The readings we have today, are quite difficult and challenging, but are reminders of a question we should ask ourselves every day … where am I in my faith journey?

Our 1st reading from the Acts of the Apostles, tells us how Paul and Barnabas, while joyful in making converts along THEIR journey, faced much pain in rejection. And while that hurt them greatly, they “shook the dust from their feet” and proceeded forward with “joy and the Holy Spirit." Acts is not the only place we hear about “shaking the dust from your feet” .. it’s found in Matthew 10:14 as well. What this tells us, is while we receive rejection after rejection in our daily lives with friends, acquaintances, family members, even those who are ignorant, our Scripture tells us to shake it off. Don’t let that bad mojo get into your joy. Be joyful and hope in the Lord and carry on knowing you’re never alone.

Our 2nd reading and Gospel both use the imagery of a Lamb & Shepherd {Jesus} and Flock {Us}. They speak of “great distress” and “eternal life." We all must go through trials, tribulations, difficulties, rejection, disappointments, etc. Some are far more challenging than others, and often {as humans} we tend to ask the “why." God has a much greater purpose for us than we can ever know. He uses all of us, in His way, for His will. Perhaps our struggle, our misfortune, our trials {while painful to walk through them} are to be examples for those who are watching. How do we handle these difficult moments? Do we listen for his voice as He leads us through the pain? Do we ALLOW Him entry or are we working through it alone, in OUR way, in OUR time?

Do you envision “God wiping away every tear from your eye?"

Heavenly Father, when times are the most difficult, when we cannot bear another ounce of pain, please let us hear your voice to calm us and to bear the weight upon us. Amen.