Jesus has given his disciples guidelines on how to deal with acceptance and rejection. Where they are welcomed, they are called to stay. Where they are rejected, they are simply to shake the dust from their feet and leave.
Let's take a moment to reflect on how we react to a person's generosity and welcome. Do we feel that we can manage on our own, without their generosity, or are we grateful for this blessing?
How do I respond to rejection or failure, do I take it personally and resent those who have rejected me, am I able to shake the dust from my feet and keep moving?
In the book "Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition", Christine Pohl notes that "hosts who recognise the 'woundedness' in themselves and their ongoing need for grace and mercy, but continue to care for others, find in God their sufficiency. Like Jesus, the best hosts are not completely 'at home' themselves, but still make a place of welcome for others."
We will all be hosts to someone this week, this month, this year. As we quieten to God's longing, who are we being asked to host, to welcome in and for them to stay? What instruction does God need to give me to be a better host to this person better?
