Men of God

Last week, our podcast highlighted young Christian leaders; this week Deacon Tim and I discuss how men are accepting the challenge to be spiritual leaders.  Shaken by the feminist movement, men have scarcely known how to behave for the past few decades.  Times are changing, though, and Deacon Tim shares his insights into how men can effectively live out their calling as Christian leaders, particularly in the family. You'll want to send this podcast around to the men in your life - they'll be inspired!

A few years ago, Deacon Tim co-authored a book called Signposts, a discussion plan that helps men live out their Christian mission.  It's still in print, so take a look:  Tim's book

In the podcast, Deacon Tim mentions some resources for men, so I thought I'd link them:

National Fellowship of Catholic Men

St. Joseph Covenant Keepers

Now, the links to our podcast! 

Download 041_men_of_god.mp3

To play the podcast now, click HERE

Comments

[Miz Booshay]

Dear Cindy and Tim,

Your podcast is such a blessing to me.

I love the blessing prayer....and the sign of the cross on the forehead.

You two touch my heart.

Love,
Donna

[Steve K]

Cyndi and Tim,
Thank you for this week's podcast. I have been so blessed to be part of a small friendship group of men for the past 13 years. We meet every week at 6:30am on Mondays. What a great start to my week! I can tell you and your listeners that I am a better father, husband, worker and friend because of the ongoing conversion to become the man God created me to be by the Grace He provides through my men's group.
Thank you for encouraging other men to turn to their brothers in Christ for help and support.
Steve K
Tulsa, OK

[Tom Cubbage]

Workers Wanted: No Experience Needed

When I was growing up I remember the nuns always talking about praying for "a vocation" which meant to be a priest for the boys and a nun for the girls. I have come to see that by drumming on that theme they actually innocently led many astray. If was as if the only vocation we could have was that of Holy Orders or Convent vows. What a narrow view that gave us.

Older now, I see that all are called to Christ, and all are then sent into his vineyards. We are all priests, some within the orders of the church and others as lay people, men and women, young and old.

All one has to do is listen for God's call to action, and respond: "Yes Lord, here I am; use me." There will be times when, if we listen, we will hear God say: "My son needs to be incarnated again to do my work: be his eyes, ears, mouth, or arms, and do as the Holy Spirit guides you." Such is the work of Christ present in the world that every man and woman can do, if only they are alert to the calls, and quick to respond.

Some, I know, think that they must have certain "gifts of the Spirit" to do this or that, but I have come to see that we are but actors through which the charisma are acted out by the Power of the Holy Spirit. Some people do seem to have a calling to certain gifts, but Jesus never is limited in his power to, say, console when one with that gift is absent. Instead, Jesus will use anyone who answers God's call to be a servant of the Lord. If God can make good use of a Samaritan, he can make use of everyone who heeds his call.

Day to day Ministry is actually quite easy: be there, be ready, respond when called, and let the Holy Spirit to the heavy lifting.

Imagine the surprise you will get when you put your arms around someone to console them, and they later turn to you and say: "In that moment I felt that I was being held tight and consoled by Jesus himself." Like I said, in times like that you are just giving your presence and arms so that a person in need can really feel the touch of Jesus; no experience is needed for The Holy Spirit acts through you.

Sure, we do need Priests, Deacons, and Nuns to prepare the rest of us for ministry, but they are few in number and we are many; therefore, we need to be ready to be ministers on our own, every day and everywhere.