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Iron & Altar

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

Daily liturgical formation for Catholic men who want to be sharper tomorrow than today — as husbands, fathers, leaders, and disciples.

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What’s ready for you every morning

Today's Readings

First Reading, Psalm, Gospel — referenced and linked

Reflection

A substantive daily meditation written for Catholic men

The Challenge

A concrete call to action — something to carry into your day

One Prayer

A single prayer to anchor the day

Five minutes. Every morning.

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This is what’s waiting for you every morning. Read the full reflection.

Yesterday's Reflection

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

Today's Readings

Read today’s readings at USCCB

The Reading

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age. - Matthew 28:19-20

Reflection

Some doubted. Matthew notes it without apology - there on the mountain, having seen the risen Jesus, some of the eleven doubted. Jesus does not address the doubt. He gives the commission to the whole group: all power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go. Make disciples. Baptize. Teach. I am with you always.

The commission is not given to the ones who had it all together. It is given to the worshipers-with-doubters. The doubt does not disqualify. The going is what addresses it.

Moses sees God's glory and hears the name: merciful, gracious, slow to anger, rich in kindness and fidelity. Then he bows and asks: come along in our company. This stiff-necked people needs the merciful God to come with them. Every man in your band of brothers is the stiff-necked people. You are also the stiff-necked people. The Trinity comes along with all of you.

The Challenge

All power has been given to me - and I am with you always. Name the specific mission you are carrying this week. Receive the all power and the always with as the authority and the promise under it. And carry [name] into the commission: Lord, make a disciple of him. He is in the stiff-necked company with the rest of us. Come along with him.

One Prayer

Lord, all power in heaven and earth is yours. Go with me into my ordinary week as the God who goes along with stiff-necked company. Make disciples through me. I am with you always - let me live from that. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in you. Amen.