Daily Reflection for Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Wednesday’s readings at this link:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/092221.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Ezra 9:5-9
Responsorial: Tobit 13:2, 3-4a, 4befghn, 7-8
Gospel: Luke 9:1-6
Our reflection on Wednesday’s readings:
“Take nothing for the journey” Luke 9:3
“Shake the dust from your feet” Luke 9:5
Jesus had important directions for his disciples as they set out to continue his ministry. Might Jesus’ words apply to us as we try to follow Jesus in our journey through life?
“Take nothing for the journey.” Biblical scholars indicate this passage refers to the absolute detachment required of a disciple, leading to complete reliance on God. It brings to my mind Mother Theresa. She followed the Lord’s direction each day ministering to impoverished sick and dying children living on the streets of Calcutta. She trusted God. She did not let worldly opinions distract her from doing what God called her to do.
I am not as focused as Mother Theresa, nor am I as detached from the world. I try to follow Jesus and then I worry about my actions. Was I kind? Did I offend? Did I do the right thing for those I love as well as strangers? I am a planner. Do I have the courage to take nothing but trust in the Lord for my journey?
“Shake the dust from your feet.” References to this passage include Matthew 10:13. “If a house is worthy, let your peace be upon it; if not, let your peace return to you.”
When someone doesn’t welcome you, shaking the dust from your feet is good advice. But when there is conflict, disagreement or misunderstandings, residual “dust” can remain in our minds and hearts. It hurts. Tears come to my eyes and there is pain in my heart. I don’t know where to put the emotions and how to find peace.
Is this where detaching from the world and taking nothing for the journey connects with the ability to shake the dust from our feet? If so, I have a lot to learn.
I need to detach enough to take nothing for the journey so I can share my peace with all and when it’s refused, return that peace to my heart.
Blessings to you,
Ruth Mytty