The Importance of Boundaries- July 11, 2021
Sunday Gospel
Mk 6:7-13
Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two
and gave them authority over unclean spirits.
He instructed them to take nothing for the journey
but a walking stick—
no food, no sack, no money in their belts.
They were, however, to wear sandals
but not a second tunic.
He said to them,
“Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave.
Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you,
leave there and shake the dust off your feet
in testimony against them.”
So they went off and preached repentance.
The Twelve drove out many demons,
and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
The Gospel reading this weekend provides us with a rich reflection on boundaries with others. Jesus calls for the disciples to shake the dust off their feet and move on if they are not welcome. It seems like it would be very tempting for the disciples to stay where they are unwelcome and try to convince people to repent. It seems like this would be the path of generosity, charity, and perseverance.
However, while generosity and charity are very important and holy virtues in our faith, many people could benefit from learning about boundaries. When people are called to help others or evangelize, some go too far and either try to force others to change or hurt themselves in the process.
On one hand, we must acknowledge that people are free to make their own choices and we cannot force anyone to love God. We think if only we had the right words or tried harder, the other person will change. God offers people a choice, we need to as well. We do not stop loving people when we allow them to make their own choices and focus our time and energy elsewhere. If they change their mind, welcome them back with open arms.
On the other hand, we can get frustrated with ourselves for not being able to change others which can result in anger, anxiety, and frustration. We internalize the other person’s choices and can think of ourselves as a failure or inadequate.
Finding the balance is difficult and it is a topic to be taken to prayer regularly. We need to ask God to guide us in our desire to share Him with others and acknowledge that others are free and responsible for their own choices.