Verse 14 in today's Gospel Reading holds one of Jesus' most challenging teachings, in my opinion.
"if anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town." Mt 10:14
When I sit in my truth, I must admit there is a lot of dust on my feet. I know this about myself. I'm not happy about it. Yet, I can't seem to grow out of it.
I can appear thick-skinned, and I can walk in genuine forgiveness. But, there are some past hurts that I haven't been able to shake off from places and circumstances when I was not welcomed and my words were rejected. Ouch! It's difficult to admit out loud!
Don't we all want to be liked and welcomed? Don't we all want to be heard and seen and appreciated?
The Readings from Genesis in this week's liturgy follow the latter part of the journey of Joseph and his brothers who beat him and sold him to slavery hoping to never see him again -- BIG DUST TO SHAKE OFF!
I've worked much of my life trying to be holy and stoic when relationships aren't running smoothly among my family, friends, and co-workers. But, I get hurt when someone doesn't care for me, ignores me, or dismisses me -- and I can't seem to shake off the dust from my feet. I have particles of dust even, from childhood, that I can't seem get rid of and shake off. It's not a constant nagging, but it revisits from time to time.
I pray for Wisdom.
I pray the Litany of Humility.
I am Blessed to have many, many wonderful family and friends. I tell myself everyone doesn't have to like me. It's OK if someone doesn't want to be my friend.
Easy to write. Easy to advise. Hard to follow. I suspect I'm not the only one.
Jesus cautioned the Twelve Apostles saying,
"See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." Mt 10:16
What a menagerie of life!!!
SHEEP and WOLVES
SERPENTS and DOVES
When we each stand in our own truth, we have to admit that we all have a little of each of these in us. In the midst of strife, it's not easy to be vulnerable like a sheep and strong as a wolf; or to be wise like a serpent and gentle as a dove.
Even with full awareness of the inevitable rejection, wounds, and pain, Jesus still went out to spread peace and love. He still sent out the Twelve to spread peace and love. He still sends you and me out to spread peace and love.
Trying……..
I too have dust on my feet. I have so many hurts that haunt me, even as an adult. I have tried to resolve some hurts but ignored others. I continue to yearn for perfection in God's eyes. But my genuine belief that God is always with me keeps me sane. I will love God all my dusty life, and I prayerfully hope He will sweep my feet on occasion.
I have to admit that I was somewhat troubled at this mornings readings, but after reading the reflections I read earlier and your comments above give me a different perspective on the lesson offered.