Claiming Your Kingship: A Catholic Man’s Guide to Summer Leadership
Don’t we all want to be kings?
Not for selfish power or luxury, but to become heroic—men of valor who lead and serve others with virtue. In Christ, especially crowned with thorns before Pilate, we see a different vision of kingship: humble, sacrificial, and rooted in service.
This summer, Exodus 90 invites Catholic men to embrace this vision through “Kings of Summer,” a challenge that calls you to reign not by dominance, but by love and virtue. Here’s how you can live out your baptismal kingship today.
1. Serve Like a King: Leadership Through Love
The Christian life is a spiritual battle—against the world, the flesh, and our own weaknesses. But victory comes not through brute force, but through faith and self-giving love.
“This is the victory that overcomes the world: our faith.” – 1 John 5:4
This summer, you’ll likely enjoy more time with family. Use it as an opportunity to serve them with joy. Whether it’s tackling long-overdue projects at home or addressing needs in your parish or neighborhood, don’t waste the season on passive relaxation. See it as a kingly call to service.
Practical Challenge: Identify one project in your home or one person in your community you can serve this month.
2. Learn from Saintly Kings
Dozens of kings throughout history have been canonized or venerated by the Church—not for their power, but for their holiness.
This summer, Exodus men will reflect on the lives of Christian kings such as:
- St. Louis IX – a just ruler and devout father
- St. Henry II – a pious emperor who supported the Church
- St. Olaf of Norway – a courageous evangelist
- St. Casimir – known for his purity
- Bl. Karl of Austria – a humble peacemaker
These men balanced their public duties with prayer, family life, and devotion to Christ. They’re proof that holiness is possible even in positions of great responsibility.
Practical Challenge: Choose one king-saint to learn from and ask his intercession throughout the summer.
3. Make Leisure Holy Again
Summer brings a welcome break from the demands of work and school—but don’t let it become an escape from discipline or purpose.
The Church teaches that leisure is not idleness, but the space for prayer, contemplation, and worship. Philosopher Josef Pieper wrote:
“Leisure is the basis of culture… the celebration of God in worship is its fountainhead.”
This summer, build intentional leisure into your life: Mass and adoration, contemplative reading, meaningful conversations, art, or time in nature. True leisure refreshes the soul and opens it to God.
Practical Challenge: Schedule at least one weekly activity that connects you to beauty, worship, or contemplation.
Reign with Christ This Summer
The Kings of Summer challenge isn’t about being served. It’s about learning to serve like Christ, lead like the saints, and rest in God’s presence. It’s about reclaiming your spiritual kingship as a Catholic man.
Let this summer be a season of transformation. Say yes to the call of Christ the King. Join us.
