A Brother’s Gaze, A Servant’s Heart – Holy Week Reflections from the Men's Retreat

Families in Christ Jesus Community – FCJC Men's Ministry

As we enter into the heart of Holy Week, our hearts are still full from the grace and fraternity we experienced at the recent 2025 FCJC Men's Retreat:
"The Way of the New Man – A Journey of Renewal in the Desert."

One of the most powerful moments of the weekend was Talk 2: Brotherhood and Servanthood – Walking the Path of Christ, shared by our brother Tonichi. Rooted in the words of Jesus from Matthew 12:50, we were reminded:

“For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother.”

We realized that brotherhood is not merely about shared interests or backgrounds but about shared obedience to the Father. When we choose to follow God's will, we are united as brothers in Christ.

"Life Does Not Make Sense Unless We Make a Gift of Ourselves."

That single line from Tonichi's talk pierced many hearts during the retreat. It’s a profound reminder that our lives only find meaning in love when we become a gift to others, especially our brothers.

Being a brother and a servant means showing up for others even when inconvenient. It means encouraging, correcting, and walking together in the daily grind of holiness. It means sacrificing pride, time, and comfort to lift someone up.

Jesus, Judas & Peter: A Holy Week Reflection

Today’s Gospel (John 13:21-33, 36–38) gives us a sobering contrast between three friends: Jesus, Judas, and Peter.

All three sat at the same table and shared the same meal, but their responses to love and failure could not have been more different.

  • Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. But his greatest failure wasn’t the betrayal—it was his despair. He believed more in his sin than in Christ’s mercy.

  • Peter also betrayed Jesus—not once, but three times. And yet, when Jesus looked at him, Peter wept. He allowed himself to be broken and returned to the One who loved him.

The difference wasn’t the sin—it was the response.
One ran from mercy. The other ran toward it.

Walking the Way of the New Man This Holy Week

So how do we respond when we fail? When we fall short as brothers, husbands, or leaders?

Let’s remember:

  • Brotherhood is presence, even when it costs us.

  • Servanthood is anticipating needs, not waiting to be asked.

  • Love is action, not intention.

  • Mercy is always available—just one honest prayer away.

Don’t be like Judas, trapped in guilt and isolation.
Be like Peter—broken, but believing in the Resurrection.

Final Thoughts

This Holy Week, let’s reflect deeply and walk forward with courage. Let us recommit to being the brothers and servants God created us to be.

Let us walk the desert path not alone, but side by side, lifting one another toward the promise of Easter.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear?”
—Psalm 27:1

 

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