Luke 9:51-62
It is almost impossible for me to hear this Gospel without also hearing in my head ‘Follow Me’ by Michael Cockett and Sr Madeleine, FCJ. ( I even remember that it was pg 73 in Songs of the Spirit!) My twelve year old self was carried along by the catchy tune and the full force of the words more or less passed me by. It is a pretty good summary of Luke’s exacting demands of discipleship. There’s no way round it: if you want to follow Jesus it demands absolutely everything you have.
Today the final image in the Gospel passage struck me forcibly:
Another said, ‘I will follow you, sir, but first let me go and say goodbye to my people at home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Once the hand is laid on the plough, no one who looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’
Sr Verna Holyhead’s commentary was very helpful:
The light Palestinian plough was guided by one hand, usually the left, while the ploughman’s other hand carried a stick with which to goad the oxen that pulled the plough. To make the furrow straight and of the right depth, to lift the plough over rocks that might shatter it, demanded great concentration and dexterity. To take one’s eye off the plough for a moment would be a disaster. So it is with his disciples says Jesus. The eyes of our heart must be fixed on the reign of God with unwavering commitment so that the field of this world may be well ploughed and made ready for God’s harvesting.
This teaching is tough and can leave us feeling inadequate before we even start. The good news is that each day we can renew our commitment to keep our hand to the plough. And while we often think of a call follow Christ in individual terms, the invitation is in fact communal. It’s a call to follow Christ together. Ploughing that field is better together.
How is Christ calling you today?