“When it comes to our everyday habits, it's important to ask: 'Am I putting God first?'”

Put God first in everything you do ... Everything that I have is by the grace of God, understand that. It's a gift ... I didn't always stick with Him, but He stuck with me. - Denzel Washington: Born December 28, 1954: is an American actor, director, and producer.)

Gospel Text: (LK 14:25-33)

Great crowds were traveling with Jesus,
and he turned and addressed them,
"If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother,
wife and children, brothers and sisters,
and even his own life,
he cannot be my disciple.
Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me
cannot be my disciple.
Which of you wishing to construct a tower
does not first sit down and calculate the cost
to see if there is enough for its completion?
Otherwise, after laying the foundation
and finding himself unable to finish the work
the onlookers should laugh at him and say,
'This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.'
Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down
and decide whether with ten thousand troops
he can successfully oppose another king
advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops?
But if not, while he is still far away,
he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms.
In the same way,
everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions
cannot be my disciple."

Today’s gospel is a reminder that there will be difficulties along the way, but it also assures us that with awareness, with planning and preparation we can persevere and be successful.

Towers are built brick by brick, according to a clear vision and with commitment, daily labor and determination. Christian discipleship likewise is achieved by women and men taking up their crosses each day and following in the way of Jesus – step by step.