In the powerful apostolic exhortation "Into the Breach," Bishop Thomas J. Olmstead of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix issues a clarion call to Catholic men. Released in 2015, this inspiring document rallies men to embrace their masculine identity, live virtuous lives, and courageously step into the breach, where their leadership and faith are needed in today's challenging world.
- Embracing Authentic Fatherhood
At the core of "Into the Breach" lies the essential role of fathers in the family and society. Bishop Olmstead urges men to be authentic fathers who lead by example, nurture their children in faith, and instill virtues that shape the next generation. In a culture that often downplays the importance of fatherhood, Bishop Olmstead reaffirms the unique and irreplaceable role of fathers as spiritual guides and protectors.
Authentic fatherhood involves much more than merely fulfilling material needs. It calls for sacrificial love, active presence, and a commitment to nurturing both the spiritual and emotional growth of children. By imitating the fatherly love of God the Father, men can foster an environment of love and stability in their families, providing a safe haven where their children can flourish.
- Building Strong Marriages and Families
Within "Into the Breach," Bishop Olmstead emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and the pivotal role of men in building strong, loving families. The family unit is the foundation of a healthy society, and men are called to be faithful and self-sacrificing husbands. This involves cherishing their wives and leading their families with love and humility.
In a culture that often undermines the institution of marriage, "Into the Breach" urges men to defend and uphold the sacrament of matrimony. This entails cherishing the gift of marital love, honoring the sacredness of the marital bond, and supporting their wives as equal partners in their journey of faith and life. Building strong marriages requires consistent effort and a willingness to overcome challenges together, providing a firm foundation for children to grow in love and security.
- Pursuing Virtue and Holiness
Central to "Into the Breach" is the call for men to pursue virtue and holiness in their daily lives. Bishop Olmstead reminds men that their faith is not confined to a Sunday obligation but a way of life to be lived with integrity and authenticity.
In the pursuit of virtue, men are encouraged to embrace prayer, frequent the sacraments, and perform acts of selflessness. By cultivating these habits, men can grow closer to God and become beacons of light for their families and communities. Living a life of virtue means making daily choices that align with the teachings of Christ and seeking opportunities to serve others with love and humility.
- Battling the Epidemic of Pornography
Courageously addressing the pervasive issue of pornography, "Into the Breach" acknowledges its detrimental impact on individuals, families, and society as a whole. Men are urged to reject pornography and strive for purity, safeguarding their personal dignity and promoting healthy relationships.
The battle against pornography is not merely an individual struggle but a societal issue that demands a collective response. Men are called to actively engage in creating a culture of purity by promoting healthy attitudes towards sexuality, supporting resources that assist in overcoming this harmful addiction, and fostering open dialogue within families and communities.
- Defending Human Dignity
At the core of Catholic social teaching is the inviolable dignity of every human person. "Into the Breach" calls men to be champions of this dignity, from the unborn to the elderly, and to stand up for the vulnerable and marginalized.
Men are called to defend human dignity in various ways, including advocating for the protection of the unborn, supporting initiatives that aid the poor and marginalized, and advocating for just and compassionate policies that respect the inherent value of every human life. By defending human dignity, men become instruments of God's love and compassion in a world that often devalues the sacredness of life.
- Answering the Call to Spiritual Warfare
"Into the Breach" emphasizes the reality of spiritual warfare and the importance of cultivating a strong spiritual life to withstand the challenges of the modern world. Men are called to be courageous soldiers of Christ, ready to confront the spiritual battles that arise in their lives.
To answer the call to spiritual warfare, men are encouraged to deepen their prayer life, entrust themselves to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints, and develop a reliance on God's providence. Through steadfast faith and unwavering trust in God, men can confront the challenges of the world with courage and conviction.
Conclusion
"Into the Breach" by Bishop Thomas J. Olmstead empowers Catholic men to embrace their masculinity and virtuous calling. By prioritizing authentic fatherhood, building strong families, pursuing virtue, battling against pornography, defending human dignity, and answering the call to spiritual warfare, men can make a positive impact on the world.
This inspiring exhortation calls men to rise as courageous witnesses of Christ's love, fostering hope in a world craving authentic masculinity. Through "Into the Breach," men can lead lives of faith, service, and love, creating a profound difference in their families, communities, and beyond. By answering the call to courageous leadership, Catholic men have the potential to make a meaningful impact and inspire positive change for generations to come. May the teachings of "Into the Breach" inspire men to embrace their God-given roles and lead lives of faith, service, and love, making a profound difference in their families, communities, and the world at large. Through the grace of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, may Catholic men answer the call to step "Into the Breach" with unwavering courage and conviction, embodying the virtues of true Christian masculinity.
To hear more about Bishop Olmstead and "Into the Breach," join Father Dom and James on the podcast in epsiodes 2-7! Check them out below:
- Episode 2: Forward Men! Step into the Breach.
- Episode 3: A Manly Dilemma
- Episode 4: Behold! The Epitome of Masculinity is Before You
- Episode 5: Is It Manly to Love?
- Episode 6: Fatherhood Changes History (Part 1)
- Episode 7: Fatherhood is Still Changing History (Part 2)
