Tuesday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
(II Maccabees 6:18-31; Luke 19:1-10)
In today’s well-known and much-appreciated gospel passage,
Zaccheus is often noted more for his profession than his wealth. Zaccheus is a tax collector, an office
associated with corruption in his time.
But the fact that he is wealthy has important implications for people in
these times of abundant prosperity.
As a rich man, Zaccheus’ encounter with Jesus leads him to
promise that he would give half his possessions to the poor. Jesus has called for this kind of largesse with
the parable of the rich farmer and in the statement: "from the one who has
much, much will be expected” (Luke 12:48).
Inspired by such gospel verses, St. Thomas Aquinas taught: “Whatever
certain persons have in superabundance is due, by natural law, to the purpose
of succoring the poor.”
Should the government tax the wealthy to pay their due
according to natural law? To an extent,
taxation may be necessary. But it also
can become counterproductive as most people find ways to reduce their
taxes. Besides, when rich people give
without compulsion, they may merit heaven with their contributions.
