This failure has contributed to the stereotype that women alone can appreciate the dignity of human life and the worship of God. Men can be tempted to think that they are somehow excused from their responsibilities as disciples in service to the family and the rest of the Church. Perhaps the coolness many contemporary men show toward their religious responsibilities is a key to understanding their failure to live virtuous lives as required by the demands of discipleship and fatherhood. Men need to be evangelized to assume their dignity as sons of God, brothers of Christ, faithful spouses of their wives, and committed fathers of their children. In many ways, regardless of the different explanations, many men seem to have lost their ideals and their nerve.
Surely men have many fears to face.
We fear to give our word or pledge ourselves or to make and keep commitments. We fear love and the sacrifices it entails. And we also fear to believe strongly and proclaim clearly our faith in Christ and His Church. Sadly, even among some priests and religious of the Church, we have witnessed the unwillingness of men to keep their solemn promise to God and His believing community. The man of faith stands in the mystery of faith with awe.