When I heard yesterday’s Gospel, it struck me in a new and profound way. Do you remember it? It’s Luke 9:51-62 and you can read it here http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/063013.cfm.
I would like to focus on the last two verses:
And another said, “I will follow you, Lord,
but first let me say farewell to my family at home.”
To him Jesus said, “No one who sets a hand to the plow
and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.”
I think it’s easy to view this passage as being simply about the “original” call to vocation and to use it as an opportunity for behavior such as finger-pointing and/or self-pity. For example: “Jesus calls other people and they blow Him off. I tried to follow him in a vocation and it got all messed up.
But Scripture is for everyone at all times. Even if you have returned to the world after attempting the religious life, the Lord is still asking you to plow and not look back! If we look backwards, we miss what God has in store for us. And it causes a crooked furrow! We need to keep our hands on the plow and look forward towards Jesus.
Is this hard? Absolutely! That’s why we need to talk to Jesus and tell Him that it is hard and why. Am I saying you shouldn’t reflect on past experience? No. That serves a purpose, but wallowing does not. Discernment is the key here. Please add your comments below and share the wisdom that you have discovered on this topic. God bless!
By The Farmer
Recent Comments