True Strength True Manhood Who is a Man

True Strength, True Manhood

Who is a Man? ?

What it Authentic Catholic Christian Man • Gender is not Just Physical, it is also Psychological and Spiritual. . It is also Ontological (masculinity is at my core) – Pope Benedict • Catholics have the ideal of the natural law. . . If your denial your core. . . things go haywire

Masculinity = Sacrifice • A Man should be willing to Sacrifice for – his wife and – Himself – His Children • Provision of food is a basic responsibility not a super hero action – Cockroaches do the same • Sacrifice as the church says is written in every fibre of our being

Masculinity = Giving • Giving is the very core of our being • Movies that most men identify with are things that talk or project Sacrifice, protection, • Men Sexual organs are geared toward giving of ourselves to women

Masculinity = A call • Masculinity is a vocation – We have to choose it – We have to wake up to it – God calls us to be Holy but we have to choose to be holy – God calls us to worship HIM but we have to choose to worship HIM. • God calls us to be a man and puts in us everything to be so. . . but we have to choose to live it.

How do we respond? • Fishes and trees cannot refuse to be what they are. . . • Go with the world or walk a separate path? • Human beings are the only creatures who can choose to live below what they are. . – You have to decide. . The power of the will

Common responses What the World has to offer 1. Extreme • Conformist attitude – – “If you cannot beat them, Join them. . ” “It is a necessity of our times. . . ” • Bravado, Domination and arrogance – – – Physical abuse Self interest, sex is for my pleasure only Restlessness and struggles Lack of self esteem Looking for the world for approval 2. Passive – False humility – Fear – Lack of leadership & Fatherhood

It is not Pride, it is just Who I am

Authentic Catholic man

Authentic Catholic man • Accountability is to God for – Position of influence – Wife and Children • • You can fall asleep on the job Don’t waste the opportunity Don’t curse but bless Models and Heroes Guide the family Teach the Children to follow Christ Teach cathechesis Pray for and Bless the Children

What it means to live as an authentic Catholic man in today’s world • • A man of Prayer (Spiritual Head of the Home) Bible study & Catechesis (Love the Scriptures) Availing yourself of the power of the Sacraments A Healthy mind in a healthy body – Sexuality – Chastity, – Overcome pornography • Fatherhood, Be a HERO • Love, Love and Love again – A living Sacrifice Holy and pleasing unto God (Romans 12: 1)

Role models for Masculinity • St Ignatius to His friends: – “Do not intervene in my death. . let the animals eat my bones and grind it. . • St Joseph Husband of Mary – Put her away secretly – “Joshephic” Marriage Be an inspiration for others

REAL MEN! LOVE JESUS If you Love me, Keep my Commandments Sacrifice is neither Passivity or Softness Sacrifice does not mean weakness

There was nothing soft or weak about Christ’s passion, especially when we realise that He had the power to stop it There was no display of bravado Sacrifice is neither Passivity or Softness Sacrifice does not mean weakness

Be a Man • Don't be a passive male • Be responsible • Authentic Christian men operate the two rules – 1. In everything always ask yourself, What will Jesus Do (WWJD) – 2. When in doubt refer to Rule No 1! WWJD

RESOLUTION

THE RESOLUTION - from The Movie Courageous • • • I do solemnly resolve before God to take full responsibility for myself, my wife, and my children. I WILL love them, protect them, serve them, and teach them the Word of God as the spiritual leader of my home. I WILL be faithful to my wife, to love and honour her, and be wiling to lay down my life for her as Jesus Christ did for me. I WILL bless my children and teach them to love God with al of their hearts, all of their minds, and all of their strength. I WILL train them to honour authority and live responsibly. I WILL confront evil, pursue justice, and love mercy. I WILL pray for others and treat them with kindness, respect, and compassion. I WILL work diligently to provide for the needs of my family. I WILL forgive those who have wronged me and reconcile wit those I have wronged. I WILL learn from my mistakes, repent of my sins, and walk with integrity as a man answerable to God. I WILL seek to honour God, be faithful to His church, obey His Word, and do His will. I WILL courageously work with the strength God provides to fulfil this resolution for the rest of my life and for His glory. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. – Joshua 24: 1

THE RESOLUTION - from The Movie Courageous 1. I do solemnly resolve before God to take full responsibility for myself, my wife, and my children. 2. I WILL love them, protect them, serve them, and teach them the Word of God as the spiritual leader of my home. 3. I WILL be faithful to my wife, to love and honour her, and be wiling to lay down my life for her as Jesus Christ did for me. 4. I WILL bless my children and teach them to love God with al of their hearts, all of their minds, and all of their strength. 5. I WILL train them to honour authority and live responsibly. 6. I WILL confront evil, pursue justice, and love mercy.

THE RESOLUTION - from The Movie Courageous 7. I WILL pray for others and treat them with kindness, respect, and compassion. 8. I WILL work diligently to provide for the needs of my family. 9. I WILL forgive those who have wronged me and reconcile with those I have wronged. 10. I WILL learn from my mistakes, repent of my sins, and walk with integrity as a man answerable to God. 11. I WILL seek to honour God, be faithful to His church, obey His Word, and do His will. 12. I WILL courageously work with the strength God provides to fulfil this resolution for the rest of my life and for His glory. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. – Joshua 24: 1