To the Ends of the Earth: Action – Week 6, Day 1 - True Manly Living Requires Committed Brotherhood

We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love remains in death. Any one who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But if any one has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or speech but in deed and in truth.

 1 John 3:14–18

Being a true Christian brother means we cannot remain passive. Living virtuously with our brothers is not just a matter of well wishes and kind words. Christianity is an encounter between a broken world and the Risen Christ, as we work together to overcome the death of sin and build one another up in the strength of the Lord. Catholic men are called to love their brothers deeply, intimately, and solidly — not just with pleasantries and common interests, but with true concern for their ultimate destination. It may mean facing tough times, and it always requires openness and vulnerability on our part.

The Catholic Faith is not for the weak-minded. It is not something to which we half-heartedly commit. We are called to be a band of brothers, marching onward toward victory in Christ, lifting one another up as together we carry out the cause of the Gospel. We must commit to loving, honoring, and serving our brothers, because if we fail to support our brothers in the Faith, we will all fall when troubles and trials present themselves. Starting today, let us commit to standing with our brothers, so that we can support one another in giving ourselves fully to the Lord.

Questions for Reflection

How connected are you to your brothers? Do you strive to walk with them, to serve them, and to help them on their journeys?

How can you give strength today to a brother who needs your support?

Praying with Scripture

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Gal 3:27)

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