The maximum allowed Reaction of a Disciple of Jesus : Shake the dust from your feet

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 14th Week -  Thursday*

*GOSPEL - Mt 10:7-15*

*First Reading - Gn 44:18-21, 23b-29; 45:1-5*

*The maximum allowed Reaction of a Disciple of Jesus : Shake the dust from your feet*

*1) Jesus Sends His Disciples on a Mission*

The Gospel of the day, highlights about Jesus' sending His disciple for a mission 

Their mission involved variety of things

Proclamation of the Kingdom of Heaven 

Cureing  the sick, 

Raising  the dead,

Cleansing the lepers, 

Driving out demons.

Finally No things  to carry for the mission. Go in the name of Jesus and do the mission 

*2) Mission is not a easy Task*

The mission given by Jesus is not very easy 

First of all lots of commitments and sacrife is needed 

Secondly, there is no guarantee that the people will receive or accept our mission with open Hand 

Thirdly there will be challenges : Some will question, some will criticise, some will trouble and some will reject 

But there will be a sizable number of people who will accept our mission 

*3)  When we are rejected, what should be our response*

When we do some genuine work, and people find fault with us, we feel bad and naturally we want to challenge them in different ways 

Some time challenging them may take the form of taking the revenge 

Therefore, Jesus has to told us what should be our reaction

The maximum reaction that is allowed is : leave the place, and one can shake off the dust. Nothing more.

*4) Meaning of the shaking off the Dust*

In one way to show our displeasure 

Secondly, to show them  that we are not taking or carrying your insults, challenges, criticisms, negativity etc. By shaking off the dust we say that we leave everything whatever you have given. We are not taking anything 

Thirdly shaking off the dust is showing our disagreement with a gentle way, thereby giving an invitation to them to relize their mistakes 

*5) Taking off the Dust in my life*

This concept is very important and relevant to us 

We need to shake of the dust in our life every moment

Shaking of the dust is very important in our families, in our churches, in our communities and in the society

Only one who is able to practice this virtue, can achieve grest heights  in life 

*6) My Life and my method*

What is the method I use in my life? 

Shaking off the dust 

Taking revenge

Keeping anger and hatred 

Giving up, with one failure 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*