In both the first and second reading today, the word “yoke” is used. It was a sturdy piece of hard wood used to connect oxen so they would pull the plow in unison. Elisha uses the yoke as firewood to cook the oxen as a sign of his commitment to follow Elijah wholeheartedly. St. Paul tells Galatians that their yoke to the Mosaic prescriptions has been lifted; yet, that doesn’t give them free rein to do whatever they want. The implication is, “ To whom do we want to attach the other side of our yoke?” Although the answer seems obvious, it is always a good practice to look to the side to make sure we’re attached to the Lord.