The scriptures today invite us to dedicate our freedom to the service of God’s Kingdom! Making the kingdom of God your passion means placing yourself at the disposal of God’s ongoing plan of redemption. It means giving God complete access to your life: Your job, your family, your relationships, talents and gifts, leisure time, money, recreation, even your body.

There are at least four things to keep in mind in order to be “fit for the kingdom” (Luke 9:62): (1) You need to have the right attitude. If you are committed to doing the right thing, you will run into opposition, be misunderstood, and leave some people unpleased. Take rejection in stride – pray for your persecutors. Pleasing God will not always please others.

(2) Be prepared for hardship. Jesus said he had “nowhere to rest his head.” It can be lonely taking the high road, leading instead of following, persevering instead of quitting. You may be lonely but you will never be alone.

(3) Have your priorities straight. Proclaiming the Gospel must be second to nothing ~ even burying a loved one (See today’s Gospel)! We must seek God FIRST so that when we attend the funeral, we do so with resurrection faith!

((4) Stay Focused. Jesus said, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.” Discipleship and “rubbernecking” don’t mix. There comes a time when you have to make up your mind to make up your mind ~ and choose Jesus for life.