Jake and Brett, joined again by their friend and ally Sean O’Brien, continue a three part series unpacking a powerful homily that was given by Fr. Joe Fitzgerald at the Men’s Retreat in September 2019.

Jake and Brett, joined by their friend and ally Sean O’Brien, start a three part series that unpacks a powerful homily that was given by Fr. Joe Fitzgerald at the Men’s Retreat in September 2019.

In this episode, Jake and Brett talk about masculinity in modern culture and how the heart of masculinity isn’t privilege, bravado, passivity, or power. Rather, authentic masculinity is dangerous, good, and sacrificial.

Summary:
Brett boldly initiates an unscripted, unplanned, honest conversation about his friendship with Jake and various things getting in the way of their fellowship.

Key points:
- Brett apologizes for not being a good friend as of late
- Suggestions and interpretations can given from the evil one
- We can harbour negative interpretations and reactions that aren’t good for relationships
- Deep brotherhood is unfortunately uncommon
- The interpretation(s) we make of someone’s actions, or lack thereof, are very powerful and potentially damaging
- There is great value to acknowledge if something seems off in an important relationship and talk about it
- Addressing the reality of a relationship can be scary
- We can just let the weeds take over a relationship
- We have to fight for the things that matter
- “A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter: he that has found one has found a treasure. There is nothing so precious as a faithful friend, and no scales can measure his excellence. A faithful friend is an elixir of life; and those who fear the Lord will find him.” (Sirach 6:14-16)
- It’s important to acknowledge and address our “brother wounds”
- Generally, there are two types of wounds: A - absence of something that should have been there, B - some bad that happened
- The intensity and duration of wounds are other factors that matter
- Dr. Bob Schuchts is a great Catholic psychologist who offers healing retreats

Discussion Questions:
- What struck you from this episode?
- What gets in the way of your friendships with other men?
- What friend might you need to repair with? How can you do that?

Resources:
- “There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship” (St. Thomas Aquinas)
- Dr. Bob Schuchts

By unpacking various ways life can unfold after a retreat, Jake and Brett emphasis the importance of assumptions and interpretations and how to keep our hearts alive following a powerful experience of God.

Jake and Brett continue their conversation about discernment of spirits and discuss the common false reasonings men struggle with including what it means to be a good Catholic man.

Jake shares with Brett about his experiences on an 8 day retreat, especially what he learned about the discernment of spirits.

Jake and Brett talk about the various movements and dynamics that occur behind the scenes in preparation for the Men’s Retreat.

Jake and Brett take the regular high low segment of the show and extend it for an entire episode. They discuss in more depth how the way of the heart is very real, up and down, and often unresolved.

Jake and Brett discuss how true boldness is manifesting the heart of Jesus in a given situation. By examining scenes from Jesus’ life, it becomes clear that boldness is a wonderful and essential part of authentic masculinity.