Here’s
a hymn inspired by the story of Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus (Luke 19:
1-10). It was written by Carolyn Winfrey
Gillette.
Zacchaeus was a Tax Man
Zacchaeus
was a tax man who one day climbed a tree,
For
he was short in stature and said he could not see.
And
yet he had a problem that mattered even more:
He
didn't see the suffering his greed had caused the poor
O
Lord, you saw Zacchaeus -- so wealthy, yet alone.
You
said, "Come down -- and hurry! I'm coming to your home."
For
you broke bread with sinners and saw within each one
A
person loved and treasured -- God's daughter or God's son.
It
wasn't just the treetop that helped Zacchaeus see;
Your
love and welcome showed him how different life could be.
He
said that he'd start over and work to make things fair;
He'd
speak the truth, bring justice, and find new ways to share.
O
Christ, you bid us welcome and help us all to see!
May
we respond by building a just society.
Then
children won't be hungry and all will share your bread.
Then those who now
must struggle will live in joy instead.
~ written by Carolyn
Winfrey Gillette, based on Luke 19: 1-10.
Copyright © 2010 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved.
Email: bcgillette@comcast.net
Suggested tune:
AURELIA (“The Church’s One Foundation”)
Alternate tune:
ANGEL'S STORY ("O Jesus, I Have Promised").
Carolyn Winfrey Gillette is the author of Songs of Grace: New Hymns for
God and Neighbor (Upper Room Books 2009)and Gifts of Love: New Hymns for
Today's Worship (Geneva Press, 2000) and serves with her husband Bruce as the
co-pastors of Limestone Presbyterian
Church in Wilmington, Delaware. A complete list of the 160+ hymns by Carolyn
Winfrey Gillette, many with peace and justice themes, can be found at www.carolynshymns.com.
