"The Cross and Manhood" Part I

What is Manhood apart from the cross of Christ?

Is the cross not the ultimate symbol of manhood? Of sacrifice?

Of tenacity and strength?

Though it lead to death, it opened the gates of life;
 through destruction it rebuilt;
 by tearing down it restored;
by emptying it fulfilled.
Are we men not called daily to endure the same trials?
By dying to self we shall live;
by destroying our vices we can build virtue;
by tearing down our prideful walls we can restore right relationshiop with God and neighbor;
 by emptying our cup of sin, we can fill it with love.
 The cross is inseperable from manhood, if that manhood is to be an authentic Catholic manhood.