Trials can be rich opportunities on our spiritual path if we see them as "discipline," that is, training in new ways of seeing and living. Can I name a recent trial that helped me be a better disciple?

It's a striking contrast: Some of those who "ate and drank" in Jesus' company will not be among those who "will recline at table in the kingdom of God." Why not? Because their table fellowship with Jesus was superficial; they heard his teaching but did not heed it.

ORGANIZER GIZMOS ARE all the rage. You can buy stackable cabinets that turn a closet or garage into a paragon of efficiency. Drop-in devices can keep your sock drawer in perfect rolled pairs so you never risk leaving the house wearing one argyle and one paisley.

The Lasts and Firsts always get mention, but what about the in-betweens, the average, the mediocres? Where do stand in the kingdom? Hmm . . . it seems pretty clear that Christianity is an all-or-nothing way of life: If you're not with me, you're against me, Jesus tells his disciples.

A guy in my men's group greets any new challenge in his life by asking, "Where's the lesson to be learned here?" He'll say this when things go poorly at work, when he struggles with members of his family, or even when something tragic will happen.

"Keep your nose clean," my dad used to say, "and you'll have nothing to worry about." That was an Irishman from Chicago's version of "Strive to enter through the narrow gate." It is good advice but not easy to follow.

People who organize parties and banquets report a crisis of sorts that affects their planning. More and more people don't bother to respond as to whether they will attend.

As we come together at the table of the Lord, we turn to God for forgiveness.

Do not disdain the discipline of the Lord. The author of Hebrews uses a quote from Proverbs 3:11-12-"The discipline of the Lord, my son, disdain not; spurn not his reproof; for whom the Lord loves he reproves, and he chastises the son he favors"-to identify Christians as children of God.

Since gold and silver, which are only corruptible metals, are purified and tested by fire, it is but reasonable that our faith, which surpasses all the riches of the world, should be tried. --Peter Claver (1580-1654)