2 Maccabees 6:18-31 / Luke 19:1-10
To say that there is nothing to lose and everything to gain may sound nice but it may not be that true.
Because the reality is that if there is nothing to lose, then there is also nothing to gain.
So whether it is taking a risk or making a choice, there will be something to lose and also something to gain.
The venerable and respectable elderly Eleazar in the 1st reading found himself in that particular situation.
He had to decide what to lose and what to gain.
So in the end he decided to give up his life but he gained the respect of his people as an example of nobility and a record of virtue not only for the young but for the majority of the nation.
As for Zacchaeus in the gospel passage, his curiosity to see what kind of man Jesus was led him to climb up a sycamore tree, something which was rather embarrassing for a senior tax collector.
But in letting go of his pride, Zacchaeus let Jesus into his life and he gained salvation.
Jesus said that whoever loses his life for the sake of the Kingdom will gain it.
In every loss, there is a gain. May we deny ourselves and follow Jesus and gain eternal life.