In our culture today we lack a strong masculine presence. Years ago, a column written by Ann Landers reviewed what a man had wrote, “Mother ran our family. Daddy was a wimp. If anyone is at fault, it’s him. Almost all of my teachers were all effeminate. In one school the only male employee was the janitor. I was disciplined and rewarded exclusively by women. I learned early where the power was, and I wanted to be on the winning side.”
If you watch television today, you can see the devastating effects that have transpired over the years to the American man. It is difficult for men and young men coming up to have a understanding of the proper roles for men. The natural sequence is that we should be the protector, provider and spiritual leaders of the family. This message is not taught in marriage prep courses or counseling centers in our society anywhere.
In all sincerity, our wives would appreciate us stepping up and living out our God given role in the family. We see so many dysfunctional families today. These results stem from the breakdown of Godly marriages and the lack of a male presence in the home. According to a recent census, more than 1 out of 4 children live without a father in the home. Also, children that grow up without fathers are more likely to end up in poverty or drop out of school and become addicted to drugs or end up in prison. The missing father creates a gaping hole in the heart of a child.
What about the Spiritual Life of a Child
The father in the home is the spiritual leader for the family. The majority of fathers today seem to think that spiritual aspects of family life are the responsibility of the mother. If you have this idea, you are totally incorrect. A father in the home should lead the family in prayer. We should lead Bible study. We are to assure that the children attend church on Sunday. Also, he leads by example because he knows his boys are watching and learning. If you don’t care about your faith or family your boys are likely to follow in your footsteps.
God created you for a great purpose and this purpose has been almost removed by the feminist in our country. As men we should stand up for masculinity even if we are considered a male chauvinist. As Fathers we need to lead our children in the spiritual life. Why? because God has a plan in place that works.
In reality most people know that Christian marriage is between one man and one woman. If this is lived out accordingly the fruit of this sacramental union is love and from this love comes children.
Roles of the Husband and Wife are Different.
The role of a husband in the home differs from the role of the wife. If we look into this subject with an open mind the husband is the head, and the wife is the heart. On occasion, this has been brought to the public attention and is often misrepresented. One the other hand, the feminist would say, “that no man is a head over me… I’m not a doormat.” As men we should reflect Christ and His church. How much did Christ love us…His Church? He loved us enough to die for us. We should do the same for our wife and families.
If you read Sacred Scriptures, a woman should be submissive. In our culture this statement opens a whole can of worms for those who are misinformed. What we do not realize is that submission is an act of love. A women will lovingly submit because of the efforts put forth by her husband. A husband who is willing to die for her and the family.
A challenge that families face today is the lack of understanding of roles for a husband and wife. One might ask this question; do you really love like you should? Although we may think we do, often we don’t. Many of us are self-absorbed in what we want and what’s best for us. People in general have lost the servant attitude. This has led us to a society of selfishness.
Prayer is Essential Today
A good Prayer life can help us in all situations. Father Peyton had a famous line that is often quoted, “the family that prays together stays together”. God wants us to be happy in our marriages to the extent that we can be happy on this earth. We need to do our part to be parents who are involved in the home. If we want to change our current situation, we must make a conscience effort to the daily sacrifices of each roll. As Catholics we must share the faith with our children. We need to be there for them when challenges arise.
So don’t be that father who is missing in action or that mother who gives up. Get into the action and raise up good holy children for the future.
If we truly want to see a difference, we must persevere in our roles and a greater change in society will take place. When this happens, the family will once again become our strength.
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