Catholic Men’s Daily Devotional and Bible Study – 14th Week in Ordinary time – Saturday – Matthew 10:24-33

Jesus continues with His Missionary Sermon (Matt 10), reinforcing the reality of persecution and promising that God will remember and protect the Apostles when they are zealous and unafraid in proclaiming Gospel.

Christ reiterates that like Him, the Apostles will face persecution.  He reminds them that He is the “teacher and master” and they are His disciples and servants.” The Apostles, like every man who wishes to be a disciple, must first humbly lower himself in faith to Christ in order to become like Christ. Because Christ was rejected and demonized, so too will the disciples.

Despite the ordeal of discipleship, Christ promises the disciples that the fullness of the Gospel will be revealed and that they, mere men, can participate in the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven by publicly and persistently proclaiming the Gospel.  Rather than fear persecution, Christ reveals that the Father, who has dominion over Heaven and Hell, knows everything about them and that He will deliver them in the end.  Christ warns that men who wish for salvation must publicly acknowledge Him; those who deny Him are doomed.

Awed by Jesus Christ – Divine Teacher and Lord, Jesus reminds the Apostles that His the “master” and they are “servants.” Perfection of Virtue, Christ exhorts the Apostles to be courageous. Son of God, Jesus describes His Father based on first hand Divine knowledge, reiterates the reality of Hell and the truth about the Judgment.  Divine Judge, Jesus warns that He acknowledges men who acknowledge Him and deny men who deny Him.

Being a Heroic Catholic Man

1) Reread today’s Gospel, marveling at Jesus’ personal insight into the Father including His power (can destroy the soul), His knowledge (knows the hair on your head) and the Father’s trust in the Son.

2) Christ reveals that those who are His disciples are servants in His household. Have you taken up residence in Christ’s household?  Do you behave like a faithful servant, who puts the Master first?  Pray for Christ helps you become His faithful and loyal servant and commit to several concrete actions to serve Christ today.

3) Catholic men who seek to publicly live out their faith by proclaiming Christ are mocked or attacked by those influenced by Satan. Vow to courageously live like a heroic Catholic man, acknowledging Jesus and never denying Him.

Spiritual Practices – Include in Today’s Prayers

Sacred Mystery of Rosary – The Joyful Mysteries

Daily Devotion – The Blessed Virgin Mary

Virtue of the Day – Hope

Corporal Work of Mercy – To bury the dead

Spiritual Work of Mercy – To pray for the living and the dead