Reflection
Hosea 11:1-9
Psalm 80
Matthew 10:7-15
Our gospel today is not a long one but it certainly has a lot to it. Jesus instructs his disciples to go out and preach the Kingdom of heaven is at hand…Matthew was writing for the purposes of evangelizing the Jews so he would not have used the term Kingdom of God. Jesus is speaking from a position of proclamation and power. He did not say go and do it if you feel like it, or if it makes them happy. He instructs them to do it.
That proclamation was to be done in conjunction with healings and casting out demons; and it was to be freely given. At the time, if someone went to a Jewish priest seeking healing, they had to pay the priest for it. Jesus reminds us that everything, especially our relationship with God is a great gift from God that we are to share with others.
The proclamation and the healings will create great trust in many and will be freely accepted by those who have a great faith in Jesus. There are those who will not be accepting of the mission of Christ, and Jesus tells the disciples to shake the dust from their sandals as they leave such a town. God does not force Himself on us.
In the gospel, Jesus is calling us to get out and do something for others. We are called to be the face of Jesus to others with a particular calling to bring peace to others. In that peace our relationship with God grows, and that is exactly what He wants for us.
So today, who can you help? Go ahead and step outside your comfort zone to get it done if it requires doing so! God is right there to help you bring peace.
It is a great day! Go smile at God today!