Think you can take it easy? Think again.

In today’s Gospel from the Mass (Mark 4:21-25), Jesus makes it clear that one must strive for holiness.  An excerpt:

[24] And he said to them, “Take heed what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. [25] For to him who has will more be given; and from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

Jesus clearly has very high expectations:

• Some seek to distort the Gospel, betting on easy Grace to save them; this is a very bad bet.
• In this reading Jesus is making it clear that He has very high expectations, warning His listeners to “take heed”, meaning to pay attention, to take care of.
• Jesus is talking with some preciseness, using the word “measure”.  He is keeping track of things and places importance on tangible results.
• For those who don’t measure up, “even what he has will be taken away.”

The Church echoes the teaching of Christ, calling all people to repent and to seek to become holy (CCC 2013-14).

We must ask ourselves: Am I giving my best efforts to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?

It’s a good question to ask, for Jesus is paying attention to how you respond.