“NO ONE WHO SETS HAND TO THE PLOW . . .”

This quote from today’s Gospel seems strange and difficult to understand. Yet when we examine it more closely it makes a lot of sense. When we were baptized we not only set our hands to the plow, our whole person was dedicated to Christ as well. The plow stands for what we, as followers of Christ, will accomplish in life. Jesus tells us not to look back, not to be distracted by ways of thinking, speaking and acting that are opposed to his Gospel. Here is a list of the “top ten” indications that we are looking back to what we have left behind rather than ahead to Christ’s Kingdom.

10. When we begin to value possessions more than people, especially people who share our lives most completely. Jesus says, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

9. When we find ourselves thinking “I” rather than “we” in our spiritual lives. Salvation in Christ is never private. It comes to us through the Church and puts us in the service of the Church.

8. When we place self-seeking above self-sacrifice. Self-will brings us into conflict with others.

7. When we regret that others seem to have a more interesting or more important part to play in building God’s Kingdom. Our part may not always be the one we would choose, but it is the one that God needs us to do for him.

6. When we lament the fact that the Church has so many lukewarm and imperfect members. If all the members of the Church were perfect, would there be room enough for US?

5. When we believe that prayer is a useless waste of time. Prayer is necessary so that the Holy Spirit can guide our thoughts and actions in God’s service.

4. When, in St. Paul’s words, we “submit again to the yoke of slavery.” We can be slaves to fear, bad habits, grudges, spiritual stubbornness. But Christ has freed us from whatever can harm us.

3. When we place our trust in power or status in this world. We need to pray, in the words of today’s Responsorial Psalm, “Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge.”

2. When we pass judgment on our brothers and sisters. Remember the Sermon on the Mount: “Stop judging that you may not be judged.”

1. When we become proud of our supposed spiritual accomplishments for God. In all our service humility — not pride — must mark our lives as Christ’s disciples.

Such is a “Top Ten” list of signs that show us we are looking back to self rather than ahead to God’s Kingdom. But if we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the path to life is steady and sure for us.

Saint Joseph, pray for us, and let us pray for one another!