Catholic Guys

For the past few months, there has been a group of 3 girls that have taken the Catholic blogging world by storm and injecting wit, intelligence, femininity, beauty, and fierceness into their blogs. These girls refer to themselves as the Bright Maidens, and rightfully so.

From their Facebook description:

We three are from the oft-mentioned, widely-speculated upon demographic of young, twenty-something Catholic women. We're here to dispel the myths and misconceptions- please join us for the discussion!

They are super active on twitter, do a twice monthly themed posting topic, and are featured on all sorts of blogs left and right. While their posts are fantastic examples of the young Catholic feminine mind, they are in need of some counter-part voices. That is where we step in. On Twitter, they utilize the hashtags #cathsorority & #brightmaidens. They have been bugging several of us guys for weeks now to step up and do the same. We have chatted about the idea on #cathdudes (not the best name, I know) and haven't solidified a group of folks to do it yet. So that is why I am posting on my blogging and hoping I can drum up 2-3 more guys who are willing to do this.

The commitment is really just a twice monthly posting on a topic that we choose. We can sometimes join with the #Brightmaidens if we choose, but the point is to do our own thing as well. What they do is post a list of topics and then every other week, all post on the same day about the topic for that week. There isn't much to it.

So, if you are young(-ish or at heart), Catholic, Male, and would like to post every other week according to a pre-specified (by us) topic, please let me know! I have a few names that we floated around, but I am willing to listen to suggestions. The Bright Maidens are behind a male venture so, don't think we are stealing any thunder, I think we will only add to their awesomeness.

Please let me know if you are interested. I can answer any questions for you, but understand that this isn't a huge commitment, and it looks to be really fun. If you don't want to necessarily commit to the "Group", please stay tuned and think about writing on some of the topics that interest you. The Bright Maidens open their topics up to anyone that wants to participate, so consider at least writing on those topics that interest you. Looking forward to getting this group going...

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Cialis Vs. Viagra - Which One Is Better?

Usually, that which you realize whenever we 1st hear Cialis is always that this can be a first accurate competitor involving Viagra as it combats in opposition to erectile disfunction along with the initial mentioned. Viagra made an appearance in Before 2000 along with authorized an increased success generally for that fact that it had been the first item of the type. Today a whole new successful item had been caused by ICOS corporation which would be to destroy the particular unbelievable achievement regarding Viagra. Your collection isn't ending here, anyway,as another one particular called Levitra is expected to seem.

First of all, there should be pointed out that the sell market regarding Cialis has attained a huge degree which is certain to reserve the achievement listed by Viagra in the delayed 1990's. The most important thing is the fact via close to twenty five zillion men and women suffering from erection disfunction in the USA and another estimated quantity of a hundred along with seventy-five thousand in foreign countries that are possessing this disfunction and taking advantage of these items, just a tiny part are choosing Viagra. Viagra offers reached this coming year an overall revenue regarding $1,5bn, as you move the account of greenbacks useful for these types of medicines(for example Viagra, Levitra and also Cialis) raises up to $6.

Similar to the scenario associated with Viagra, Cialis should be recognized like a basic overall performance company, to simply a consistent strategy to the disease. Anybody individuals should recognize that there's a certain means of these kinds of treatment causing them to be be thus profitable, while continuously improving our way of life: they function by simply preventing a good molecule known as phosphodiesterase (which usually goes wrong with unwind a few of each of our muscle groups), using this method allowing a particular increase of your the circulation of blood in your penis.

An additional advantage received through Cialis above Viagra is the fact that it can be obtainable(through prescribed simply) within nations around the world such as the United Kingdom, Denmark, Finland, Sweden as well as Questionnaire and it is ought to be authorized within United states of america as well.

In addition, a common argument earned prefer associated with Cialis would be the fact it's faster consequences than Viagra; The particular starting up method is available in roughly sixteen units following utilizing the tablet, even though the entire method usually leads approximately twenty four hours or higher. As opposed to that will, if you take Viagra one may feel the results right after an hour and also have them for 4 hours highest.

Like Viagra, an estimated amount of eighty percent of those who've attempted Cialis also have the opportunity and chance in the mean time to have erectile and also lovemaking works in comparability with Viagra, the effects along with possible with the consumer survived for over 36 hrs soon after using tablet;in this stretch of time the effects have been practically constant. A possible reason behind this is the proven fact that Cialis persists more time by the body processes compared to Viagra really does. The period of your energy with regard to blood amounts to drop 50 percent with regard to Viagra data 4 hours, while Cialis causes it to be as much as 18 hours. This will symbolize a twenty five percent from the authentic doze involving Cialis remains in the body at that time.

To conclude, it may be said that Cialis features finally shattered the' unbreakable' myth associated with Viagra by having far more difficult points to the well-known attributes of Viagra. Realistically, it is of your top quality technique than Viagra this particular being the reason for that intense surpassing. Let's expect items won't continue to be using this method and can increase increasingly more around perfection.

For more info about viagra and cialis, visit viagra and cialis

Cialis Vs. Viagra - Which One Is Better?

Usually, that which you realize whenever we 1st hear cialis is always that this can be a first accurate competitor involving Viagra as it combats in opposition to erectile disfunction along with the initial mentioned. Viagra made an appearance in Before 2000 along with authorized an increased success generally for that fact that it had been the first item of the type. Today a whole new successful item had been caused by ICOS corporation which would be to destroy the particular unbelievable achievement regarding Viagra. Your collection isn't ending here, anyway,as another one particular called Levitra is expected to seem.

First of all, there should be pointed out that the sell market regarding Cialis has attained a huge degree which is certain to reserve the achievement listed by Viagra in the delayed 1990's. The most important thing is the fact via close to twenty five zillion men and women suffering from erection disfunction in the USA and another estimated quantity of a hundred along with seventy-five thousand in foreign countries that are possessing this disfunction and taking advantage of these items, just a tiny part are choosing Viagra. Viagra offers reached this coming year an overall revenue regarding $1,5bn, as you move the account of greenbacks useful for these types of medicines(for example Viagra, Levitra and also Cialis) raises up to $6.

Similar to the scenario associated with Viagra, Cialis should be recognized like a basic overall performance company, to simply a consistent strategy to the disease. Anybody individuals should recognize that there's a certain means of these kinds of treatment causing them to be be thus profitable, while continuously improving our way of life: they function by simply preventing a good molecule known as phosphodiesterase (which usually goes wrong with unwind a few of each of our muscle groups), using this method allowing a particular increase of your the circulation of blood in your penis.

An additional advantage received through Cialis above Viagra is the fact that it can be obtainable(through prescribed simply) within nations around the world such as the United Kingdom, Denmark, Finland, Sweden as well as Questionnaire and it is ought to be authorized within United states of america as well.

In addition, a common argument earned prefer associated with Cialis would be the fact it's faster consequences than viagra; The particular starting up method is available in roughly sixteen units following utilizing the tablet, even though the entire method usually leads approximately twenty four hours or higher. As opposed to that will, if you take viagra one may feel the results right after an hour and also have them for 4 hours highest.

Like Viagra, an estimated amount of eighty percent of those who've attempted Cialis also have the opportunity and chance in the mean time to have erectile and also lovemaking works in comparability with Viagra, the effects along with possible with the consumer survived for over 36 hrs soon after using tablet;in this stretch of time the effects have been practically constant. A possible reason behind this is the proven fact that Cialis persists more time by the body processes compared to viagra really does. The period of your energy with regard to blood amounts to drop 50 percent with regard to Viagra data 4 hours, while Cialis causes it to be as much as 18 hours. This will symbolize a twenty five percent from the authentic doze involving Cialis remains in the body at that time.

To conclude, it may be said that Cialis features finally shattered the' unbreakable' myth associated with Viagra by having far more difficult points to the well-known attributes of Viagra. Realistically, it is of your top quality technique than Viagra this particular being the reason for that intense surpassing. Let's expect items won't continue to be using this method and can increase increasingly more around perfection.

For more info about viagra and cialis, visit viagra and cialis

Prime Christmas Gift Ideas With regard to Men

Caught regarding Christmas gift ideas with regard to men? You should not get worried, this article has received you included. Inside of a few brief min's you will be collection to acquire something special for that fortuitous dude.

Expertise Days and nights

Experience days offer a range of exciting pursuits to the gentleman to achieve that he may not necessarily already perform in the everyday real life kart racing, paragliding, skydiving, choosing a spin and rewrite in a Ferrari for instance, and for the particular a smaller amount adrenaline inclined person you can find pursuits like the game of golf and also riding. There's also escape days and nights like resort fails. Any of these products lasts from afternoon or perhaps nighttime to a couple of days. There will be something to fit most budgets and this type of existing is but one that is certainly guaranteed to be valued.

Aftershave

First turn on it and there is likely to be no less than one advert throughout the night time marketing a brand name involving aftershave. Your perfume information mill massive. A male out and about socializing must seem sharp along with aroma fantastic. You will provide him with an excellent gift he can bear in mind every time they applies some on with aftershave. Once you know what forms of aftershave this individual wants to wear, this can furthermore help you to produce a great option for your ex of your own contract.

Gadgets

Men are famous for warm their toys. Be it high tech such as the newest digital cameras, smartphone's as well as notebook computers, or even more uniqueness gadgets which you wouldn't feel been around unless you know that it will, investing in a system a man can utilise in his day to day activities, you aren't like is a brilliant selection.

Wallet / Cufflinks

Men like to search smart but can be prone to disregarding the quality particulars occasionally. Having an attractive looking wallet, instead of an old haggard one that's noticeably falling to portions is one. So investing in a healthy looking wallet is a great gift notion. To play the idea sensible, make sure that it has room for keeping a minimum of 8 playing cards as with credit cards, cards and also keep cards, something a smaller amount just could stop enough. Cufflinks are also a tiny nevertheless finer depth accessory for the clothing making an excellent gift. Should you be looking for any a lot more individual o personal gift you can get him a razor, a few stylish entire body by using underwear or possibly an observe.

Video Games

From some point soon enough kids had been meant to expand from these kinds of following their teenage life. Currently, online games possess smashed using that age hurdle, and they are right now also directed at all the family. Undoubtedly if you do not very own a gaming system on your own, you will know someone who can and you will have discovered each of the advertisements on television for several online games. Therefore your lucky man is a game lover, search for out and about which online game he or she enjoys lounge chair somewhere what video games he or she would like nevertheless won't very own yet!

For more info about christmas gift ideas for men, visit Christmas gift ideas for men and Christmas gift ideas for men

Prime Christmas Gift Ideas With regard to Men

Caught regarding Christmas gift ideas with regard to men? You should not get worried, this article has received you included. Inside of a few brief min's you will be collection to acquire something special for that fortuitous dude.

Expertise Days and nights

Experience days offer a range of exciting pursuits to the gentleman to achieve that he may not necessarily already perform in the everyday real life kart racing, paragliding, skydiving, choosing a spin and rewrite in a Ferrari for instance, and for the particular a smaller amount adrenaline inclined person you can find pursuits like the game of golf and also riding. There's also escape days and nights like resort fails. Any of these products lasts from afternoon or perhaps nighttime to a couple of days. There will be something to fit most budgets and this type of existing is but one that is certainly guaranteed to be valued.

Aftershave

First turn on it and there is likely to be no less than one advert throughout the night time marketing a brand name involving aftershave. Your perfume information mill massive. A male out and about socializing must seem sharp along with aroma fantastic. You will provide him with an excellent gift he can bear in mind every time they applies some on with aftershave. Once you know what forms of aftershave this individual wants to wear, this can furthermore help you to produce a great option for your ex of your own contract.

Gadgets

Men are famous for warm their toys. Be it high tech such as the newest digital cameras, smartphone's as well as notebook computers, or even more uniqueness gadgets which you wouldn't feel been around unless you know that it will, investing in a system a man can utilise in his day to day activities, you aren't like is a brilliant selection.

Wallet / Cufflinks

Men like to search smart but can be prone to disregarding the quality particulars occasionally. Having an attractive looking wallet, instead of an old haggard one that's noticeably falling to portions is one. So investing in a healthy looking wallet is a great gift notion. To play the idea sensible, make sure that it has room for keeping a minimum of 8 playing cards as with credit cards, cards and also keep cards, something a smaller amount just could stop enough. Cufflinks are also a tiny nevertheless finer depth accessory for the clothing making an excellent gift. Should you be looking for any a lot more individual o personal gift you can get him a razor, a few stylish entire body by using underwear or possibly an observe.

Video Games

From some point soon enough kids had been meant to expand from these kinds of following their teenage life. Currently, online games possess smashed using that age hurdle, and they are right now also directed at all the family. Undoubtedly if you do not very own a gaming system on your own, you will know someone who can and you will have discovered each of the advertisements on television for several online games. Therefore your lucky man is a game lover, search for out and about which online game he or she enjoys lounge chair somewhere what video games he or she would like nevertheless won't very own yet!

For more info about Christmas gift ideas for men, visit Christmas gift ideas for men and Christmas gift ideas for men

Cowboy Code = Manhood Code?

Dave over at Truemanhood.com hit it out of the park again with his posting of Gene Autry's "Cowboy Code."  He thinks that this code is applicable nowadays to all men. I agree. Dave also explains that these are mandatory and not suggestions or optional in certain cases. I agree with that as well.

I wonder if this needs to be changed at all to relate it to Catholic men? I don't really think it does - but I definitely think that there are some things that we are called to do as Catholic men that may not be encompassed in this code.

Overall though... I think if we as men live by this code or any other in this ilk, our society would be much better off. Like I said, Truemanhood.com hit another one out of the park

Dockers "Man-ifesto"...

Big ole' cowboy H/T: to Truemanhood.com for this:

It is a Dockers Ad. It leaves me wanting more... and a little underwhelmed. Sure, it is a nice effort, and I get that it is a product ad and not an actual "Man-ifesto." But what really shocked me is that this ad is somewhat very sarcastic. We live in a culture where these things are so alien to us, that an advertisement can utilize them in a nostalgic way. Nostalgic? Yes, think about about the target audience for this ad or Dockers for that matter? What, 34-65? 24-48? [Think about who wears and buys Dockers.] Regardless... we are looking at around 30-40 years since these things were actually virtues men possessed. So let's do a little math problem:

2009 - 35 = 1974

So... the last time that men en masse possessed these virtues was approximately 1974. Then, you have to figure that it probably took our society about 5-10 years to kill and drain men of these virtues so we need to do a tad more subtraction:

1974 - 5 = 1969

Woodstock Music Festival = 1969

I wonder if there is ANY correlation between the loss of these virtues from Men and the counter-culture revolution of the 1960's? What do you think?

When will MEN reclaim their Manhood? For the sake of our culture and society... hopefully soon.

Where have you gone Ward Cleaver....

While I was studying for the bar this summer I did the weirdest thing...
I would go to my parents house and visit with my mom and dad;  and due to my dad's health, he couldn't get out of bed most of the summer, so I would go into his room and talk with him and watch TV with him. They don't have cable... but after the digital transition, the new HD signal gave them extra channels. One was the Retro station.

That meant that shows like "Leave it to Beaver" were on every day, and usually when I was there. [I started making sure I was there early enough that by the time we had talked a bit, we could both focus on the show.] I remember watching this on re-runs as a little kid when I was home sick from school or half-days. It used to come on daily at around 1:30 or 2 in Detroit. [The time now occupied by such gems as Jerry Springer or Judge Judy.]

I didn't realize how GOOD of a show it was! Ward Cleaver is a pretty solid father figure for TV. [Yes... I know the show was shot in the 50's]. What bothers me most about TV nowadays, is the emasculation of men. Every father is made out to be an idiot, especially in sitcoms. I know Ward wasn't perfect, but the boys respected him, June deferred to him, he dressed well, gave good advice, and was always looking out for the BEST in his boys.

Unfortunately, in todays shows men defer to the women, the kids never respect the dad, and the dad is usually the one leading the shenanigans on the show if not leading the family down a road of moral decay. For example, take the show "Modern Family." Not one dad on there is worth a damn. [Don't get me wrong... I watch the show and laugh, but I feel very very sad afterwards.] I know most of my readers don't or wouldn't watch a show like that, so lets just say that one dad is trying to be "hip and cool, and his kids friends." Another married a younger woman simply because he could. The other fathers are a gay couple who are mockeries even of gay men. So where did the Ward Cleavers of the world go in TV land? [This is a rhetorical questions... unfortunately.]

Does TV mimic life... or worse, does life mimic TV? I think that they go hand-in-hand, which is a worse case scenario. If TV doesn't portray men as leaders of the family, especially moral leaders, where will our children learn this? WHO will be the moral leaders? For decades we heard that WOMEN could lead, just like men. The Ward Cleavers were shunned and "castrated." Soon we had the 'new' man and the 'new' woman. Ward Cleaver turned into Jack Tripper [3's Company]. No longer was the "man" of the house a devoted husband, stearn but caring father, and moral dignitary. He was now a free-spirited playboy, who bounced from girl to girl, and spent 20 out of 22 minutes getting into deeper and deeper predicaments. [Much of these troubles were caused by the fact that the "man's" moral compass was no longer his brain but his....well, not his brain.] As the '70s went away and lead to the '80's things seemed to turn around a bit... at least we got Cliff Huxtable. Yet, the '90s were the downfall. No longer did we have stellar moral leaders. [Think "Al Bundy"] But even worse was the decline of the family show. Sure you had "7th Heaven" and few others that were about an entire family... but for the most part shows were about "individuals." They were a collection of people living their own lives with one goal: personal satisfaction.

Think of the dads you see on TV... now how many are dads that you would want to have... or worse yet, that you would actually want to be? I surely wouldn't want my world "According to Jim." [Something tells me you would never see Ward Cleaver looking like this] Where oh where have you gone... we miss you and need you Ward Cleaver.

So as I sat there this summer with my dad, I realized that the reason I liked Ward Cleaver so much was because that's who my dad is. Sure he had his faults and his downfalls... and sometimes he was more like some of the buffoons as opposed to the stoic moral leaders... but aren't we all? He looked good in a suit, knew when to chastise and when to console, but most of all his moral compass always seemed to point north. The one woman in his life was my mother, she knew it, he knew it, and everybody else knew it. You didn't want to make him mad, and you sure knew when he was. Most of all... I know that that when my wife told me for the first time that I was just like my dad... it was a compliment and not a slam.

So as we move into a new decade... 20 years from the '80s... and some 50 years from the 50's... I wonder if society will ever uphold the strong man again? When will fathers on TV once again be symbols of moral strength and fortitude? When will we again see the likes of Ward Cleaver?

So as I left my house for the last time before moving up here to Alaska I gave my dad one last hug, because that is what we do, and I told him I loved him... I realized that maybe Ward Cleaver  isn't dead and gone... maybe he lives on in the fathers of this country...the one's who grew up with him on TV. As I left... I remembered a conversation I had with him about the show. I asked why he thought that TV didn't portray men and fathers like that anymore, and what it meant for society. He told me that we don't need TV to tell us how men and fathers should act. As a matter of fact he said that what we need is for FATHERS to SHOW their sons how to be great fathers.

New Blog: TrueManhood.com

I just want to call to your attention a new blog/website that I stumbled across:

It is run by Dave DiNuzzo, and has a theme that is pretty "near and dear" to the heart of your beloved [or not, maybe I assume too much] blog-host. The blog tackles a lot of issues that I have posted about here, and does a much better job than I have done :)

So if you have a chance go check it out! And women, don't be afraid to check it out either, there is a whole section dedicated to women. On top of that, Dave and his Wife Catherine work together to make the information applicable to both men and women, so it makes the website a lot more versatile than the title may suggest.

Where have all the Warriors (men) gone...

... hello? Men? .... is anybody out there?


After reading this post: Cheeky Pink Girl: The Dead Silence of Catholic Enrichment Programs I realized that the problem of lack of church attendance and Catholic "programs/groups" isn't anything innate in our Faith. It is due to the fact that men, mostly husbands and fathers just don't attend Mass. [I get it, Sunday is FOOTBALL DAY... guess what I have 3 fantasy teams and live in the AK time zone meaning that when I go to Mass the first games have JUST started, and I don't get home until half time... so what?] As I said earlier, clearly I do not mean to say that ALL men are like this I just mean many... [I don't mean you or me, us die-hard-traditionalist-blog-reading-missal-owning Men, we are anomolies not only by sex but by belief and practice.] I mean the fathers, husbands, and brothers of all the women that fill the pews each week. The men you and I used to be more than likely. The men of the WOMEN reading this post. Let's face it... if you are a male and reading this... you are not the target of this email. Which means that unfortunately the men I am calling probably won't ever read this. 


I have tried to write this post 4 different times, and I didn't know how to properly do it. Obviously, the men I want to call out onto the carpet won't read this much, even if their wife/mother/sister/brother/children etc... give it to them to read. They are too macho for that, too something. It's disgusting. I think the bravest thing a man can do is suck up his pride and present himself as weak, only then can he truly show his strength. I am not claiming I am better or stronger than anyone, I just realized much earlier how important our faith is...


I just don't get why men are afraid of Church. Maybe I do somewhat, I get it, it's long [a whole hour- most men spend more time picking their fantasy football team each week, which will eventually lose - thats what you get for drafting T.O.] and I understand that it can be confusing. Heck, you even have to sing? Forget that. But make your kids go... 'cuz the wife says so. And make sure you complain when your daughter dates a string of losers who are creeps, jerks, perverts and druggies - because it has NOTHING to do with how she views you or the people she associates with. [Especially since she stopped going to Mass at 14 because, "Dad doesn't go" only to start hanging out with "some people from school" who just happen to be 5 years older and have sex more times a week than you floss.] Where did she meet these boys? Oh you know, not at youth group - because she doesn't go, she met them at the mall, on Sunday.


Oh your Son? Yeah, he is on his laptop downloading: porn/illegal software/gangster rap music... because well... it makes him "manly." Plus, he was looking to spend time with you... but you were busy and couldn't find an hour to just sit with him... and contemplate the important things in life. [Too bad there isn't a place we could all go on Sunday and do that?] Marriage? Oh that, yeah he will find some girl and the most important thing will be money or a career. She will be of some Christian religion and he will decide to just get married in that church because, "It's more important to her anyways..." where did he ever learn that? And the cycle continues....


Meanwhile... many Catholic men sit at home without anyone they can relate to. They wish they had more male catholic friends, but there just don't seem to be any at church, at least not ones that jump out and are sociable. [Men aren't always the most outgoing, but... it sure is a lot better going hunting/fishing/etc... with someone else isn't it?] These same men are forbidding their beautiful and caring daughters from dating *your son* because he doesn't go to church or youth group. [Your son will go on to divorce his wife or just end up being miserable, because the job and money only make you happy for so long]. Our daughters know that your son is a good guy deep down, and she just wishes things were different, because she is having a hard time finding a "good guy."


Our sons? Yeah... we tell them to wait until marriage for sex, we tell them to be manly, strong, and courageous but they aren't scoring a lot of points with your daughters. [Being a part of the youth group and knowing how to say the rosary in latin don't impress them since they don't care about those things - too bad the girls wouldn't give them the time of day... because they would find out that our sons also can shoot better than most boys, throw a ball better, shoot a slapshot harder, cook, clean, and even change a diaper].


So you're probably right... not going to Mass isn't that big of a deal. As long as you make the kids go....... for now.

The Battle for Heaven...

"From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by FORCE!" -Matthew 11:12 (NAB)

"Then war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. The dragon and its angels fought back, but they did not prevail and there was no longer any place for them in heaven." -Apocalypse 12:7-8 (NAB)

“Is – is he a man?” asked Lucy.

“Aslan a man!” said Mr. Beaver sternly. “Certainly not. I tell you he is the King of the wood and the son of the great Emperor-beyond-the-Sea. Don’t you know who is the King of Beasts? Aslan is a lion – the Lion, the great Lion.”

“Ooh!” said Susan, “I’d thought he was a man. Is he – quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion.”

“That you will, dearie, and no mistake,” said Mrs. Beaver; “if there’s anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they’re either braver than most or else just silly.”

“Then he isn’t safe?” said Lucy.

“Safe?” said Mr. Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King I tell you.”
                   -The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe - by: C.S. Lewis

Saint Michael the Archangel,

defend us in battle.

Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;

and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host -

by the Divine Power of God -

cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits,

who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.

None of these quotations are very "Peaceful." This past Sunday, if you went to a Norvus Ordo Mass (Post Vatican II style Mass) you heard the Gospel of the Beatitudes. "Blessed are the peacemakers." Yet, why then are all these passages talking about war, battle, and strength? Isn't the way to heaven "peaceful?" Are we not supposed to turn the other cheek?

I think too often we take one phrase from the Bible or theological teaching and apply it to things and contexts for which it was never intended. Heaven may be a peaceful place, and as I described in the last post Jesus says we must become like children to enter into Heaven. Why then do these images exist? I think that for a long time the idea that we must become meek and lamb-like have been pushed at us, especially us men. I think we need to get a ferocity back, that of a lion or eagle so that we may enter the Kingdom of God.

I am not saying that we as men, or as people should become violent, mean, or abrasive simply to take on a persona of strength. True strength is witnessed many time through in-action as opposed to action but there is something to the idea of having a "Strong Persona." There is also something to the idea that we are currently "...in battle." We should not pretend as if the Devil does not exist or that evil is not a real and tangible thing. We must recognize that our souls are in a battle for salvation and eternal life. The best way to prepare for this battle is to believe in Christ, to live in his way and of course to go to Church and receive the Sacraments.

Men play a vital role in this. We are protectors of the family, of our society, and of ourselves. This does not mean that women have no place in this fight. Much as the women and children stood amongst the ranks of the men and the adults in the "Chronicles of Narnia" movie, here to on Earth they must battle against evil in whatever way they can. Yet, men possess the role on earth that more readily places them "in the line of fire."

We cannot fool ourselves into thinking that if we are quite, mild, meek, and peaceful that it somehow will ensure our ticket to Heaven. We are called to speak out, act out, and protect the virtues and principles of God. Whether we do this in politics, our careers, or even while raising our children, we must be vigilant and strong in our role. Predators prey on the weak. Think about the nature shows you have seen, and think about which gazelle or wildebeest get eaten? It isn't the aggressive or the fast, but instead it is frail and the weak. We cannot become those frail and weak animals, and we cannot allow our children to model themselves after such a person. So take up your arms, go to Church, receive the Sacraments, and take the Kingdom of heaven by force!!

**UPDATE**:
In light of what happened at Ft. Hood today... I thought about taking this post down, but I think that it actually is even more vital that this message be read. Evil does not hide, it does not lay in wait, and it strikes when we are most vulnerable. Fighting force with force isn't always the answer, and I am not promoting violence. What I am trying to say is that when evil attacks, turning the other cheek doesn't always work... sometimes it only gives them a second target. We must put on the armor of God and secure our place in his Kingdom.