What Does it Mean to Put your Hand on the Plow and Look Back?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 26th Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 9:57-62*

*First Reading : Jb 9:1-12, 14-16*

*What Does it Mean to Put your Hand on the Plow and Look Back?*

*1) Putting your hands on to the Plow*

It is a proverbial expression that signifies undertaking a new business. 

In this case, putting our hands on the plow means that one decides to commit ones life to God.

In other words it indicates a new beginning for something. Something greater in life 

*2) The agricultural image*

Jesus lived in an agricultural age where His audience is very well familiar with what Christ exactly means.

For a plowman to be successful in His work, he must concentrate on the job he started. 

He knows that the only way is forward and not being distracted by the things left behind.

*3) Danger of looking Back*

In case the plowman starts to look back, his plow line would become crooked. 

If that happens, the field he is plowing will not yield a full harvest, because the field may not be suitable for the crop 

There is also a danger for the oxen. When the plow man looks behind, he will lose the focus. The plow will go and hit the legs of the oxen. So there is a possibility of hurting the legs of the oxen 

*4) possibility of plowing by looking back*

This is the fact. It is almost impossible to look behind and to plow. 

Neither of the works the person will be able to do. So this becomes impossible

*5) From plowing to God's work*

If a person is not able to plow properly, such a person is unfit for the Kingdom of God. 

The distractions, and the lack of concentration will prove that one will not be able to concentrate either in plowing or in the mission of the Lord 

*6) Meaning of looking back*

It simply means that one is not ready to give up what one holds on

There are many things to give up, if one wants to follow Jesus. Looking back indicates that one is not ready to give up these things. In such situation one is not eligible for the Kingdom of God. 

*7) My life and Plowing*

With baptism we have put our hands to the plow of the Kingdom of God

How do I plow to yield the best fruit in my life?

What are those things which pull my attention to look back and to see the left over things? 

Am I holding the plow of Jesus and looking back to make it sure that left over things are safe? 

What is my methodology in plowing??

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*