REFLECTIONS TODAY
On entering the host’s house, the apostle must express God’s blessing upon the household in the usual greeting, Shalom aleichem (“Peace be with you”). This greeting is a wish that all may be well with the persons greeted, who must be “worthy,” that is, accept the messenger by their hospitality and the message by their faith.
Conferred with authority, like the Old Testament prophets, the apostle says shalom which has a dynamic force to accomplish what it says. If shalom finds no worthy recipient, it will return to the apostle, without fulfilling its meaning. The apostle in turn will forsake the hostile house.
Thus, the greeting of peace is no mere salutation; it is an effective word, a word of salvation or judgment. If we want peace with others, we do not wait for others to offer it to us. We should begin by acting as “channels of peace,” praying with St. Francis, “Make me a channel of your peace. Where there is hatred let me bring your love…”
First Reading • Hos 11:1-4, 8c-9
Thus says the Lord: When Israel was a child I loved him, out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them, the farther they went from me, Sacrificing to the Baals and burning incense to idols. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, who took them in my arms; I drew them with human cords, with bands of love; I fostered them like one who raises an infant to his cheeks; yet, though I stooped to feed my child, they did not know that I was their healer.
My heart is overwhelmed, my pity is stirred. I will not give vent to my blazing anger, I will not destroy Ephraim again; for I am God and not man, the Holy One present among you; I will not let the flames consume you.
Gospel • Matthew 10:7-15
Jesus said to his Apostles: “As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep.
Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you.
Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words—go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.”
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.