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Preface

We are on the path to perfection. Who we are in Christ forms the foundation for right living and sets us on the path toward a glorious eternity in the presence of our heavenly Father. If we want to reach our destination, each of us must make a commitment. We must put on the virtues God has given to us in Christ.

Are we strong in our faith, standing on the rock-solid foundation of the Word and the Church, or are we double-minded men, tossed to and fro on the waves of our own indecisiveness (cf. Eph 4:14)? Are we troubled by a painful past, locked in a prison of sin from which we cannot break free, or do we listen to the still, small voice of the One who breaks our bonds and sets our feet on the right path? We must turn our worlds upside down, being willing to lose in order to gain. We must strive with single-minded purpose to win, empowered by God alone, forgetting our past and allowing him to change us radically into the men he created us to be.

During the next ten weeks, we will be looking at the simple truths of our faith — the no-nonsense, straightforward gospel message that shows us how we should act if we want to stay on the straight and narrow path toward heaven. Throughout this study, we will focus on the virtues we need to be strong men of God. At the same time, we will be growing in fellowship with our brothers and fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (cf. Heb 12:2).

As you pore over the selected passages from Scripture throughout this study, remember that all of our actions should be rooted in love. Love is the glue that holds all other virtues together; the beautiful gift that completes our faith and moves us along the path of salvation (cf. Col 3:14). Be sure to spend quality time with other men, sharing openly about what it means to be given a second chance in Christ, to carry through our trials in his strength, and to love others as he has loved us.

This book is both a personal daily devotional and a tool for group study with other men. Each day, you are encouraged to read through the day’s devotion, pray and meditate on the message from God’s Word, and reflect on the questions provided, always remembering the theme for the week and seeking to apply it to your life. It is suggested that you take fifteen to thirty minutes in the morning to complete each devotion, and then let your prayerful experience with the Lord guide you throughout your day.

On Saturday you are encouraged to look back on your week of study, reflecting on the progress you’ve made, thanking God for the work he has done in your life, throwing any mistakes into the ocean of God’s mercy, and committing to personal goals in areas where you’d like to see improvement in the coming week.

Those who want to take things a step further are encouraged to keep a journal where you write your reflections, track your progress in Christian living, and dialogue with the God who is leading you on this journey of manhood. You can then use your journal to help you share your insights and discoveries with other men.

The key to growing with this study involves two things: taking time to read and learn each day, and then living out the message through practical acts of love. This means taking the reflection questions and turning them into action steps that you can do as you love your family, serve your church and community, and lift up your brothers in the Faith.

Once a week you are encouraged to come together with other Catholic men to share your thoughts on the devotions, the insights you have gained in prayer, and the ways you have put these principles into practice in everyday life. The leader of your study group will facilitate a discussion, focusing on those passages, reflections, and actions that have meant the most to the men in the group. After a general sharing of thoughts about the daily devotions, the leader can focus on the Saturday “Go Deeper” questions. As each man shares ideas, the leader will encourage the other men to build on the ideas raised and add their own unique voices to the discussion.

As you make this journey, determine to spend more time in prayer, study, and worship to grow in your faith. Look for opportunities to interact with your brothers as you build one another up, carry one another’s burdens, and hold one another accountable before God. Love your families and your communities with the same uncompromising love that Christ has poured out on you. Look for ways to make this world a better place by being a man who represents Christ and his Church well. And look forward to all the blessings that are to come in God’s good time!