Reflect today on any wounds you still carry in your heart

Da Paolo Tessione - September 23, 2020

And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that city, you shake the dust off your feet as a witness against them ”. Luke 9: 5

This is a bold statement from Jesus. It is also a statement that should give us courage in the face of the opposition.

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 on the generosity of those to whom they preach. And he acknowledged that some will not accept them. As for those who actually reject them and their message, they must "shake the dust" off their feet as they leave the city.

What does this mean? It mainly tells us two things. First, when we are rejected it can hurt. As a result, it's easy for us to sulk and get fed up with rejection and pain. It's easy to sit back and be angry and, as a result, allow the refusal to do us even more damage.

Shaking the dust off our feet is a way of saying that we must not allow the pain we receive to hit us. It is a way of clearly stating that we will not be controlled by the opinions and malice of others. This is an important choice to make in life in the face of rejection.

Secondly, it is a way of saying that we need to keep moving forward. Not only must we overcome the pain we have, but we must then move forward to seek out those who will receive our love and our gospel message. So, in a sense, this exhortation of Jesus is not first about the rejection of others; rather, it is primarily about seeking those who will receive us and receive the gospel message we are called to give.

Reflect today on any wounds you still carry in your heart due to the rejection of others. Try to let it go and know that God is calling you to seek out other lovers so that you can share the love of Christ with them.

Lord, when I feel rejection and pain, help me let go of any anger I feel. Help me to continue my mission of love and to continue sharing Your Gospel with those who will receive it. Jesus I believe in you.