Men's Rosary

Today’s world is rife with slanderous and negative speech.  It is to the point that the truth seems to be something impossible to get.  The judging and misjudging are incredible.  And what can this do to us?   Speaking for myself, I find that I can become jaded and suspicious of people and situations.  I know that when this happens, opportunities to do good can and do escape me.

Any solution?  I think the most important thing to do is not lose sight of the fact that we are children of God, not the world.  We are brothers in Christ, and we live according to the standard that the Lord set when he was among us.  The devil works great things through distraction.  If we lose sight of our faith he has made great progress.  All the harsh talk and slanderous lies are the very weapons of the evil one.  “And the tongue is a fire.  The tongue is an unrighteous world among our members, staining the whole body, setting fire on the cycle of nature, and set on fire by hell.”  (James 3:6)  Sometimes the best thing to do is to say nothing.  People tend to talk too much!  Constraint goes a long way.  “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”  (Ephesians 4:31-32)

Remember, a person is not who they were, or even who they are.  We are really who we become!  Hopefully, each day a better version of ourselves so we will present to God a person that is fitting on the day of His judgement.  Do not focus on the faults of others, but rather, focus on our own faults admitting our weakness and wrongdoing, striving to do better.  “He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”  (Proverbs 28:13) 

We are fortunate to have the Sacrament of Reconciliation to help us do this. Sadly, it is horribly underused.  As men, to fully embrace our role and duty we must avail ourselves to this Sacrament often, at least monthly.   Focus on our improvement before God.  Do not tear others down or spend time with or listening to those who do.  “As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned.”  (Titus 3:10)

We, as Catholic men, must remain strong and vigilant.  There is a battle waged against family and the Church.  Be careful not to fall into the trappings of the world.  Pray for Our Lady’s intercession to remain prudent and wise.  Bridle our tongues!  It has been said that the tongue it is the most powerful weapon.  It can be used to bless and to curse.  And like a bullet leaving a rifle, once you pull the trigger you can’t get it back.

“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this man’s religion is in vain.”  (James 1:26)