It always amazing me when I watch the Olympics, what it takes for these young athletes to reach the point of excellence that quantifies them for their place in these competitions. They spend years and years, hours upon hours, in training and preparation; they have to have a single mindedness that focuses them on their goal and helps them to overcome whatever obstacles come their way that may deter them from that goal. How many of us would have that kind of stamina?
    As Jesus talks about following Him in today’s gospel reading, He echoes that same kind of single mindedness. He is not being insensitive when he says we must renounce our closest family members in order to be His disciple. HE is simply saying that we must put God first in our lives. And that is the way we build the foundation for all eternity.
    Then he goes on to show the importance of planning for the future. He gives two examples – a builder who must plan for his project, and a king who must plan for war. Without advance preparation both of them will fail at their task. HE says that being single minded in our faith is the way to plan for salvation.
    Being human, it is difficult if not impossible to always put God first in our lives. We have so many responsibilities and so many distractions. And so many important things that we must do to just to live life. And He understands that.
Putting God first and at the center is a lifelong process. Reminding ourselves through prayer, reflection and the celebration of the Eucharist helps us to remain focused. Keeping our eyes on God is the way to move forward and to prepare ourselves for the ultimate goal – the gift of salvation and eternal life.