“Every man dies, not every man truly lives.” — William Wallace (Braveheart)
It’s no secret that we live in a world of uncertainty. We live in a world that often beats a man down and try’s to keep him there permanently. In my own life, it has become increasingly apparent to me that without brothers “in arms,” life would eventually take me out. What do I mean by brothers in arms? Brothers in faith. Our weapons are the sacraments, sacramentals, and liturgy. When Millennial Catholic Gentleman was founded, I never would have imagined that it would have been a lifeline for so many men. Men who I have the privilege to call my brothers. Notice I said brothers, and not friends. Brothers means blood. What blood unites us? The Holy Eucharist of which we are invited to partake and defend. An invitation that is freely given, and freely received.
Throughout the years, I have been made increasingly aware of the need to “walk with” men. The world doesn’t need anymore talk. They need the walk. Talk is cheap. But this walk we walk is not clean, it’s often messy and filled with craters, waiting to swallow up the last of the warriors. We are seeking the divine, while being imperfect creatures made in the image of God. The men of JPII men’s group have a goal, and while the goal is simple, it is often a tall task. We have a mission “To strive for continual catechesis among our Catholic brethren.” This means we don’t know it all, but are seeking the guidance of Holy Mother Church in the battle of winning souls. Because frankly, eternal life depends upon it. We don’t have an option. We are either in or out. Which are you?
Finally, as our patron so elegantly said: “I plead with you, never give up on hope, never doubt, never tire, and never be discouraged. Be not afraid.” - JP II. I invite you, if you’re a man who is struggling to hope, or needs a reason not to give up, take the step to become apart of something bigger than yourself. Not in something that requires you to be perfect, but that requires you to have the humility necessary to say “I am not meant to walk this journey alone, I am a sinner who is broken, and am in need of brotherhood.” I assure you, you will have become a man when you admit you can’t do it alone.
“I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.” Luke 15:7