The Incarnation and the Exultation: An Advent Devotional - Fourth Sunday of Advent Theme for the Week: God’s Gift of Joy!
To the Ends of the Earth: Character – Week 3, Day 1 - Discipline is a Lifestyle, Not a Task
Photo by Jenny Hill on Unsplash
Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Well, I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air; but I pommel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
1 Corinthians 9:24–27
Our path toward heaven is a marathon rather than a sprint. It is not just a “one-and-done” deal. Like athletes who perform difficult workouts in order to be ready to compete, Catholic men must commit to the labor of working out our salvation with “fear and trembling” (Phil 2:12).
Daily discipline involves consistent, fervent prayer; Bible reading and study; frequent Confession and reception of the Eucharist; and holding ourselves and our brothers accountable. As Catholic men, we belong to a brotherhood of believers who can support us in our daily walk. We have also the lives of the saints and the teachings of the Church to guide us when we struggle with doctrine or personal sin. No matter where our life takes us, we can draw strength from the Mystical Body of Christ.
Real faith is not a matter of checking the right boxes or saying and doing all the right things. Rather, it is a consistent, daily exercise in living wholeheartedly for God. We can rely on God’s help for this, because he gives us the grace we need to be men of God in a world that pushes back against godly living. We are called to accept his grace and allow it to work itself out in our lives.
Questions for Reflection
Do you ever feel weary in running the Christian race? Where can you turn for strength and inspiration this week?
Where do you need your brothers to hold you accountable?
What are two or three specific ways you can draw strength from other men as you strive to live a disciplined life?
Praying with Scripture
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us . . . (Heb 12:1).
You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE
You can watch and listen to this devotion HERE
Recommended Stories
More Stories By :
About the Author
Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.
