Rejection
In every family, we have members who have not accepted the Word of God or sought to establish a relationship with Jesus. In today’s gospel, sadly, we hear of the rejection that can happen. Jesus has sent out His disciples to share the good news. If His disciples were rejected, they were to leave that town and shake the dust from their feet. It becomes a stronger rejection as we hear of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. Jesus is telling them what will happen to them because of their rejecting Jesus. I mean, this is God telling them they will be destroyed. The Word of God is speaking. And these peoples were destroyed. I have walked through the ruins of Capernaum. If anything, and we do not want to hear this, but we do need to consider it, even God runs out of patience.
Now you are the disciple Jesus is sending out into the world with this very sobering thought. What would you do? Particularly if you know the person that has thus far rejected Jesus. Would you rush up to them and preach the word to them? That has never been effective. Would you tell them they are going to hell? I think they would look at you as if you are crazy. No, the first step is to evaluate yourself as a Christian. Is your life an example of what you preach? If not, you need to change first. Second, have you offered prayer for the person you want to bring to Christ? Remember, it is Jesus who converts hearts, not you. Once you have your life in order, with love and compassion, and very gently, begin to talk about your faith experiences. Let them know they are in your prayers. And let God do what God does.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen