Palm Sunday and the Crisis of Manhood: Walking the Way of Christ the Authentic Man

FCJC Men’s Fellowship Reflection – Palm Sunday

The Hosannas and the Hidden Call

Palm Sunday invites us with waving palms and joyful cries of “Hosanna!” Yet beneath the celebration is the deeper truth: Jesus is entering the city not to bask in applause but to embrace the Cross. This triumphal entry is the beginning of His greatest act of love—the Passion, as proclaimed in Luke 22:14–23:56.

As men, we are called not just to witness this moment from the sidelines, but to walk with Jesus through the garden of agony, betrayal, suffering, and self-giving love. It is in the Passion that we find the truest image of manhood.

A Crisis Among Our Boys and Young Men

At our FCJC Virginia Men’s Fellowship last Saturday at Fairfax Coffee, we reflected on a painful reality: a growing crisis among boys and young men today. Many are confused, isolated, and uncertain of what it means to be a man. Behind this crisis is often the absence of a good, present father, especially during the pivotal years from ages 15 to 25.

These years shape their identity, character, and vocation. Without a strong, faithful male presence, boys are left vulnerable to distorted definitions of manhood that glorify power, control, emotional detachment, or superficial success.

Jesus: The True Model of Manhood

In the Passion narrative from Luke’s Gospel today, Easter Sunday, we encounter Jesus not as a distant religious figure, but as the Authentic Man, embodying the fullness of what manhood is meant to be as defined quite clearly by BiC Jess in his talk during our Men's Retreat last month. His strength is not in dominance, but in sacrificial obedience and persevering love.

Christ’s Masculine Virtues in His Passion:

  • Obedience to the Father’s Will

    “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)
    A true man aligns his life with the will of God, even when it costs him everything.

  • Sacrificial Love

    “This is my body, which is given for you.” (Luke 22:19)
    A real man gives his life in love—fully, freely, and without reserve.

  • Silent Strength Amid Injustice

    “He gave him no answer.” (Luke 23:9)
    Jesus endures false accusations with composed silence. He doesn’t retaliate—He entrusts Himself to the Father.

  • Mercy in the Face of Hatred

    “Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
    The heart of a man is not bitter, but merciful, even to those who wound him.

  • Faithful Presence in Pain
    Though betrayed and abandoned, Jesus remains faithful to the mission.

    “Into your hands I commend my spirit.” (Luke 23:46)

This is authentic manhood. It is not about perfection, popularity, or power. It is about obedience, sacrifice, humility, and unwavering love.

Why This Matters for the Next Generation

Our boys need to see this kind of man who prays, perseveres, forgives, and gives himself for the good of others, not just in books or sermons but in real life.

They need to see this in their fathers.
They need to see this in their older brothers.
They need to see this in us, brothers in Christ.

When fathers are absent, sons drift. But when men show up—present, prayerful, and formed in Christ—they shape future men. As Pope Benedict XVI once said, “The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.” And greatness begins at the Cross.

An Invitation to Walk with Christ

This Holy Week, don’t just remember the Passion—enter it.

  • Say yes to the Cross.

  • Say yes to obedience.

  • Say yes to sacrificial love.

  • Say yes to being present for the next generation.

Will you remain hidden like Adam or stand like Jesus?
Will you retreat into comfort or rise in courage?

Let us be men who walk the way of the New Man, who lead by serving, who love with sacrifice, and who obey the Father in all things.

Final Encouragement: Sirach for the Brothers

Let the words of Sirach 2:1-6 as suggested by BiC Jess, speak to our hearts this Palm Sunday:

“My son, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials… For in fire gold is tested, and worthy men in the crucible of humiliation. Trust God and He will help you; make straight your ways and hope in Him.”

Brothers, may we rise as men after Christ’s own heart. Our sons are watching.

Blessed Palm Sunday. Let us continue this journey.

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