Don't Look Back - The Living Catholic

Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hands to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God. “ (Luke 9:62)

I closed December’s reflection with this passage from the Gospel of Luke and invite you to return to that with me. As we start this new year, what does this passage say for us in our daily life, in our families, and in our faith? Have we encountered Christ in the advent season? Have we opened our hearts enough to receive the holy spirit and the love God offers us? Have we opened our minds to true submission to God’s will? Why not keep that going?

I recently came across this passage, and it really hit me hard. I can admit that I’ve likely heard it many times before but can’t recall it ever resonating with me the way it does now. Every time I read it, I’m left with only two possibilities, to either accept God and live my faith, or acknowledge God and live my life. In the past, I think I chose to acknowledge God. I was comfortable with the world and the search for pleasure and happiness. I was afraid to commit to faith because that meant leaving things behind that had become second nature to me. It meant leaving behind worldly vices in the hopes of eternal life with God. The problem in my mind was that I was able to touch, see, and feel the things of the world . They were far more tangible to me than anything I’d experienced in my faith and spiritual life because God was always too abstract. It was, and still is, difficult to wrap my head around many concepts of our faith. Choosing God meant I had to let go of the reigns and trust in him despite all the uncertainty I had about it.

As scary as it is to trust, it’s that much more fruitful when I do. When I am aligned with God’s will, I’m able to see the fruits of that in every aspect of my life. It may not be blatant but the evidence is there if I look. Even though I still struggle with the temptations of the world, when I put my heart and mind to it I can find true fulfillment and joy in God’s love rather than seeking out pleasure from what the world offers.

The best way to simply this is through a concept I learned from an Ignatian themed daily reflection book, indifference. When you’re indifferent to the things of the world, you can take an unbiased approach and better discern what’s of God’s will. You may still be tempted by them but can find freedom from your vices. You’re able to love those around you more fully rather than acting out of self interest. You can let go of resentments and judgements and see people for who they are, as God’s children. You can be aware of your own flaws and consciously work towards healing and self improvement. I say this in testament to my own journey. In finding God, I’ve found freedom. I guess to be more precise, in choosing God, I’ve chosen freedom.

So as we head into 2025 and you consider resolutions and self improvement, consider your faith. We are all Knights for a reason. Even if you were dragged into the council reluctantly, there’s a reason you said yes. Like all of us, you want God in your life. Why not let him in? But as the passage says, we can’t look back. We can’t choose God and cling to the comforts and vices of the world. Challenge yourselves this year to chart a new course. Do it for you, for God, for your spouse, for your children, for your families. Start sowing your faith and living God’s plan for you, but most importantly, don’t look back.

Tempus Fugit, Memento Mori

Brandon Allemand, Faith Director

Recommended Resources:

Books

What Matters Most by Jim Manney (365 daily reflections)

A Year with the Church Fathers by Mike Aquilina (daily reflections)

The Word Among Us (daily readings with reflections)

Can You Drink the Cup? By Henri J.M. Nouwen

Podcasts

Pints with Aquinas (YouTube, Hallow, Spotify, Google Play Music, Apple, Castbox)

Pints with Aquinas YouTube channel

Interview with Christopher West (Sex, God, Beauty, TOB)