Col 1:1-8
Lk 4:38-44
If you had watched movies like Karate Kid, The Last Samurai, Kung Fu Panda or one of the martial arts kind of movies, where the novice learns martial arts, there is always this underlying important lesson or principle that is always emphasized.
It is expressed in different ways like: be focused; have only one mind, can't be distracted.
These are simple lessons and principles that are necessary for any great achievement but they are not easily followed.
Jesus had people looking for him, he was in demand, he was popular, he was needed.
Yet he did not lose focus, he only had one mind, and he was not distracted.
That was why he was able to say: I must proclaim the Good News to other towns because that is what I am sent to do.
The love Jesus had for God His Father kept Him focused with one mind and that kept Him from being distracted.
In the 1st reading, St Paul also affirmed the Colossians for being focused in their faith which they expressed in their love for each other.
So whether it is about our secular life or about our spiritual life, if we need to make any progress or certain achievement, the simple lessons of being focused, having only one mind, and not being distracted have to be strictly adhered to.
But fundamentally, let us keep our eyes on Jesus alone, because He will show us what we are sent to do.