Chapter Chaplain's Homily Reflection - MOVING FORWARD WITH OPTIMISM DESPITE CHALLENGES

MOVING FORWARD WITH OPTIMISM DESPITE CHALLENGES

Life is fraught with troubles and worries, presenting us with daily challenges. Today's readings bring us face to face with the prophet Amos, who while steadfastly fulfilling his divine mission encountered formidable opposition from king Jeroboam. Jeroboam, a corrupt ruler, and Amaziah, a high priest loyal to the king, challenged Amos' authenticity. Jeroboam dismisses Amos as a mere court prophet seeking profit, someone who tells rulers what they want to hear. But Amos stands firm, proclaiming himself a true prophet of God. Inspired by divine guidance, he courageously confronts the Israelites with their sins, calling them to repentance. Yet, human nature often resists such correction, leading Jeroboam and Amaziah not only to reject Amos' message but also to order him to stop preaching in their land.

In today's Gospel, Jesus sent his disciples to the villages on their first preaching practice.  Before sending them out, Jesus had personally gone on the same mission but was resisted.  As a result, he thought it wise to provide the disciples with a trouble-resistant gesture: "If any place will not welcome you or refuse to hear you, shake off the dust on your feet" (Mk 6:11). In essence, shaking off the dust symbolizes letting go of past setbacks and embracing the promise of new beginnings each day, anchored in the unwavering faithfulness of God's love and mercy.

This teaches us a valuable lesson in overcoming resistance. Fear of failure often holds us back from taking bold steps in life. We linger on past disappointments, letting them drain our enthusiasm. Just as workplace pressures can disrupt our peace at home, the fear of rejection can hinder our efforts to spread the Gospel. Once, Abraham feared that he was too old (Gn 17:17), and Jeremiah feared that he was too young (1:7). While Isaiah said he was not worthy (6:5), Jonah was not willing (1:3).  Even Elijah was afraid of the threat of Jezebel (1 kg 19:3).    

To prevent excuse and fear, Jesus invites us to learn how to shake off the dust of the day's troubles.  Shaking off the dust from the disciples' feet is their own way of leaving their problems behind and not letting the memory of ill-treatment come in the way of future success.  This is done with the hope that tomorrow will bring a brand-new day with new opportunities.  In this case, it is like a game of football.  Even if you lost 10-0 in yesterday's game, today is a whole new ball game, and the scoreboard starts at 0-0. 

Today, Jesus still sends us out to different kinds of missions at home or abroad, where success and failure abound.  Because we desire only success, the fear of failure can make us refuse to go.  We need to know that failure is not the end of the world; it's a stepping stone to growth. We should expect it, and when it happens, we exercise Jesus' ritual for failure – "shake off the dust" and go on.  When we fail to shake off the dust of failures from our feet, the dust accumulates and weighs us down.  The result then is depression, withdrawal, boredom, anger, confusion, finger-pointing, and despair.  When this happens, we quit instead of going to a project or vision.

  Already Jesus has provided us with a trouble shooter in himself.  Let us then heed Peter who admonishes us: "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).   Let us, therefore, embrace this divine reassurance. Whenever we encounter resistance or setbacks, let us remember to "shake off the dust," renew our spirits, and press on with faith. This way, we avoid the traps of despair and instead embrace the promise of each new day.