July 3, 2016: Fourteenth Sunday

At that time the Lord appointed seventy-two others whom he sent ahead of him in pairs
to every town and place he intended to visit. …
“Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals;
and greet no one along the way.
Into whatever house you enter, first say,
‘Peace to this household.’
If a peaceful person lives there,
your peace will rest on him;
but if not, it will return to you. …
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.’” (Luke 10:1, 4-6, 10-11)

Reflection:

Jesus sends some of His followers ahead to towns that He will later visit. Jesus directs them not to pack a bag or worry about supplies. God will abundantly provide for their needs. They are to go share the good news that the Kingdom of God is at hand. They are to plant seeds wherever they go. If they are welcomed, God’s peace and love can enter that village.

If they are rejected they are to shake the dust of that place from their feet and continue on to the next town.

It can be frustrating and painful to peacefully stand up to rejection when one honestly has tried one’s best to do what is right. However, as followers of Jesus, we may be called to do just that.

It helps to remember that the story does not end with our rejection. We will be sent to another place where we can continue to plant seeds. The town that rejected us will be given another chance. Others will be sent to bring them the good news.

It is a huge world with millions of people yearning for the chance to better know and love God. Let us each be off on the journey.

Action:

This week explore a new opportunity where you can be God’s arms bringing His love and assistance to someone in need.