosopher, Xunzi 荀子.
"吾嘗終日而思矣，不如須臾之所學也;吾嘗跂而望矣，不如登高之博見也。登高而招，臂非加長也，而見者遠；順風而呼，聲非加疾也，而聞者彰。假輿馬者，非利足也，而致千里。假舟楫者，非能水也，而絕江河。君子生非異也，善假於物也。
I tried meditating all day. It is not as fruitful as a moment's learning. I tried standing on my heels to look. It is not as far-sighted as climbing up a tree. I wave on high. My arm is not lengthened and yet it can be seen afar. I yell in the wind. My voice is not sped but hearers are more impressed. Riders of chariots do not have faster legs and reach thousands of miles. Sailors of boats do not swim and ferry beyond rivers. A gentleman is not born distinguished. Rather he makes good use of things." (Xunzi, chapter 1, paragraph 3)
Though a despised tax collector, Zacchaeus was the embodiment of the teaching of Xunzi and a model Christian aspirant. He wanted to know Jesus and he made good use of things in order to reach Jesus.

In order to see Jesus, Zacchaeus "ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree συκομωραίαν to see him: for he was to pass that way" (19:4)
What kind of a plant is a sycomore? Well, as long as it is tall enough and strong enough, it serves Zacchaeus' purpose of seeing Jesus. Here, we need a certain wisdom and knowledge to help us distinguish between what is helpful and what is harmful for our spiritual life. Making a lot of money is surely admirable. However, will it set our sight on high to reach God? A comfortable life is surely desirable. However, can it strengthen us and sustain us long enough to wait for the coming of Christ? We also need a certain fortitude to pull ourselves off from our comfort zone, to face off teases from the world. These qualities: wisdom, knowledge and fortitude are gifts of the Holy Spirit which we cannot earn. They are God's graces.

The sycomore tree was free of charge. It was there, cultivated by other people, provided by God. What Zacchaeus made use of next was his hard earned money (half of of his goods he gave to the poor. what he had cheated, he restored fourfold). Now, he truly made good use of things to earn him eternal life (19:8-9). God has done his part. It is our turn to respond.

Dear Lord, may we make good use of things you provided us to serve and glorify you. Amen.