Men's Rosary

I am a big believer in doing the right thing, even if it hurts.  If you subscribe to this belief, you will definitely be called to task.  But it is in these moments that we grow the most and God refines our spirit.  The challenge comes from a scarcity mentality that we all possess to a certain degree.  It is a survivalist mentality.  We wish to preserve ourselves or our way of life or our wealth.  If we are not careful, we will preserve these things at the cost of losing our soul!  Which is better have? “For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption;  be he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”  (Galatians 6:8) 

We are guided by our integrity.  It is the barometer of our spiritual wellness.  It is our faith and hope in God that builds our integrity and guides our actions.  Without it we are doomed to fail.  “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.” (Proverbs 11:3)  Patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control should guide our actions and we should always be building the good in our community.  Sometimes thinking in terms of “we” rather than “I” and choosing to do right is the greatest thing we can do.  “Therefore, putting away falsehood, let every one speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.  Be angry but do not sin, do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.”                  (Ephesians 4:25-27)

In living a life of integrity we will grow in the virtue of hope, for that will become the very catalyst of our actions.  It is by hope that we desire heaven as our eternal happiness, trusting in Christ and not relying on ourselves.  This is how we realize our nothingness without God and rely on the graces of the Holy Spirit to guide us.  “Be strong and of good courage; do not fear or be in dread of them:  for it is the Lord your God who goes with you;  he will not fail you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)  As men let us boldly speak the truth and stand for what is right.  Even in the face of personal loss or persecution, remembering to always protect the Church and the family of believers.  Hope in the Lord and bravely serve.  “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” (Proverbs 21:3)

When my daughter was around nine years old, she told us “Life, is hard”.  How true was that statement!  Life can be hard.  This world is not our home.  It is more like a proving ground, a place where we prepare for entry into our eternal home, the place prepared for us before we were born.  We must remember that we will never find true rest here among the thorns of life.  No matter how we prepare for retirement or how easy we may seem to have it, rest is not found in any man, manmade thing or wealth.  True rest is found in the Lord who made heaven and earth.  Let us hope in Him and find our way to Him and enjoy true rest and happiness.  “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you; and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”  (Matthew 11:28-30)

“A man’s integrity is his greatest asset.  Without it, he has nothing.”  St. Thomas Moore