"No one who sets a hand to the plow
and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God."
At first
glance, today’s readings seem a bit harsh. Elisha is called to succeed Elijah
the prophet quite suddenly. His request to say goodbye to his family is
ignored. But ultimately, Elisha’s response to this radical call to discipleship
is to accept the challenge and follow Elijah. In the same way, the Gospel
reading contains Jesus’s warning to those who participate in the proclamation
of the Gospel: they will have nowhere to rest, and must forsake even family
duties. Only those who are ready to abandon all for the kingdom are fit to
serve God.
Yet even this harsh
warning shows God’s great mercy, because the Lord is preparing His followers
for the difficult path ahead. The call to participate in the ministry of Christ
is given only to a few, and discernment is necessary before deciding follow
Christ in this way. The Lord desires to make them fully aware of all they must
give up in accepting a religious vocation. This is why seminarians and
religious have such long periods of formation and discernment. They must be
prepared for a life unlike any other, a life of hardship and self-sacrifice,
but also filled with the greatest love of all: the love of God and service to
his people. All those called to serve in this way must respond without
reservation. What is truly amazing is that, despite the warnings and the
hardships, so many do say “yes.”
When you hear
God’s call, whether to religious life, marriage, or another vocation, are you
prepared to give up all else and follow Him? He will give you the grace you
need to answer His call, but will not force you to say “yes” – He will always
defer to your free will. Whatever path you choose, He will not abandon you but
will continue to call you to perfection, if you just listen for His voice in
all things.
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