Shake the Dust Off

"If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your worlds, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town." Jesus (Matthew, 10:14)

The disciples materialized the teaching of Jesus themselves, by shaking the dust off their sandals, and departing from this or that rebellious or impenitent place. Still, if the symbol from the Master's lesson was intended to be a simple mechanical gesture it would be merely a group of empty words

The teaching, however, is much more profound. It recommends the elimination of the sickly yeast.

To shake the dust off the feet implies the elimination of any bitterness or inorganic residue from their lives, due to the ignorance and the perversity that is encountered on the road of our daily experiences.

It is logical to have the desire to confer to others the seeds of truth and righteousness; but, if we were received with hostility where we are visiting, it would be unreasonable to continue a long discussion and notations, that instead of being conducive to opportune success, creates shadows and difficulties around us.

If anyone did not receive your good will, nor perceive your noble intention, why waste time in bickering? Such an attitude does not resolve spiritual problems. Do you ignore the fact that the one that denies, as well as the indifferent person will also be summoned by the death of the body to our country of origin? Commend them to Jesus, lovingly, and proceed on a straight path seeking attainment of your sacred objectives. There is much to be done in the spiritual edification of the world and in you. Shake, therefore, the incorrect impressions and march ahead joyfully.

XAVIER, Francisco Cândido. Our Daily Bread. By the Spirit Emmanuel. Spititist Alliance for Books, 2003. Chapter 71.