This is a hard gospel! Yes, there are ‘villages of rejection’ but look again and there is an abundance of hope. A resolute and courageous spirit is called for. Surely it was OK to bury his Dad, surely it was OK to say goodbye to Mum, of course. We could equate these acts with a Christian spirit, but there is a principle here, the competition plough-man who looks back will inevitably loose his line. The philosopher has said, ‘I remember, therefore I am’, the Psalmist gives balance, v.11 ‘Remembering Yahweh’s achievements, remembering your marvels’