What does reading Scripture do for you? We see the reaction of the people in today’s first reading from Nehemiah 8 when Ezra reads from the book of the law.
In the Gospel reading today from Luke 10, Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples and instructs them as He sends them out. At the end, He says, “Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you, go out into the streets and say, ‘The dust of your town that clings to our feet, even that we shake off against you.'” This “shaking the dust” was a symbolic gesture that Jews did when leaving Gentile territory and reentering the Holy Land. For the disciples, this signified judgement on those who reject the Gospel.
Many today reject the Gospel. The spirit of the age is so pervasive, and has caused so many to turn their backs on the “antiquated ways” of Jesus. I’m sure there have been times when you have had to “shake the dust” regarding someone. You try and you try, but you just can’t seem to break through. I know lots of folks who experience this on social media. People seem emboldened to say anything they want – often very unkind things. It causes relationships, virtual and real, to break down. Sometimes the best thing is just to “unfriend” someone, to go your separate ways. We must always remember…even when we have to “shake the dust,” we must never stop praying for those people who reject the truth. Perhaps God will send someone else that can break through.
Father, keep us fervent and help us to persevere in preaching the Gospel. Send someone to those from whom we have had to shake the dust from our feet, that they might hear and believe. Amen.
Would your parish benefit from learning more about the faith – in quick, easy bites? Order copies of A Minute in the Church in bulk (100 or more) and give them away! Find them now at www.GusLloyd.com.
0 comments