In today's gospel reading, Jesus, on seeing a large crowd following him, talks to them about what it means to be his disciple. What are these people looking for? Why are they following? Perhaps out of curiosity, perhaps because they have seen Jesus perform miracles or perhaps just following along in the crowd and being swept along by them.

Jesus puts before them the challenge of discipleship - the call to put Jesus first in their lives - even before family or possessions. They have to be realistic, like a man building a house. They have to examine themselves and see if they have the resources for the journey ahead. They have to look into their hearts and see what their intentions are. What are they looking for?

Jesus wants to draw us closer to Himself, to a personal relationship with Him. So perhaps we can see today's reading as a loving invitation rather than a challenge. Jesus doesn't call us to be slaves but to be friends and a friend knows all his master does. A friend is willing to sacrifice his life for the other.

What is Jesus asking of me now? What comes between me and a closer relationship with Him? What is standing in the way - family, possessions, power, fear? Jesus called each one of us to be His follower but today He calls again. What is His call to me now?