Men's Rosary

God created man and woman.  They are equal in His eyes.  But I submit that man has certain things to live up to that are unique to him.  Unfortunately, the first man, Adam, did not give a very good example.  In fact, his pride and disobedience caused suffering from sin for generations to come.  We do have a man to look to for perfect example of manliness;  St. Joseph!  While he was born with original sin, he was released from the bond of sin and set as head of the Holy Family.

What we see in St. Joseph is exactly what we are called to emulate.  Learn about the qualities of St. Joseph and ask for his intercession in the Litany of St. Joseph.  Here are a few and how we can try to live out these qualities in our lives.

He is the “chaste guardian of the virgin.”  We can be chaste and guard our wife, fiancé,  girlfriend, women in general and widows.  We are to be protectors. 

He is the “diligent protector of Christ.”  We are called to protect the Church and Her teachings and speak for Christ in the world. 

He is “most obedient.”  We are called to obey God and the church and are promised great reward. “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and Keep it.”  (Luke 11:28) 

St. Joseph is “most just.”  We are called to be just men and to speak and act in defense of others, especially the marginalized. “learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.” (Isaiah 1:17)

 He is “most faithful.”  We are called to be faithful to the teachings of Christ and God’s will.  Our will is to be united with that of God’s and that is how we should decide on our every thought and action and to do His work. “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, forbearing, correcting his opponents with gentleness.  God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth.”  (2 Timothy 2:24-25)

He is also the “lover of poverty”  We are called to embrace poverty.   This does not mean wanting abject poverty but not being driven by material things.  We need to be careful not to be selfish or greedy.  We should be ready to share and help others.  “And He answered them, he who has two coats , let him share with him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.” (Luke 3:11)

If we take our responsibility as faithful servants seriously, we see we have a lot of work to do.  We are always learning.  We are always growing in faith and knowledge.  As we grow in faith and knowledge, we are held more accountable for our actions.  I see this as a call to excellence from God.  Rather than be overwhelmed by the responsibility and turn to things of the world for satisfaction, which is never complete or everlasting, let us embrace it with the full knowledge that this is how we show love for God in the most perfect way! 

Will we stumble?  Yes.  But as when we learned how to ride a bike, we only improve when we get back up….over and over and over again.

 And for those who are fathers, we need to teach and instill this in our sons.  We are obliged to raise good Catholic men.  We will not be around forever for our sons so it is important to teach them where to look for a good role model and someone who will intercede for them.  Make sure they are very familiar with St. Joseph!

Above all be sure to be men of prayer.  Pray that God will show us His will.  Pray for the intercession of St. Joseph that we will be good men, husbands, fathers, and sons.  “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  Do not quench the spirit.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19)

“It is not the actual physical exertion that counts toward a man’s progress, nor the nature of the task, but the spirit of faith with which it is undertaken.”  St. Francis Xavier