By Dean Sebastian
Lately, I have been a semi-active participant in the Tolda Cristiana in our community. It is a parish-organized, community-based small church that goes house to house, where members reflect and discuss the thematic teachings of the Church based on the recent Gospels.
It sounds boring. It can also be disruptive to routines and the norms of the community. But it is also a real opportunity for growth, participation, and for reaching nominal Catholics where they are—in their homes, in their ordinary lives.
But here is what I noticed: there is a lack of male participation. The Tolda Cristiana in our area is attended almost exclusively by women. Even in homes that host the gathering, it is often the wife who prepares the space, welcomes the group, and leads the prayers, while the husband remains in his usual space—attending to something else. He is present in the house, yet absent from the prayer. The spiritual duty falls on the wife and children.
What happened? When did prayer begin to be seen as something feminine and optional for men? Many of us were formed to believe that our role is to provide, to fix, and to protect what is seen and tangible. Prayer, which requires surrender, was left behind. We remained guardians of the household, but not always leaders at its altar.
If you are a young man, know that you have a place in the Church. If you are a husband or father, you are called to stand beside your family and to lead them in faith.
And if you are a woman reading this, pray for the men in your life. Mothers, pray for your sons. Sisters, pray for your brothers—that we may find our way back to spiritual leadership. I remember a time when I was spiritually dry. My wife prayed for me to lead her and our family, and I know she was heard.
May we, men, find the courage and strength to serve and lead. Pray for us.
#GOTO #GodOfTheOrdinary #WFALoveConnnects