Catholic Men’s Daily Devotional – Tenth Week in Ordinary Time – Tuesday – Matthew 5:13-16

Continuing with the Sermon on the Mount, Christ turns to His call for men to evangelize the world.

Christ uses the metaphor of the seemingly common mineral salt in a profound way to speak of evangelization and the spiritual life. Salt is a valued commodity for it preserves food, brings joy to life and is essential for health. Similarly, disciples are called to be a living witness for the Gospel that preserves lives, families and societies, brings the peace of Christ and is essential for salvation of souls.  Salt is also associated with being a priest (Num 18:19) and kingship (2 Chron 13:5); Christ is calling disciples to be priests and kings for the Gospel. Christ warns of the fatal danger of becoming lukewarm in the faith; those who lose their saltiness will be thrown out.

Using another powerful metaphor, light, Christ calls on men to take the light of the Gospel to the world.  Referring to the Heavenly Jerusalem (The Kingdom of Heaven), Jesus insists that the disciples must not practice the faith in private but in public as part of a community. Christ uses the humorous example of lighting a lamp and covering it with a basket to expose the absurdity of hiding one’s faith.

Christ exhorts the disciples to let their light shine before others, performing good deeds through the blessing of the Holy Spirit, good deeds that move others to glorify God the Father. What’s needed is both deeds and the proclamation of the Gospel.

Awed by Jesus Christ – Jesus Christ, the Son of God, reveals that God is our Father in Heaven.  Jesus Christ, the Almighty King, sets demanding requirements for men be bold in living and proclaiming the Gospel. The Divine Judge, Christ alludes to the judgment of those who in their lukewarmness will be “thrown out” and “trampled under foot.” Jesus Christ, Divine Leader and Teacher, inspires His disciples with uplifting oratory and uses powerful metaphors that have profound and lasting meaning.

Being a Heroic Catholic Man

1) Christ’s metaphors of salt and light remain powerful and are frequently referred to modern culture.  Reflect on the fact that Christ’s teachings continue to flavor (salt) and illuminate (light) mankind over two thousand years after His Resurrection.  Be awed.

2) For some time, the evil have made great progress in their rebellion against patriarchy, leaving Western culture increasingly emasculated, weak, perverted, broken and vulnerable to collapse.  Revealing God the Father (mentioned 17 times in the Sermon on the Mount), the Son of God reaffirms God’s preference for patriarchy.  Commit with humility and courage to  heroic Catholic manhood, a man who is a sacrificial father (both biological and spiritual) and who upholds the dignity of women, as a protector, provider and leader in family and society.

3) Many who are soft and misguided wish to avoid Christ’s demanding call for perfection and His warnings of the consequences for being lukewarm.  Many men have become lukewarm in their faith and are grave danger for their denial and slovenly fall into sin.  Resolve now to face your own lukewarmness and commit to pray for Christ’s help to inspire and strengthen you.

Spiritual Practices – Include in Today’s Prayers

Sacred Mystery of Rosary – The Sorrowful Mysteries

Daily Devotion – The Guardian Angels

Virtue of the Day – Justice