Our working environment is not exempt from harassment. Paul and Barnabas can enlighten us. The harassment by those who distrust and detest Paul intensified to the point of stoning Paul. "Jews came there from Antioch and Iconium; and having persuaded the people, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead." These people wanted Paul silenced and left him to die. It stunned us to read further that "when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city; and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe." (v20). Paul revived with the supportive people around him. It evokes in us the consoling spirit of relying on people with the same intent and outlook towards Jesus' mandate of new life. Then Paul and Barnabas somehow rise and leave without the heaviness of carrying the dust of their harrowing experience on their feet.

Remember Jesus' teaching about leaving an unwelcoming place by shaking off the dust from your feet? (Mt 10:14). It is simply a detachment from any grudges that may burden us. It resonates with the abiding peace Jesus spoke of in John's Gospel. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (v27). Indeed, Jesus leaves without grudging anyone. Unless we learn this, we remain miserable.