Catholic Men’s Daily Devotional and Bible Study – 29th Week in Ordinary time – Tuesday – Luke 12:35-38

The Gospel reading from the Mass for Tuesday of the 29th Week of Ordinary Time is Luke 12:35-38.

Having instructed the disciples to avoid anxiousness through a fervent faith in God, Christ urges His men to be watchmen who vigilantly prepare and endure to serve Him.

The parable of the Watchful Slaves is striking for its blunt militaristic tone. Addressed to men, the parable draws upon men’s natural instinct to be protectors and their roles in society to be watchmen on the walls of the cities. Christ calls men to “gird their loins”, a command given to fighting men as they prepare for an attack; this is an allusion to the reality of being on guard in the Spiritual Combat.  Also striking in Christ’s referral to Himself as the Master and His men as “slaves”, a clear indicator that men need to be humble servants to Him. He demands extreme vigilance of men: men should be on watch throughout the night (second and third watches run from 10 pm till dawn).

For those men who sacrifice and remain vigilant in their battle against sin and commitment to serve Him, Christ promises great rewards. Not only will these good men be given eternal life, they will feast with the King in the eternal banquet. Christ promises to bless His men.

Awed by Jesus Christ – Son of God, Christ offers insight into the nature of the Spiritual Combat and Judgment. Divine King, Christ rallies His men using military imagery (gird your loins) and with strict instructions and accountability. Divine Judge, Christ reveals that men are held to exceptionally high standards and those who meet those standards will be rewarded.

Being a Heroic Catholic Man

1) In a culture where masculinity is increasingly under attack, Christ speaks to men in masculine terms. Reflect on Christ’s demanding leadership style and the militaristic language He uses to call men to action.

2) Christ’s exhortation for men to “gird your loins” underscores the truth about the Spiritual Combat in which men are under constant attack by Satan. Beg Christ to Lead you not into Temptation (CCC 2846-2849) so that you are saved from temptations that come your way.

2) Men are being seduced by prosperity and an endless supply of media, gaming and pornography; Christ understands and holds men to incredibly high standards. Renew your commitment for continual Vigilance (CCC 2088, 2621, 2730, 2733, 2849) and pray for Christ to help you be on continual guard against the attacks of Satan.

Spiritual Practices – Include in Today’s Prayers

Sacred Mystery of Rosary – The Sorrowful Mysteries

Daily Devotion – The Guardian Angels

Virtue of the Day – Justice

Corporal Work of Mercy – To clothe the naked

Spiritual Work of Mercy – To counsel the doubtful