Events

Deacon’s Beacon: A Man’s Faith Journey

“A man’s faith journey”

“Why don’t they do something about …!” We all have probably been in a conversation where that question was asked. That question usually occurs when discussing an issue of great importance – when there is no easy answer. We may hear it when discussing violent crime, politics, the economy, why our favorite sports team is doing so poorly, or any number of issues.

Unfortunately, many times there is little, if anything we can do – and the question goes unanswered, with no guidance or direction. But there is an issue of great importance where we can get guidance and direction – that’s in our relationship with God. We are created to develop an intimate relationship with God.

Many times, on our faith journey we start out with good intentions, but there’s a lot of secular “noise” interference that can distract us. Where do we turn for guidance?

In recent years, many have listened to podcasts on their smartphones to “factoids” for guidance. Several years earlier many received guidance from listening to “WWJD” (What Would Jesus Do). Podcasts speak to our ears with “factoids.” Listening to Jesus speaks to our heart about an eternal message.

How do we know where to turn?

This fall Our Lady of the Wayside is offering a program that focuses on the issue of a man’s relationship with God. It’s called . . . .

“That Man Is You”

Unlike the above example when we see issues of “great importance” we don’t shrug and do nothing – we’re called to action. That’s the case with our life journey. This does require action from us.

But we all need guidance if we want to reach that ultimate goal – union with God. That’s the message we hear from That Man Is You (TMIY).

The program is currently running in many parishes across the United States. Some of the comments from men already in the program are:

• It provides the opportunity to connect with other guys over our faith and how we live it in our lives.
• It’s a chance to discuss our faith rather than only talk about sports or kids’ activities.
• We meet people that we wouldn’t normally meet through our regular activities.

And, of course, the main reason is that it provides an excellent opportunity to gain a better understanding of our Catholic faith.

We may say, “I already know all I need to know of my faith. That is never true. There is always more to learn and experience.

In last Sunday’s gospel we hear Peter declare to Jesus, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” In today’s gospel, on a different issue, we hear Jesus reply to Peter, “You are not thinking as God does, but as human beings do.”

TMIY weekly sessions start with breakfast at 7am. A video presentation begins at 7:20, and is followed with small group discussions at 8am, and concludes at 8:30. The presentations feature excellent, well-known speakers.

The meetings start early so that we are free for the rest of the busy weekend.

For more information on That Man Is You, contact John Ourednik or Dave Woods at: mensgroup@olwparish.org

Men of the parish, we all will learn from TMIY. I look forward to seeing you next Saturday! Please come!

Deacon Tom Corcoran

“You are the light of the world.  Do not light a lamp then put it under a bushel basket…. your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Heavenly Father.”  Matthew 5:5-16