determined /dĭ-tûr′mĭnd/
adjective
Marked by or showing determination; resolute.
"was engaged in a protracted struggle with a determined enemy."
Decided or resolved.
"She is determined to be a doctor."
Decided; resolute.
Similar: decide dresolute
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition • More at Wordnik
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The Determined Catholic Man
My late mother often told me, since I was a young boy, how determined I am. The German side of my family would describe it as, "You can tell a German, but you can't tell him anything."
How determined I was to make first place in the State of Illinois Fire Cadet Competition in high school.
How determined I was at the age of nine to become the archdiocese photographer assigned to the archbishop of Chicago (Cardinal Bernardin).
How determined I have been to be an advocate for a Catholic men's spirituality movement in Chicagoland.
A dedicated Catholic man needs balance to stay consistently aligned with God's will and to join Him in His work. Often, we may convince ourselves that we are doing God's work, but in reality, we might be pursuing what we believe God wants us to do, or even deciding for God what we should be doing.
Many times, we become so busy and distracted that it's difficult to step aside and let God's guidance take precedence. As the saying goes, distractions reveal what we prioritize more (important) than God.
A committed Catholic man should strive to cultivate such a profound relationship with God that it profoundly influences and inspires those around him. The biblical phrase,
“For my ways are not your ways, says the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8), encapsulates a significant truth within Catholic theology. This concept highlights the Catholic belief in God’s transcendence and humanity’s limited understanding.
So I asked my private AI tool what a determined Catholic man is, and here is what it shared:
Based on the search results, here are some key aspects of "the determined Catholic man":
Orthodox and faithful: He is committed to the teachings of the Catholic Church and strives to live a life of faithfulness, as evident from his appearances on YouTube channels like Decrevi: Determined to be Catholic.
Love for the Church: He has a deep affection for the Church and desires to share his love and enthusiasm with others, as seen in his interviews and online presence.
Rooted in Scripture and Church teaching: His understanding of Catholic male spirituality is grounded in Scripture and Church doctrine, as reflected in his references to the Catechism of the Catholic Church and books like "Behold the Man: A Catholic Vision of Male Spirituality".
Emphasis on vulnerability and the Cross: He recognizes the importance of vulnerability and the Cross in authentic Catholic male spirituality, as quoted from "Behold the Man".
Committed to his faith and family: As a father, he prioritizes his faith and family life, balancing his responsibilities with his desire to share his Catholic identity with others.
Key Quotes
"It is only when we begin to understand the gift of vulnerability lived from the Cross that we will know what it means to be a man of God” (from "Behold the Man").
"The Father... determined to call together in a holy Church those who should believe in Christ" (from the Catechism of the Catholic Church).
In Summary**
The determined Catholic man is a devout and faithful individual who is deeply rooted in Scripture and Church teaching. He is committed to living a life of orthodoxy, vulnerability, and service, while prioritizing his faith and family. His enthusiasm and love for the Church inspire others to deepen their own Catholic identity and spirituality.
