Shake the dust

Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Ezr 9:5-9; Tobit 13:2, 3-4a, 4befghn, 7-8; Lk 9:1-6
Notes: Shake the Dust.

Today we learn the importance of shaking off the dust.

• The dust of our own errors.
• The dust of the errors of others.
• Ours is to proclaim Jesus Christ, Savior.

Error is not the focus, healing and freedom is.

First reading
Ezra is writing about the joy of having been freed from Babylonian exile, returned to their homeland and even given aid to rebuild the Temple.

This is known as the Period of Restoration.

The people are encouraged to return, rebuild the community, and common life.
Ezra and Nehemiah are the leaders of the people to set themselves right with G-d.

Thus he has given us new life
to raise again the house of our God and restore its ruins,
and has granted us a fence in Judah and Jerusalem. (Ezr 9:9)

A favorite saying of mine is to Build a Fence around the Torah.
There are many vectors to this saying and I use it in different contexts differently.

Here, though, having been restored to build a fence around the Torah is a commitment (pesonal and societal) to adhere to the Torah as firmly and strictly as possible.

https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2020/10/25/hanging-ten/

That is to say, as we do today, having been freed from sin, we follow the Lord, unreservedly, resolutely and with fidelity.

Responsorial Psalm
Blessed be God, who lives for ever.

Alleluia Verse
The Kingdom of God is at hand;
repent and believe in the Gospel.

Gospel Portion
Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority
over all demons and to cure diseases,
and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God
and to heal the sick.

It doesn’t always go well.
Sometimes we are rejected.

Related: On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village. (Luke 9:52b-56)

Don’t get all judgmental.

Shake off the dust as witness.
And keep moving on.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry