Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost?

Few of us have needed to build a tower, much less review troops before battle. But we all have plans that require us to assess our resources. Do I have what it takes to get that degree? … to care for a foster child or elderly relative? … to lead that Bible study in my parish?

The woman being canonized, named Mother Teresa, certainly had what it takes. As she made her life “something beautiful for God,” Saint Teresa of Calcutta showed the determination that is the hallmark of every disciple. “The first step to becoming holy,” she once said, “is to will it.”

This can sound intimidating, especially if you don’t see yourself as a particularly determined person. Jesus wants to share the secret that Mother Teresa and every other saint discovered: sheer willpower is not the whole story. The truly critical factor is God’s desire.

If you want your life to be something beautiful for God, know that he wants the same thing. Know also that he has all the grace you need to accomplish it. He has filled you with his Spirit; he gives you his Body and Blood at Mass: he walks beside you every day, helping you when you stumble and cheering you on when you succeed. He is 100 percent behind your desire to build a “tower” that glorifies him.

So whenever you sit down to calculate the cost of following Jesus – especially when that cost seems too high – take comfort from these words from Saint Teresa of Calcutta.

You belong to him. Nothing can separate you from him. That one sentence is important to remember. He will be your joy, your strength. If you hold onto that sentence, temptations and difficulties will come, but nothing will break you… My prayer for you is that you … answer Jesus’ call to you with the simple word, “Yes.”

-word among us