Authentic Masculinity: Embracing Wisdom and Divine Justice
Summary
### Summary
Today's reflection centers on the concept of authentic masculinity and the wisdom found in God's justice. We began by emphasizing the kindness inherent in God's justice, a recurring theme that underscores the compassionate nature of divine judgment. This led us to explore the dichotomy between wisdom and folly as depicted in Proverbs 9. Lady Wisdom has built her house and prepared a banquet, inviting the simple to partake, while Lady Folly offers stolen water and bread taken in secret, symbolizing deceit and superficiality.
In our contemporary context, this dichotomy is mirrored in the conflicting views on masculinity. On one side, the #MeToo movement highlights toxic traits in men but often fails to provide a constructive model for authentic masculinity. On the other side, the "red pill" manosphere doubles down on these toxic traits, offering a distorted version of manhood. Neither side offers a true alternative, leaving men confused about their identity.
The true model of authentic masculinity is found in Jesus Christ. By examining the Eucharistic actions of Jesus—taking, raising eyes to heaven, giving thanks, blessing, breaking, and giving—we see a blueprint for authentic manhood. These actions teach us to recognize our gifts and shortcomings, seek divine help, give thanks, bless others, endure hardships, and ultimately offer ourselves in service to others.
The Eucharist, the body and blood of Christ, encapsulates this authentic masculinity. By partaking in the Eucharist, we are called to become what we receive: the body of Christ, broken in love for others. This transformation enables us to live out our faith authentically, bringing others to the banquet of divine wisdom.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Kindness in God's Justice: God's justice is not merely punitive but is imbued with kindness and compassion. This divine justice seeks to restore and heal rather than simply punish. Understanding this helps us approach God with trust and humility, knowing that His judgments are always aimed at our ultimate good. [06:18]
2. Wisdom vs. Folly: Proverbs 9 contrasts Lady Wisdom, who builds her house and prepares a banquet, with Lady Folly, who offers stolen water and secret bread. This serves as a metaphor for the choices we face in life: to follow the path of wisdom, which requires effort and integrity, or the path of folly, which is easy but ultimately deceitful. [24:25]
3. The Crisis of Masculinity: Modern society presents conflicting views on masculinity. The #MeToo movement criticizes toxic traits but lacks a constructive model, while the "red pill" manosphere embraces these toxic traits. Neither offers a true vision of authentic manhood, leaving men without a clear path. [23:03]
4. Jesus as the Model of Authentic Masculinity: Jesus Christ exemplifies authentic masculinity through His actions in the Eucharist: taking, raising eyes to heaven, giving thanks, blessing, breaking, and giving. These actions teach us to recognize our gifts and flaws, seek divine help, give thanks, bless others, endure hardships, and offer ourselves in service. [27:15]
5. Becoming Eucharistic People: By partaking in the Eucharist, we are called to become what we receive—the body of Christ. This transformation enables us to live out our faith authentically, bringing others to the banquet of divine wisdom. Authentic masculinity and femininity are encapsulated in this self-giving love, which is the essence of the Gospel. [31:01]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[06:18] - The Kindness in God's Justice
[20:37] - Introduction to Proverbs 9
[21:43] - The Crisis of Masculinity
[23:03] - The Red Pill Manosphere
[24:25] - Wisdom vs. Folly
[25:24] - Parodies of Authentic Masculinity
[26:21] - Jesus as the Model of Authentic Masculinity
[27:15] - The Eucharistic Actions of Jesus
[27:55] - Recognizing Our Gifts and Flaws
[28:47] - The Importance of Thanksgiving
[29:32] - Enduring Hardships
[30:14] - Becoming Eucharistic People
[31:01] - Authentic Masculinity in the Eucharist
[31:51] - Bringing Others to the Banquet
[32:40] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 9:1-6 (NIV)
> Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars. She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table. She has sent out her servants, and she calls from the highest point of the city, “Let all who are simple come to my house!” To those who have no sense she says, “Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight.”
2. Proverbs 9:13-18 (NIV)
> Folly is an unruly woman; she is simple and knows nothing. She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way, “Let all who are simple come to my house!” To those who have no sense she says, “Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!” But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead.
3. John 6:53-58 (NIV)
> Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.”
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the key differences between Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly as described in Proverbs 9? ([24:25])
2. How does the #MeToo movement and the "red pill" manosphere each portray masculinity, according to the sermon? ([23:03])
3. What actions of Jesus during the Last Supper are highlighted as traits of authentic masculinity? ([27:15])
4. How does the Eucharist symbolize authentic masculinity and femininity, according to the sermon? ([31:01])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the contrast between Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly in Proverbs 9 teach us about the choices we face in life? ([24:25])
2. How does the sermon suggest that modern society's views on masculinity are lacking? ([23:03])
3. In what ways does Jesus' example in the Eucharist provide a model for authentic masculinity? ([27:15])
4. How does partaking in the Eucharist transform us into "Eucharistic people," and what does this mean for our daily lives? ([31:01])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced the kindness in God's justice. How did it change your perspective on divine judgment? ([06:18])
2. Proverbs 9 presents a choice between wisdom and folly. Can you identify a recent decision where you chose wisdom over folly? What was the outcome? ([24:25])
3. The sermon discusses the crisis of masculinity in modern society. How do you personally navigate the conflicting messages about what it means to be a man or woman today? ([23:03])
4. Jesus' actions during the Last Supper are presented as a model for authentic masculinity. Which of these actions (taking, raising eyes to heaven, giving thanks, blessing, breaking, giving) do you find most challenging to emulate, and why? ([27:15])
5. The Eucharist calls us to become what we receive—the body of Christ. How can you live out this calling in your interactions with others this week? ([31:01])
6. The sermon emphasizes the importance of thanksgiving. What are some practical ways you can incorporate more gratitude into your daily routine? ([28:47])
7. Reflect on the idea of enduring hardships as a form of training in generosity. How can you reframe a current challenge in your life as an opportunity for growth in this area? ([29:32])
Devotional
Day 1: The Kindness in God's Justice
God's justice is not merely punitive but is imbued with kindness and compassion. This divine justice seeks to restore and heal rather than simply punish. Understanding this helps us approach God with trust and humility, knowing that His judgments are always aimed at our ultimate good. When we think of justice, we often imagine a courtroom setting where the guilty are punished. However, God's justice is different. It is restorative, aiming to bring healing and wholeness to those who have gone astray. This perspective changes how we view our own mistakes and the mistakes of others. Instead of fearing God's judgment, we can trust in His desire to restore us to a right relationship with Him.
In our daily lives, this means we should also strive to embody this kind of justice. When we see someone who has wronged us or others, our first instinct should not be to seek retribution but to seek ways to restore and heal. This is a radical departure from the world's view of justice but aligns perfectly with the heart of God. [06:18]
Isaiah 30:18 (ESV): "Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you felt wronged. How can you approach it with a mindset of restoration and healing rather than retribution?
Day 2: Wisdom vs. Folly
Proverbs 9 contrasts Lady Wisdom, who builds her house and prepares a banquet, with Lady Folly, who offers stolen water and secret bread. This serves as a metaphor for the choices we face in life: to follow the path of wisdom, which requires effort and integrity, or the path of folly, which is easy but ultimately deceitful. Lady Wisdom's invitation is open to all who are willing to leave their simple ways and embrace a life of understanding. Her banquet symbolizes the richness and fulfillment that come from living a life aligned with God's principles.
On the other hand, Lady Folly's offer is tempting because it promises immediate gratification with little effort. However, her stolen water and secret bread are ultimately unsatisfying and lead to destruction. This dichotomy is a powerful reminder that the easy path is not always the best path. True wisdom requires effort, integrity, and a willingness to seek God's guidance in all things. [24:25]
Proverbs 9:1-6 (ESV): "Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars. She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table. She has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town, 'Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!' To him who lacks sense she says, 'Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision you made. Did you choose the path of wisdom or the path of folly? How can you seek God's guidance in future decisions?
Day 3: The Crisis of Masculinity
Modern society presents conflicting views on masculinity. The #MeToo movement criticizes toxic traits but lacks a constructive model, while the "red pill" manosphere embraces these toxic traits. Neither offers a true vision of authentic manhood, leaving men without a clear path. This crisis of masculinity has left many men feeling confused and without a clear sense of identity. The #MeToo movement has rightly called out harmful behaviors but often fails to provide a positive model for what healthy masculinity looks like. On the other hand, the "red pill" manosphere doubles down on these toxic traits, offering a distorted version of manhood that is equally unhelpful.
What is needed is a vision of authentic masculinity that is rooted in the example of Jesus Christ. Jesus exemplifies what it means to be a true man: He is strong yet gentle, authoritative yet humble, and always willing to serve others. By looking to Jesus as our model, we can begin to understand what it means to be authentically masculine in a way that honors God and serves others. [23:03]
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (ESV): "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love."
Reflection: In what ways have you been influenced by society's conflicting views on masculinity? How can you look to Jesus as your model for authentic manhood?
Day 4: Jesus as the Model of Authentic Masculinity
Jesus Christ exemplifies authentic masculinity through His actions in the Eucharist: taking, raising eyes to heaven, giving thanks, blessing, breaking, and giving. These actions teach us to recognize our gifts and flaws, seek divine help, give thanks, bless others, endure hardships, and offer ourselves in service. Jesus' actions during the Last Supper provide a powerful blueprint for what it means to be authentically masculine. By taking the bread and wine, He acknowledges the gifts and resources available to Him. By raising His eyes to heaven, He seeks divine guidance and help. By giving thanks, He shows gratitude for what He has received. By blessing the bread and wine, He sets them apart for a holy purpose. By breaking the bread, He demonstrates a willingness to endure hardship and suffering. Finally, by giving the bread and wine to His disciples, He offers Himself in service to others.
These actions are not just rituals; they are a way of life. They teach us to be mindful of our gifts and shortcomings, to seek God's help in all things, to be grateful, to bless others, to endure hardships with grace, and to offer ourselves in service to others. This is the essence of authentic masculinity as modeled by Jesus. [27:15]
Luke 22:19-20 (ESV): "And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, 'This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.'"
Reflection: How can you incorporate the Eucharistic actions of Jesus into your daily life? What steps can you take to recognize your gifts, seek divine help, give thanks, bless others, endure hardships, and offer yourself in service?
Day 5: Becoming Eucharistic People
By partaking in the Eucharist, we are called to become what we receive—the body of Christ. This transformation enables us to live out our faith authentically, bringing others to the banquet of divine wisdom. Authentic masculinity and femininity are encapsulated in this self-giving love, which is the essence of the Gospel. The Eucharist is not just a ritual; it is a call to transformation. When we partake in the body and blood of Christ, we are called to become what we receive. This means living out our faith in a way that is authentic and transformative. It means embodying the self-giving love of Christ in all that we do.
This transformation is not just for our own benefit but for the benefit of others. By becoming Eucharistic people, we are called to bring others to the banquet of divine wisdom. This means sharing the love and wisdom of Christ with those around us, inviting them to experience the transformative power of the Gospel. Authentic masculinity and femininity are found in this self-giving love, which is the essence of what it means to be a follower of Christ. [31:01]
1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (ESV): "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread."
Reflection: How can you become more Eucharistic in your daily life? What steps can you take to embody the self-giving love of Christ and invite others to the banquet of divine wisdom?
Quotes
1. "Men don't know how to be men anymore. Men don't know how to be men anymore. To me, it feels like I've heard that constantly for close to a decade now. Men don't know how to be men anymore. And I hear it from two warring factions. On one side, we've got 2017's hashtag me too. Now, please don't misunderstand me. If you feel like you've been abused or have been harassed, my office is a safe place. You and I can figure it out together and try to figure out our next steps as best as we can." [20:37] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "But then on the other side, we've got what's known as the red pill manosphere. And it's really a response. To the fallout of 2017. The red pill for you zoomers and gen alphas out there is a matrix reference. And it refers to an awakening of a difficult but hidden reality. And manosphere describes this space, this community online, as a so-called safe space for men to be themselves and learn how to be real men. But does it propose an authentic masculinity? My take is no." [21:43] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So your homework for today is to go and read the rest of Proverbs chapter 9. the rest of Proverbs chapter 9, just to give you a summary, contrasts wisdom's house, wisdom's banquet, with the woman of folly. Lady folly has also prepared a banquet to invite people over. But she's the antithesis to wisdom. Where wisdom has built her own house, folly lives in the city heights, implying that she's the inheritance kind of wealthy." [24:25] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "But the real foil, the real alternative in presenting an authentic masculinity, is none other than our Lord Jesus Christ. These last few weeks you and I have journeyed through and explored John chapter 6, with today being our second to last installment. And if you need more detailed refreshers, visit our website, follow our podcast, and give my homilies another listen. But in summary, we've presented God as the one who hands, hand feeds us, and that what's actually in the hand of God is nothing but a nail hole." [25:24] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The first take refers to recognizing who we are now, with all of our gifts, all of our talents, but even our shortcomings and sins. Recognizing all those things, but then making the effort to be better Christian men and women, to be more virtuous men and women. But we have to do this with eyes raised to heaven, because we know we cannot succeed in that effort unless we ask for God's help, God's grace. And we receive that grace to persevere, first and foremost from the Eucharist, which actually means Thanksgiving." [27:55] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Because at the end of the day, greatest blessing we can bestow is the free and generous and total gift of ourselves, our very lives. Just as Jesus Christ was broken and will be broken in the Eucharist to give that gift to us, so too are we called to experience some hardship, some breaking of ourselves, in order to train us in that level of generosity. And it's at that point, and only at that point, can we dare to utter the words of Christ to others. Take and eat. This is my body, given for you." [29:32] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "In other words, when we receive the most holy Eucharist worthily, we become what we receive. We become Eucharistic people. We become the body of Christ, broken in love for others. And so the command is to be what you see when the priest or the extraordinary minister of Holy Communion presents the host to you. what you see. Receive who you are. And note that authentic masculinity is encapsulated in that tiny host. Authentic masculinity is encapsulated in that tiny host." [30:14] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Do we have the faith to believe these things about something that looks like bread, that tastes like bread? Do we have the hope to believe that everything we need to be to be the best sons and daughters of God that he's calling us to be can be found in that wafer? And do we have the love not only to love and to adore that wafer, but to invite people and to bring people to this banquet that the divine wisdom has prepared for all of us?" [31:51] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Let's therefore today ask for that grace to be authentic men and women, to be apostolic men and women, to be eucharistic men and women. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Things visible and invisible, I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten, the resurrection of the dead. Father gives us his own Son as real food and real drink at the altar. We can ask him for all our needs through Christ, the source of new life." [32:40] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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