Readings:
Baruch 1:15-22
Luke 10:13-16
Reflection
“Anyone who listens to you listens to me; anyone who rejects you rejects me, and those who reject me reject the one who sent me.”
Amidst the warnings outlined by Jesus in today’s gospel, these words might offer us both a challenge and an affirmation.
Rejection is such a devastating dynamic; it can seep down to the heart level and shatter a person’s hopes. Depending on its forcefulness, it can be so hurtful at deeper psychological levels, especially if the person has made themself vulnerable in their sharing or outreach.
Rejection is not just an act of self-expression; it harms existing relationships or cuts off possibilities for a potential relationship.
No wonder Jesus warns his followers to be aware of this reality and even prepare to meet it.
Indeed, we live and minister in an age that almost takes pride in rejection. Of course, it disguises itself as exclusion, intolerance and underpins much of the ‘cancel culture’ that plagues our social discourse and limits real dialogue.
Spiritually, it can morph into a softer dynamic; rather than people rejecting God outright, they can opt for a forgetfulness of God or for casting God’s message and vision into the category of irrelevance.
In some ways, this is more damaging. Outright rejection of the vision and message of Jesus at least presumes a dialogue, even if it is wrapped in anger and steely determination not to engage! At least there is recognition of God and potentially hope for some change of heart.
Ignoring God in favour of our own perspectives or inflated sense of self-reliance is like closing a door and hiding from the relationship.
The positive affirmation of today’s gospel is Jesus’ confidence in our capacity to witness in a way that enables people to hear not just us but to hear Jesus too. We are the conduit, the ambassadors for Jesus. This is our fundamental vocation- to witness in such a way that the world listens.
Breaking through apathy is a significant challenge today. Our witness must address the deep needs in people and speak to them in a language they understand and that makes sense. No more talking to empty rooms or supplying answers to questions no longer asked. It will take determination, understanding and identification with the genuine searching of our sisters and brothers for meaning, belonging and authenticity.
Fr. Denis Travers C.P. is the provincial of the Passionists of Holy Spirit Province.