Catholic Men’s Daily Devotional and Bible Study -24th Week in Ordinary time – Sunday – Cycle C – Luke 15:1-32

After teaching about the extreme sacrifice required of disciples and the harsh realities of the Judgment, Christ offers a series of parables which reveal the overflowing Divine Mercy of God, a God who goes to great lengths to search out the lost and lavishly welcomes, forgives and blesses the repentant.

Accused by the Pharisees of coddling sinners, Christ teaches two parables (Lost Sheep, Lost Coin) which describe God’s great willingness to search for lost souls and the astounding joy in Heaven when a soul is saved. Blinded by their arrogance and hatred, the Pharisees can not recognize that they are part of the “lost” that Christ (God) is seeking to save.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is an iconic masterpiece of Christ’s teaching. God the Father (the father) is gravely insulted (asked for inheritance while still alive) by Catholic men (the Prodigal).  Catholc men (the Prodigal) leave the Church (go to a foreign land) and engage in all kinds of sin (sexual sin). After hitting rock bottom (the Prodigal is starving and feeding unclean pigs), Catholic men can repent (“I have sinned against you”), return to God (the father), be forgiven and experience His Mercy (the father welcomes the son, dresses him and holds a feast). A final note: the unforgiving and jealous older brother in the parable represents the harsh and judgmental Pharisees. Don’t be a Pharisee.

Awed by Jesus Christ – Son of God, Christ offers an inside view of God’s hunger for the salvation of souls. Divine Teacher, Christ brilliantly teaches with wonderfully complex and powerful parables which continue to speak to men. Divine King, Christ is fearless in His willingness to confront the hateful Pharisees. Divine Mercy, Christ longs to save all souls, even those scheming to kill Him.

Being a Heroic Catholic Man

1) Across history, most of what the brightest minds have said and written is unknown or forgotten by most men. Be awed by how Christ’s sayings (“turn the other cheek”) and parables (Lost Sheep, Prodigal Son, Good Samaritan) continue to have impact 2000 years after the Incarnation.

2) Despite the fact that men are rejecting Christ in growing numbers, Christ patiently waits. Pray for all men to realize their need for a Savior and for the millions of Prodigals to return to the Church.

3) Despite the depth and duration of a man’s sin, Christ joyfully welcomes all men who repent. Examine your conscience, go to Confession and be blessed the forgiveness of your sins by Christ.

Spiritual Practices – Include in Today’s Prayers

Sacred Mystery of Rosary – The Glorious Mysteries

Daily Devotion – The Blessed Trinity

Virtue of the Day – Charity

Corporal Work of Mercy – To feed the hungry

Spiritual Work of Mercy – To admonish the sinner