The gospel today shows us what Jesus is looking for from His followers, and it includes some very difficult requirements. Jesus says “no one who sets a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” There are several teachings in the Bible that seem to be very difficult to follow and this is one of them. Any one who has ever run a plow knows that you have to keep looking ahead. If you look back, the plow will veer and the furrows will be crooked. Another example would be someone driving a car and neglecting to keep his/her eyes on the road, either texting on a cell phone or looking at the passengers while carrying on a conversation. Very bad. So I understand Jesus’ teaching that if you want to follow Me you must give Me 100% of yourself and not look back to what you are leaving behind or you will not be able to do the job. It seems that Jesus is addressing those who would devote their life to proclaiming the good news, so would this apply more to those who become priests and nuns? However, by virtue of our baptism and confirmation, we are followers of Christ and are required to live according to the instructions in the New Testament, so today’s readings apply in large part to all who follow Christ. How much of this applies to married people, I am not sure. It can be very difficult for married Christians to give 100% of themselves to proclaiming the Word of God. The sacrament of Matrimony is very important and precious to me and some of my time goes to fulfill that commitment. Still it bothers me to think I might not be fit for the Kingdom of God. All I can do is pray to God for help and guidance from the Holy Spirit and try my best to being a kind and loving parent and spouse and also extend that love and kindness to all my brothers and sisters. I really believe that Jesus has my back.
Thanks be to God,
Lloyd Lapierre