REFLECTIONS TODAY
Pearls are valuable, and it is absurd to throw them before an uncaring animal. The Kingdom of God, which comes in the person and message of Jesus, is “a pearl of great price” (Mt 13:46). Jesus’ words are too precious to waste on the deaf ears of people who manifest outright hostility towards them. In sending the Apostles to the towns of Israel to preach the Good News, Jesus knew that there would be people who would not receive them or listen to their words. In that case, they would have to go out of that place, and shake the dust from their feet (Mt 10:14), a gesture indicating a complete disassociation from such unbelievers. In turn, when the Jews in the synagogue of Antioch in Pisidia contradicted Paul and Barnabas, these spoke boldly, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles” (Acts 13:46).
Gospel • Matthew 7:6, 12-14
Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.
“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the Law and the Prophets.
“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.”
Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.