I have a friend who runs 10K road races.

He takes them very seriously - and whenever he finishes a race and does not collapse at the Finish Line, he gets upset with himself.

He believes that unless he exerts himself 100%, he is not taking the race seriously and giving his best.

I suspect more people admire his dedication than imitate his approach. 

And it comes to mind as you and I consider our life’s goal of following Jesus.

Like my friend's 10K running strategy, I have to ask myself how seriously I am following Jesus if it does not include some sort of measurable indicator of discomfort, inconvenience, and fear of the unknown.

This weekend our Gospel will ask us to consider the story of a rich young man who was obedient to all of the pious rules of the Bible yet did not follow Jesus because of the high value he put on comfort, security, and convenience.

Every moment we spend with someone who’s hard to be with- 

Give money to a worthy cause instead of spending it on ourselves-

Care for someone who’s difficult to care for - 

We walk farther down that road of discipleship -

What’s the tough road for you and me today?

Are we avoiding it - or embracing it?

Jesus will give us the grace to choose the difficult road - 

For He walks with us every step of the way.