Zacchaeus was a man who had reached the top of profession as tax collector, but he

was despised by many in Jericho also known as “The City of Palms”.

He was wealthy but not happy. Despised and hated by people, Zacchaeus was
reaching out for the love of God. He was determined to see Jesus and would let
nothing to stop him. To mingle with the crowd at all was a courageous thing for him
to do. Unable to see Jesus because he was small in stature, so he ran ahead and
climbed a sycamore tree.
When Jesus looked up and saw him, He announced that He would stay that day at
Zacchaeus house. As a result of Jesus’ presence, Zacchaeus decided to give half of
his goods to the poor and uses the other half to make restitution for any fraud of
which he had been guilty. His acceptance of Jesus brought salvation to his entire
household. The act of Zacchaeus was voluntary. He willingly made the decision to
return all that he had acquired illegally. Like Zacchaeus, who acted with his own
free will, we are called to fulfill our moral obligations. Complying with our moral
obligations is our vocation. Christians and non-Christians, God calls us, but does
not compel us.

All commandments foster freedom by commanding, not guiding. In relation to moral

obligation, commandments oblige but guidelines do not. Many try to avoid their
moral obligations because they want to have absolute freedom, to do whatever they
want. Freedom and obligation are always together. They do not contradict each
other. Authentic moral obligation helps us to be more free by directing us and our
neighbours against abuses of freedom.

Since we are social beings who live in community, our freedom carries with it the
corresponding obligation to consider and respect the freedom of others. Freedom
must be exercised responsibly considering the rights and freedom of others. Our
moral obligation towards others guides us to an authentic freedom to do good.