San Expedito por Ermes Dovico

GOSPEL PEARLS

Why should they?

If anyone will not receive you. (Matthew 10: 14)

Jesus said to his disciples: “Proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the labourer deserves his food. And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. As you enter the house, greet it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.” (Matthew 10: 7-15)

Jesus did not rely on human certainties to announce the Kingdom of Heaven. His disciples will have to do the same. Their task is to proclaim the Gospel. As for conversion, it will be up to God, through His Grace, who will touch the hearts of men. Conversion also depends on how each of us uses our freedom. This is why we must not be upset if our proclamation seems to have no effect on others. Why should those who reject God accept us?