Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus

“No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the Kingdom of God.”

The three incidents recorded in today’s gospel passage deal with the demanding nature of Christian discipleship. Here, Jesus reveals the radical commitment required to follow him, leaving no room for excuses, compromise, or turning back. Jesus’ response to the first man reveals that the way of discipleship is one of hardship and insecurity, lacking the comforts of even wild animals.

To the man who wanted to bury his father, we have no idea whether the father had already died, or whether he is asking to delay discipleship until (and whenever) he does so. Jesus tells him that the kingdom of God takes precedence over all else. He instructs him to “Let the dead bury their dead,” and instead to focus on preaching the kingdom of God. The message of eternal life is more important than mere earthly concerns.

The final warning—“No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God,” highlights the unwavering focus that discipleship demands of us. Looking back symbolizes divided loyalties, an inability to be fully present to our mission, and a spoiled outcome—like a crooked plowed field.

The passage challenges us to be wholehearted in our commitment to Jesus, leaving no room for excuses or half-heartedness, and to make Jesus the number one priority, only after all other things are done. This is quite similar to Father Eymard’s emphasis on the gift of self, “dying to ourselves,” and making Jesus’ priorities our own, a complete handover of our lives and wills to him.

Is Jesus only an afterthought in my discipleship, or is he truly first?

Let Us Pray:

O Lord, help me to make you and your values first in my life, knowing that they hold the key to everlasting life.