Men's Rosary

We live in a world of convenience and immediate gratification. We want it now and we want to do as little as possible for it. Actually, “could you do it for me?” What is happening?

I was always told, growing up, that anything worth having is worth working for. I have come to believe that. And isn’t that true about our faith-life? Any relationship requires work. Why should our relationship with God be any different?

Life is full of challenges as well as blessings. We revel in the blessings, but we should embrace the challenges as well. We have been told from the beginning that life will be challenging and the way to salvation hard. “Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

Life is full of temptations and distractions that will get in the way of our relationship with God. And if we are not in good relationship with God it is impossible to be in good relationship with others. We can’t give what we don’t have! We, as men in our Church, family and communities need to be steadfast in our efforts for right relationship with God in order to serve. Luckily for us, we have a guide and support in Christ. “For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sinning. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16)

We are in a spiritual battle. We must not let our guard down. It is so easy to be distracted and get caught up in all the things that do nothing for our spirituality and faith. This is at extreme cost to our families, parishes and communities. Four actions that can help with staying the course are daily quiet prayer, daily examination of conscience, regular reception of the sacrament of Reconciliation, and of course….praying the Rosary for Mary’s intercession. Be strong. Be committed. Others are counting on us!

“Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.” (Albert Einstein)