The act of shaking the dust from the feet

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Fourteenth Week :  Sunday*

*Gospel : Lk 10:1-12, 17-20 or 10:1-9*

*First Reading : Is 66:10-14c*

*Responsorial Psalm :Ps 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20*

*Second Reading : Gal 6:14-18*

*The act of shaking the dust from the feet*

*1) Tradition in Jewish Community*

In Jewish tradition, when Jews returned from Gentile lands, they would sometimes shake the dust off their feet to avoid bringing impurity into the Holy Land. 

Jesus repurposes this: Those who reject the Kingdom are like outsiders to God’s covenant.

*2) Separation from Unbelief*

Shaking the dust off signifies a symbolic separation from those who reject the gospel

*3) Testimony of Judgment*

It serves as a prophetic sign of judgment. 

The gesture is not out of hatred, but it warns that rejecting God’s message has consequences.

*4) Letting Go of Rejection*

For the disciple, it also represents a personal release—not carrying the emotional or spiritual burden of rejection. 

It’s about moving forward without bitterness.

*5) Preachers Are Not Responsible for Results*

Jesus teaches that faithfulness to the mission is more important than success.

If people reject the message, the messenger is not at fault

*6) God Respects Human Freedom*

The gesture shows that God doesn’t force His truth on anyone. 

He invites, warns, and loves—but allows rejection.

*7) Urgency and Seriousness of the Gospel*

Shaking the dust signals that the message of the Kingdom is not optional or casual. It demands a response.

*8) Mission Without Attachment*

Disciples are called to mission with detachment—serve in love, but without ego or dependence on being accepted.

*9) Spiritual Application Today*

*When you share faith and feel rejected,* don’t take it personally. Pray, shake the dust off emotionally, and entrust the person to God.

*Ministry must go on.* Don’t dwell too long on fruitless ground. Like Jesus told His disciples—move on to the next place.

*Our job is to witness, not to win.* The Holy Spirit works in hearts; we are only messengers.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*