“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
-Matthew 3: 17

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The definition of masculinity is debated in our society. Men’s keynote speaker DJ Bernal reminded the young men present this weekend that their identity is in Christ and Christ alone.  Discussing a world in which the meaning of being a man can be confusing and difficult, DJ reminded us that through the grace of Baptism we have what it takes, because God has called us by name.

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What is masculinity? What does it mean to be a man? These are questions that David Calavitta helped the men at the conference explore during his talk this afternoon. When we dig into the etymology of the word masculinity, we discover it refers to something that is worthy of a man. The word itself points to the way in which men were created to exist; it tells us there is a worthy life that can be lived – one that aligns with the way a man was created.

“Your masculinity, as designed by God, given to you by God, is not bad. It is nothing you ever need to apologize for. It is a gift that God has given you and given the world through you.”

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Every man has a unique call. When men wake up to who they are and who the Lord calls them to become, the Devil runs in fear. Young men are called to more than what the world presents to them. For that reason, it’s important not to waste moments. This is the starting point from which Brian challenged the young men attending the conference this weekend.

Reflecting on the story of Genesis 3, Brian pointed out that it is an indictment on men. In that story, Eve is the one who engages the serpent. Adam is standing right there with her, but Eve is the one who fights the battle – the battle that Adam was called to stand up and fight. Men are called to battle for more.

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For centuries, cultures across the globe had male initiation rituals that would delineate when the boys became men. But we don’t have those anymore. So what now? Because the world doesn’t need a bunch of grown boys in men’s bodies. The world needs men for others. We know that because of the fall of man we have weakened wills and dimmed intellects, so we must let God restore our understanding of masculinity.

“When I was a child, I used to talk as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I put aside childish things.”

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