“No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the Kingdom of God.”
-Jesus
My wife and I joined 25 fellow pilgrims for a 100-mile hike in California last Summer. This took 8 days of walking, carrying our things, and sleeping in churches and parish halls along the way. We followed one of the known journeys of Saint Junipero Serra, as we went from San Jose to Carmel, visiting the mission churches along the way, most founded by Serra. He was a small Spaniard with a giant spirit. He left a good life in Spain, to become a missionary in the new world, to bring Catholicism to the locals. One of his sayings was Siempre Adelante, which means “always forward.” Like a traditional farmer with both hands on the plow, being pulled by powerful beasts, it is best to keep looking forward. If you focus on what’s behind you, the furrow will not be straight, you may become entangled, or you could veer off course. Utilize the power ahead of you to complete the goal. Always forward.
Not all of us have a vocation to be a priest, nun, religious, or consecrated person. Not all of us are on the journey of discernment for one of those paths. It’s important for these “professions” to keep both hands on the plow, to hold a steady path, and to not worry about what could have been, or what you are missing by taking this profession. The readings were harsh, suggesting that if it’s time to follow Jesus, don’t even take time to bury your father, you need to come now. No excuses.
Both Hands
In our world today, how are lay people supposed to keep both hands on the plow, and thus be fit for the Kingdom of Heaven?
Our plows can be good lifestyle choices, getting active in our parish, donating to good charities, following all ten commandments, doing spiritual growth exercises, taking retreats, and the list goes on. We, too, can let the power of the spirit pull those plows, as we hold on tight with both hands. Rocks in the soil can divert us from plowing, and those rocks could be temptations, lack of discipline, or lack of attention to the task at hand. We should avoid looking back, and thinking about what we are missing. Tithing 10% of our income will mean that some material items are not able to be purchased. Will that longing for more things make us take our hands off the plow of charitable giving. Will the desire to see the big game keep you from the plow on a certain weekend?
Father Junipero Serra, pray for us.
