In today’s first reading from Hosea 11, the LORD says, “Yet, though I stooped to feed my child, they did not know that I was their healer.” So many people don’t recognize or acknowledge God today. Little do they know that all of their “good fortune” is a blessing from him.
In the Gospel reading today from Matthew 10, Jesus instructs the Twelve as He sends them out, with authority over unclean spirits. At the end, He says, “Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words – go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet.” This “shaking the dust” was a symbolic gesture that Jews did when leaving Gentile territory and reentering the Holy Land. For the Twelve, 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 have found this to be necessary when a relationship is causing me to become mean, bitter and nasty. Perhaps you have left a job because of this sort of thing. This can be one of life’s toughest decisions. But sometimes you just gotta move on. 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.
Sometimes the easiest way to evangelize is to hand them a resource with short answers to tough questions – like A Minute in the Church! Get copies today at www.GusLloyd.com.
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