Catholic Man Moment: Our Deeds That Reflects Our Faith
April 28 2024
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Year B: John 12:20-33: “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.”
Embark on a spiritual journey as we delve into the powerful words of St. John, where the Gospel speaks of being the chosen vine of the Lord. Just like a skilled vine grower, God prunes us to bear abundant fruit and glorify His name. With His word ingrained in us, we have the power to ask and receive whatever we desire, all for the glory of His kingdom. As true disciples, we are already pruned and ready to bear the fruits of Catholic manhood.
Unlocking the Way to True Catholic Manhood
Embracing the teachings of the Gospel and living a life of true Christian virtue is no simple task. In a world full of distractions and temptations, the path to righteousness is fraught with challenges. And in our present time, these obstacles seem to have multiplied at an alarming rate. The allures of this world have been enhanced by the luxuries and pleasures made possible by advancements in science and technology. As humans, we are naturally drawn to the easy way out, and with so many opportunities for indulgence, even the most devout Catholic can struggle to resist the pull of worldly pleasures.
The Gospel of St. John 15:1-8 is a powerful reminder of the key to true Catholic manhood. Just as a branch must remain connected to the vine in order to bear fruit, we too must remain closely united with our Lord if we hope to bear the fruits of Heaven. His promise to us is clear: if we diligently follow his commandments, our prayers will be heard and our requests answered. As we face the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil, let us not lose heart. Rather, let us pray for the grace to overcome and strive daily to lead a virtuous Christian life - a call to true Catholic manhood.
Our deeds, both big and small, like branches on a vine, will bear fruit that reflects our faith and reveals our dedication to living a life worthy of our Savior. Let us embrace this call with open hearts and strive to bear good fruit for the glory of God.
Gospel
Jn 15:1-8
Jesus said to his disciples:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.
He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit,
and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit.
You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you.
Remain in me, as I remain in you.
Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own
unless it remains on the vine,
so neither can you unless you remain in me.
I am the vine, you are the branches.
Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit,
because without me you can do nothing.
Anyone who does not remain in me
will be thrown out like a branch and wither;
people will gather them and throw them into a fire
and they will be burned.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you,
ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.
By this is my Father glorified,
that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”
About Springtime of each year I usually write to you a state of cmcs report. However this year I’m going to post this video here instead of a blog post. I think it will bring more clarity to this report.
Frank Casella, co-founder and executive director of Catholic men Chicago Southland.
The Gospel of St. John 10:11-18 speaks of Christ as the ultimate Good Shepherd, a figure that has long resonated with the hearts of men. We see this depicted in one of the earliest paintings of Christ found in the ancient Roman catacombs, where he tenderly carries a wounded sheep upon his shoulders. This powerful image of love stirs something deep within us, for we do not mind being compared to sheep in this context. Indeed, there is a certain innocence and simplicity in these gentle creatures, but also a hint of foolishness. Is it not a reflection of the majority of men, even those who openly oppose Christ? Are we not like sheep in our pride and arrogance, believing ourselves to be all-knowing and self-sufficient?
The story of Christ as our protector and guide has a timeless appeal. It speaks to the deepest nature of man - the need for guidance and protection. As humans, we are like sheep, with limited understanding and a tendency to think we know it all. But just like a sheep who strays from the shepherd, a man who rejects the wisdom of God and His Church is like a lost soul in the wilderness. True strength and masculinity lie in embracing the divine guidance and protection of the Good Shepherd.
The Noble Calling of Catholic Manhood
As humans, we can often be as wayward as sheep, straying from the path of righteousness towards forbidden pastures. But fear not, for we have a Shepherd who guides us with unwavering patience and boundless love. His voice echoes through the winds, beckoning us back to the safety of his flock, even in our moments of wandering and weakness. Through missions, retreats, and even in the midst of our trials, his grace is ever-present, ready to guide us home. How fortunate are we to have such a watchful and caring shepherd for our souls?
Embodied in a Catholic man is the spirit of selfless devotion, following in the footsteps of the Good Shepherd himself. This bond of faith goes beyond mere actions, for a man who truly loves God must also love his fellow man and seek to share his blessings with others. Knowing that heaven’s gates are open for all, the devout man strives to bring more souls into the eternal embrace of God, for the more who enter, the brighter God’s glory will shine. With unwavering determination, he will use every opportunity to guide others into the comforting fold of Christ.
Unleashing the Power of Catholic Manhood
With his unwavering faith as his shield and his heart ablaze with fervent devotion, the Catholic man stands strong in the face of a world that has strayed from God’s path. Armed with the example of Christ and the potent weapon of prayer, he takes on the daunting task of leading lost souls back to the arms of their Creator.
Every day, he kneels in prayer, beseeching the heavens for the conversion of his fellowmen who wander aimlessly in the barren desert of this life, disconnected from God. He strives to deepen his own understanding of the truths of his faith, so that he may be a guiding light for those who seek the answers. And he willingly joins forces with parochial and diocesan societies, using his resources to spread the good news to all corners of the world.
Truly, the Catholic man is a true soldier of Christ, fearlessly marching towards the fulfillment of God’s mission. For in his hands, lies the power to transform hearts and bring about a world that is deeply rooted in the love and teachings of our Lord.
Embrace your calling as a Catholic man and follow in the footsteps of our Lord, who selflessly laid down his life for his sheep. Let us emulate his example of strength, courage, and compassion as we navigate through this often tumultuous world. And may we never forget that it is our duty to spread the good news of the Gospel and bring others into the loving embrace of our faith.
May we always strive to embody true Catholic manhood, guided by the words of our Savior and the wisdom of our Church.
Gospel Jn 10:11-18 Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd. This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father.”
We may desire perfect and blissful relationships with no arguments or conflicts, but the reality is that every relationship will face challenges and disagreements. Similarly, in our personal lives, we may have dreams and aspirations that do not align with our current circumstances. However, I believe that when we surrender our wants and desires to God’s plan, we can find peace and fulfillment in knowing that His will for us is greater than anything we could imagine.
I’ve come to realize recently more than ever through a health matter, that what we want may be different from reality, but when we trust in God’s perfect plan, we can find contentment and purpose in our present circumstances. The reality is that all goals and hardships, and relationships, have struggles and require hard work. We might want our children to grow up to be successful and happy, but the reality is that they will face their own challenges and make mistakes too along the way.
We may dream of achieving certain career goals, but the reality is that the journey to success is often filled with obstacles and setbacks. In these situations, it is important to remember that our desires may not align with reality, but we can find peace and contentment by trusting in God’s plan for our lives. Ultimately, what we truly want is to fulfill God’s purpose and will for us, and that is more important and fulfilling than any of our individual desires. God’s will is that we depend on him.
Transforming Our Desires: Learning to Embrace God’s Plan -
In the intricate web of our wants and needs, we often find ourselves at odds with reality. But perhaps, Men, what we yearn for may not be what we truly need. For within the depths of God’s purpose and will lies the key to unlocking true contentment.
Within the intricate dance of marriage and family, our differing desires can lead to unfulfilled expectations. Yet, if we align our hearts with God’s grand design, and meet each other on what we do agree on, we can discover a richness and joy beyond our wildest imagination. So let us surrender our wants to His perfect plan, and meet others where they are, for it is there that we will find ultimate fulfillment.
Unlocking the mysteries of life lies in our deep understanding of the scriptures and surrendering our desires to align with God’s divine blueprint. As we do so, we may be pleasantly surprised to discover that our heart’s deepest longings are not far from the path set out for us by God’s will for us.
Unleashing the Power of His Word -
Exploring James 1:2-18 As we strive to nurture our spiritual growth, let us immerse ourselves in the wisdom of God’s teachings, offering prayers for both ourselves and others. Let us fully embrace the fellowship of our church community, open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, and boldly display our authenticity to those around us.
When we do so, we open the door for God to reveal His plans for us through the people and events He places in our lives. For it is through the trials and hardships we face that our faith is truly tested and fortified.
As true Catholic men, let us rise up with courage and strength, ever aware of the presence of God in our daily lives. In doing so, we will witness the miraculous moments where His hand and face are revealed, providing us with unwavering support as we navigate life’s challenges. Remember, we are never alone in our struggles when we walk with God by our side.
A new episode video of Catholic Man Moment was just released.
In this installment, Frank talks about: Allowing Jesus to Open Our Minds and Hearts. He also shares a short reflection about our recent Men’s Forum experience. (This week is audio only and not video)
Allowing Jesus to Open Our Minds and Hearts
April 14 2024 Third Sunday of Easter
Year B: Luke 24:35-48: Thus it was written that the Christ would suffer and rise form the dead on the third day.
As the sun set on the third day, the words of the holy Scriptures rang true as the prophesied Christ suffered and triumphantly rose from the dead. With divine guidance, their once closed minds were opened as Jesus revealed the true meaning of the Scriptures. This pivotal meeting between the Twelve and their Savior marked the beginning of their sacred mission, inspiring us as Catholic men to follow in their footsteps and spread the Good News to all.
Gospel Lk 24:35-48 The two disciples recounted what had taken place on the way, and how Jesus was made known to them in the breaking of bread.
While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and ate it in front of them.
He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said to them, “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.”
Below are the questions and general responses the men shared dialog from the Forum:
I. What from Fr. Dan’s inspiring remarks resonated with you?
To be servants or Hope and Faith.
How it’s interesting that many Seminarians have become Police Officers.
II. What issues make living out your Catholic Faith a challenge?
Sharing our faith without looking too holy, and thanking Police Officers and First Responders as well as Service members being the example of living out their.
How secular humanism is taking over our culture. Trying to be a Catholic you’re going to be persecuted. You have to do it anyway. Start at home.
III. What would be helpful to you in navigating these challenges?
How to better use smartphone to evangelize family and others.
Most men need more prayer in their lives, from others, and praying for others.
CMCS should consider teaching men how to pray.
To pray through our hearts those who we want to touch.
It’s important for men to open up spiritually with other men.
The Palm Sunday procession is a powerful and meaningful event for Christians, as it symbolizes the journey of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem and marks the beginning of Holy Week.
As Christians, we join together in this procession with full faith and understanding of its significance. We follow in the footsteps of the Jews who, centuries ago, welcomed Jesus into the city with palm branches, shouting praises and acknowledging Him as the Messiah, the Son of David and the Son of God.
This gesture, filled with deep meaning and rooted in history, becomes even more significant as we acknowledge and embrace Jesus as our savior. He is the sign of contradiction, praised by some and condemned by others.
As Catholic men, we are called to follow His example, to humbly endure our own sufferings and struggles, and to trust in His strength and victory over sin and death. Let us lead our families with the same faith and courage, following Jesus’ example and surrendering ourselves to His will.
By Frank J Casella, CMCS Co-founder & Executive Director
The CMCS Mission reads:
The CMCS Mission: Catholic Men Chicago Southland (CMCS) is engaged in fostering holy and courageous men and proclaiming the importance of husbands and fathers to children and the family. CMCS is a Catholic Apostolate of Interim Vicar Fr. Larry Sullivan, and founded by Bishop Emeritus Joseph N. Perry, Deacon John Rangel, and (Executive Director) Frank J Casella.
The greatest threat to our beloved nation does not come from foreign invaders, but rather from a sinister force that lurks within: the corruption of our moral fiber. This venom has seeped into every aspect of our society, poisoning our marriages, corrupting our youth, tarnishing our culture, and even contaminating our sources of entertainment, education, and communication. It is a corrosion that has been silently eating away at us for decades, slowly eroding the very foundations of our nation. We must be wary, for our enemies will not be able to conquer us from the outside unless we first crumble from within. The signs of this insidious implosion are becoming more evident with each passing day, gaining momentum and strength to bring us closer to the brink of cultural collapse.
The malevolent presence of Satan looms, intent on nothing short of eradicating the very essence of God’s fatherhood from this world. The wise words of St. John Paul II ring true as he emphasizes the crucial role of fathers in families, “is to reveal and relive on earth the very fatherhood of God” iterating any true understanding or affection towards God the Father, especially among the minds of innocent children, by shattering the foundations of earthly fatherhood. With divorce, abandonment, distractions, and vices like alcohol and pornography, coupled with the distorted concept of same-sex unions, Satan is thriving in his attempts to dismantle the strength and masculinity of modern fatherhood, both within and beyond the walls of the Church.
In a rapidly changing world, the future of our children and grandchildren is at stake. As a result, I am drawn to men’s conferences where the majority of attendees are under the age of 40. Far too often, these younger dads with little ones at home are overlooked in such gatherings. However, in this era of increasing anti-Christian sentiments, it is crucial that we prioritize and cater to their unique needs in conference planning and venue, topic selection, and recruitment efforts. Let us come together and equip the next generation of fathers for the challenges they will face in the 21st century.
The realm of pornography is a treacherous battleground for men of the Catholic faith, spanning across all generations. But fear not, for I am seeking bold individuals who dare to pioneer a parish-based gathering in the name of spiritual growth. These conferences will delve deep into the souls of our youth, nurturing their minds and hearts alike, equipping them with unshakeable faith to withstand the challenges of our modern society. However, bear in mind that this is not a conventional approach - we must break away from tradition to prevent our children from abandoning their religious beliefs like the majority of young adult Catholics have done. Will you answer the call?
I am a firm believer that when you nurture Men in the ways of holiness, their impact can reverberate down three generations. That is why the CMCS Team is grateful for your presence with CMCS today.
Many of you have attended our Men’s Forums in recent years, with this discussion listen about the benefits and experiences or memories from the Forum that touched our lives.
The Keynote will be Father Dan Brandt. Chicago Police Dept. Chaplain.
The unique aspect of our Forums has been the group discussions, as the guy’s thrive on connecting the dots with each other about how we as men are to live out our Catholic virtues. For this reason Forum seating is limited to 100 seats to facilitate discussion opportunity.
Year B, John 12:20-33: If a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it produces much fruit.
The words of John 12:20-33 urge us to ponder the powerful lesson hidden within a simple grain of wheat. For when it falls to the ground and meets its end, it flourishes into a bountiful harvest. This profound truth echoes in our lives as we face the trials and crosses that God has placed before us.
Therefore, let us fix our gaze upon the cross with fervent devotion, as we contemplate the immense sacrifice made by our Savior, Jesus Christ. For in comparison to his willingness to bear the weight of our sins, our own sufferings pale in comparison. Let us not be stunned into passivity by this realization, but rather let it jolt us into a renewed perspective on life.
The key to a fruitful life is that through his death Jesus will be accessible to all.
May it be our steadfast resolve to follow in the footsteps of our loving Christ, who gave his all for us. Let us serve, follow, and imitate him more closely with each passing day. And may this be true for each and every one of us.
Gospel Jn 12:20-33 Some Greeks who had come to worship at the Passover Feast came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we would like to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.
“I am troubled now. Yet what should I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it and will glorify it again.” The crowd there heard it and said it was thunder; but others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come for my sake but for yours. Now is the time of judgment on this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” He said this indicating the kind of death he would die.
