Readings: Zechariah 8:20-23, Ps. 87, Luke 9:51-56
“He sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him; but the people would not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:52-53)
There is one lesson to learn from the way Jesus reacted to rejection by the Samaritans in today’s Gospel passage. He would not allow the sons of thunder, James and John, to call down fire from heaven to burn them. He even rebuked them for saying such a thing. Of course, when we intend good for people only for them to throw it at our faces, we have every reason to be angry. However, Jesus teaches us today that walking away in such situations is the best course of action.
Like James and John, the average human reaction to rejection is to call down fire on people, but what good is that? If you wanted to help them in the first place, you would betray your goodness when you turn around to destroy them with the fire of your anger. Sometimes, the best thing to do for someone you love is to walk away when your love is rejected. Fighting the same person you love for refusing to love you shows you never loved that person. As St. Paul teaches us, love (if it is true) never comes to an end. (Cf. 1st Corinthians 13:8).
Whether we like it or not, we will all experience rejection at some point in our lives, as long as we live in a world where freedom of choice exists. So rather than avoiding rejection at all costs and becoming people pleasers (which is worse), we need to prepare ourselves ahead of time for rejection and find ways to heal ourselves when it occurs.
On the cross, Jesus said: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34). When people reject you, it does not mean you are worthless; it simply means they are ignorant of your worth. Excuse them and move on. The fact that you are offering something good does not mean people must appreciate it. The fact that you are a good person does not mean people will love you. Jesus said, “No prophet is ever honoured in his own country.” (John 4:44).
Most of the time, people do not value what is good. St. John was right, as he said, “This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19). It is not the case that something is wrong with you for preaching on social media (for instance), instead it is just that people prefer to see evil on that space. No one will know that you exist if you share edifying content, but the day you are involved in some scandal, you become a celebrity.
While sending the disciples into various towns and villages to preach the Gospel, Jesus prepared their minds for the possibility of rejection. “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.” (Matthew 10:14). Luke’s version says, “When you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near.’ I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.” (Luke 10:10-12).
Apart from rejection, we could also face persecution just for being good. It is said that the tree with the best fruits gets the highest number of stones and sticks. Do not judge your worth by how people react to you. Do not let others quench your light just because they prefer darkness. Find other places to shine. Move to where you are appreciated. When Jesus cured the demoniac, the people begged him to leave their neighbourhood. What did Jesus do? He obeyed. (Mark 5:1-17).
While our Gospel passage speaks about the rejection of the Samaritans, today’s first reading presents the complete opposite. Zechariah prophesies of a time when people from all nations will say, “Let us go and seek the Lord in Jerusalem.” This teaches us that it is not our eloquence or attractiveness that matters. God knows how to draw people to Himself when He wants them. Jesus would say, “You did not choose me, but I chose you.” (John 15:16). Today’s first reading also gives us hope. Today, it appears the world has rejected God, but at the proper time, the world will return.
St. Jerome, named initially Eusebius Sophronius Hieronymus, was born around 342 AD in Stridon, Dalmatia. Educated in both Latin and Greek, Jerome initially led a worldly life, enjoying the pleasures and relationships that came with it. However, influenced by his Christian friend Bonosus and facing a personal moral struggle, he chose to be baptised in 366. Jerome’s deep desire for theological understanding led him to travel widely. He went to Trier for church training and later joined a monastery in Aquileia. Jerome spent several years as a desert hermit, dealing with illness and experiencing religious visions, before eventually becoming a priest in Antioch.
In Constantinople, he studied under St. Gregory of Nazianzus. His most significant period was in Rome, where he served as secretary to Pope Damasus. Here, Jerome’s reputation grew as he promoted a life of asceticism. Jerome is best known for translating the Bible from Hebrew and Old Latin, a massive project he worked on throughout his life. Despite challenges such as the sack of Rome and instability in Bethlehem, he remained dedicated until his peaceful passing on 30 September 420.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us give our best no matter how little others may appreciate it. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Jerome, Priest, Doctor Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Zechariah 8:20-23, Ps. 87, Luke 9:51-56)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu