by Fr. Gregory-David Jones, O.S.B.

     There was once a very popular sprinter who spent months preparing for a competition he had won in previous years.  Despite being among talented competitors, he was expected to win the event again.  He lost the race.  Instead of finishing first, second or third, he placed near the end of the field of nine athletes.  When interviewed afterward, he immediately apologized for not performing well.  He explained that he had many distractions and that, “My heart was not in it.”

     Most of us can relate to this athlete in the expression of disappointment when we don’t put our full effort into something that is important.  Maybe it was a poor performance at a job, a low score on a test or some other endeavor in which we fell short, despite having the necessary resources to do well – our lack of focus can lead us to feelings of disillusionment and even frustration. 

    These “small” wake-up calls can serve as a reminder to us in our faith, that we have to keep focused on our purpose in life.  Being fearful of an unfavorable judgment before God is not enough, because true preparation is about the good that we do as well as the motivation behind our actions.  We have in Jesus the ultimate example of the good and faithful servant who stayed focused by fully putting his Sacred Heart into everything He did to bring salvation to the world… to the point of death! 

     In Christ, we also have a companion on our journey of preparation who can make it possible for us to better imitate his passionate love and dedication to the will of the Father.  We have through His Church the tools we need for this task - the Word of God, the sacraments, the example and intercession of the saints, the guidance of the bishops and pastors, etc.  Much has been given to us and much is demanded of us.  We will ultimately be judged by one criteria:  How well we follow the first and greatest commandment (Matthew 22:36-38).   Did we love God with all our heart, all our soul and all our strength? 

May our lives reveal who our greatest treasure is now and at the final judgment.  

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