A Lenten Icon

You can read the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19 (1-10). And this month I have
pictured an Orthodox Icon of Jesus' meeting with him.
In the Orthodox tradition, icons are not intended to be realistic paintings of
people and events, but rather are symbolic representations; every element and
detail in the icon, from colour choice, to hand position, to the placement and
size of secondary figures, has a deeply symbolic meaning!
According to tradition, Zaccheus was eventually appointed Bishop of Ceasarea in
Palestine. He served the Lord faithfully and died in peace. This icon is one
used by the Orthodox churches during Lent.
An Orthodox prayer says this: Thou didst treasure the wealth of salvation and
hate unjust gains, O blessed Zacchaeus. When the Saviour came to thy house thou
didst bring forth the fruits of repentance: the righting of wrongs, protection
of the poor, and a new, God-pleasing life. Zacchaeus' life serves as an example
of what is possible through repentance.
It also serves as a caution against judging others: the crowd saw a short,
devious tax collector, but Jesus looked up and saw a faithful Apostle and Bishop
for his Church.
I wonder what Jesus sees in me, and in you?

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