The first reading records the detailed instructions that God gave to Moses regarding diet, rest and offerings. But those rituals and laws lost their meaning overtime. Jesus emphasized meaningful actions over rituals. Today’s Gospel proclamation is a story of rejection of a “local”. Jesus’ neighbours and those who knew his family, did not listen to Him. The rich resented the threat to the existing power structures, which benefited them. It demonstrates the power of faith and, conversely, that its absence deprives us of its miraculous results. Jesus then left His home country to journey to other parts, where His background was unknown and His teaching and preaching were widely accepted. He instructs the disciples, whom he commissioned to preach elsewhere, to shake off the dust from their sandals when leaving the towns where they were not accepted, presumably to prepare them for the disappointment which He had experienced.

Prayer: Abba Father, send your Holy Spirit into our hearts to make us receptive to your message, by whomsoever it is sent. Amen.