Commentary on the Gospel of
Burning Bridges Behind
To leave the dead to bury the dead might look too cruel a demand; but when it comes to following the Lord, it only signifies an immediate and absolute commitment. That’s how the first disciples followed him too: “immediately”; “leaving the boat and their father behind” (cf. Mt. 4:22). One must burn the bridges to the past, be it good or bad; Christ becomes the one and only focus thereafter. Jesus has further made it clear when he said, “No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Lk 9:62). As David Lloyd George remarked, “Don't be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated. You can't cross a chasm in two small jumps.” Following Christ is one full, long, hard leap – a leap of faith across the chasm of life. We must jump with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and all our mind (cf. Lk 10:27) to land in his bosom where we can lay our head.
