Daily Reflection for Thursday, February 6, 2020
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Thursday's readings at this link: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/020620.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12
Responsorial: 1 Chronicles 29:10-12
Gospel: Mark 6:7-13
Our reflection on Thursday’s readings:
Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet. (Mark 6:11)
Since I started writing reflections, I have reflected on this passage from Mark every year. Yet each time I read it, I understand it differently. In today's gospel, Jesus sends off his disciples to go out and be present to the local community. He sends them off to be present to the people and to preach forgiveness. Not an easy task back then, nor is it an easy task today.
Recently I had a person in my office who entered feeling a little insecure that she did not meet the timeline to return a set of documents. I could tell she was feeling unsure of how I would respond. To be transparent, I was a little frustrated and I believe it showed. In some ways I felt disrespected that this person did not follow through with the expectations I had set.
While the conversation was cordial, the underlying feeling of disappointment was felt by both of us. She tried to explain why the timeline was not reached, yet it did not change my approach. The Gospel rings true today. I believe this person who came to my office left with this passage in her heart, “Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet.” While I do not think I could have let go of the expectation I had set, I know there were other ways I could have responded so that she would still have felt welcomed and understood.
We have all been there. We have all entered places where we felt a true sense of acceptance and hospitality. We have also had experiences when hospitality was not extended and that we were not accepted by those dwelling in those places.
Today I believe Jesus is talking to us and telling us to go forth and preach forgiveness. And I also think He is telling us, when people come knocking on your door preaching love, do not turn them away. Accept them and listen.
May your heart be open to welcome the stranger who preaches love and forgiveness,
Margarita Solis Deal