Christmas celebrates God’s entrance into the world to save us from sin and the power of the devil. From our encounter with his incarnate presence, we are transformed and sent into the world on mission. But this requires stepping out of our frenetic activity to listen to his voice and to accept the challenge of his holy Word, renewing us from within.
Like Moses at the Burning Bush, God calls us out of our complacency to face the problems of our oppression to modern pharaohs. Before facing those problems, however, we need a time of preparation, stopping to listen to the Word of God, strengthen fraternity, and gather up our courage.
To do this, throughout the month of January, we will read about the call of the prophets and discern God’s invitation for us as we begin Exodus 90 on January 20th. We will post these intentions for prayer, lifting each other up in prayer and asking for God’s blessing on our journey to freedom.
Fr. Jason Charron, a Ukrainian Catholic priest, and pastor of Holy Trinity Church near Pittsburg, will serve as our spiritual guide. He will offer us inspiration and encouragement as we set out on our spiritual battle for freedom. He regularly challenges men to step up and face the challenges of our culture and to be ready to sacrifice for the most important things in our lives.
As we move from the celebration of Christmas to the beginning of Exodus 90, we have a privileged moment to prepare, getting our minds and hearts in order to embark on our own Exodus out of Egypt. Let us now break away from the Pharaohs and Idols that hold us back from becoming the man God created us to be.
Christmas Season Disciplines:
- Read Daily Reading & Reflection – As we prepare for the start of Exodus 90 on January 20th, we will meditate on the great mystery of Christ’s birth for us in the manger. The Incarnation changes everything–meeting Jesus face-to-face sets us forth on a mission. A mission to break free from our Pharaohs and live in the Uncommon Freedom for which we were made.
- 20 Minutes of Silent Prayer – In the silence, we hear the voice of God. In the quiet of our hearts, he makes known his will and plan for us. During Exodus 90, we will commit to one Holy Hour of silent prayer each day. Begin to take up the practice of silence, a little bit each day, to prepare.
- Celebrate the Christmas Octave – Christmas doesn’t end on Christmas Day, but continues with 8 days of celebration. Each day, enter into the joyful celebration of this season.
- Pray for Uncommon Freedom – Exodus 90 is a journey from slavery to uncommon freedom. God does not liberate his people for any ordinary freedom, the daily routine of just getting by and struggling under the weight of worldly ways. He visits his people in this bondage to sin to bring them to an uncommon way of life, one that is rooted in his own life and happiness. This is our goal and nothing less will satisfy us.
- Invite Men to Exodus 90 – Each day, ask the Lord whom you should invite to make this journey with you. Come with an open mind and allow God to surprise you with the names he puts on your heart. Don’t say “no” on any man’s behalf. Exodus 90 has something to offer every man–make an invitation. If he says “no”, no worries, but don’t say “no” for him.
- Discern your Why – Quo vadis? Where are you going? Begin Exodus 90 with a clear intention. Why have you come to this challenge? What do you hope to gain? Nearly all men who come to Exodus 90 are seeking a new level of freedom. They realize that they are not free to love and serve their families and God as they ought. Name the
