SHAKING THE DUST OFF: MOVING PAST REJECTION ~ CookingFood.Org

“HONEY FROM THE ROCK”

Daily Reflections

Wednesday, 27^thSeptember 2017.

Twenty Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

(Saint Vincent de Paul, Priest)

Ezra: 9: 5-9;

Tob 13: 2,4,6-8;

Lk 9: 1-6

SHAKING THE DUST OFF: MOVING PAST REJECTION

Jesus had just finished telling His disciples to go from town to town preaching the Gospel. He instructed them not to bring extra food or clothing on the journey but, rather, to rely upon the generosity of those to whom they preach. The author of the Proverb prays: “Give me neither poverty nor riches” (Pro 30:8), because, if we become very wealthy we might forget God, but if we become extremely poor, we may be forced to steal and thus turn away from God.

He then tells them that some people would not accept them. He asks them to “shake the dust” from their feet as they leave such towns. This means two things. First, when we are rejected it can hurt us, and we might sulk and stew over the rejection and hurt. It’s easy to sit and be angry and, as a result, to allow the rejection to do us even more damage. Secondly, it’s a way of saying that we must keep moving on. Not only do we have to get over any hurt we have, but we need to then move on to seek out those who will receive our love and our message of the Gospel. Shaking the dust from our feet is a way of saying that we ought not to allow the hurt we receive to affect us. It’s a way of making a clear statement that we will not be controlled by the opinions and malice of others. This exhortation from Jesus is not first about dealing with the rejection of others; rather, it’s primarily about seeking out those who will receive us and will receive the message of the Gospel we are called to give.

Let us reflect upon any hurt we still carry in your heart because of the rejection of others. God is calling us to let go of it and to seek out others in love so that we can share the love of Christ with them.

Prayer: Lord, when I experience rejection and hurt, help me to let go of any anger I have. Help me to continue with my mission of love and to keep sharing Your Gospel with those who will receive it. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.