By Jim Lopez, a medical student in the Philippines
Finding God in all things. Aside from Saint Ignatius, one of the Church's best examples of faithfully epitomizing this motto was Saint Josemaria Escriva, the founder of Opus Dei.
Opus Dei, or the Work of God, is a group of Catholic men and women who dedicate themselves to Christ while actively being involved in the world, as businessmen, teachers, professionals, workers, even athletes. Through the years, the Opus Dei has produced many venerable examples proving that living the ordinary life can merit sainthood as well.
In one of the fastest canonization processes in the Church, Josemaria Escriva was canonized in 2002 by Pope John Paul II.
I suddenly remembered Saint Josemaria, because in a week's time, another school year begins in the Philippines. I'll be dressed once again in the white uniform of a medical student at the University of the Philippines. A stethoscope shall once again be hanging on my shoulders, a nameplate pinned on my vest pocket. Again, my responsibilities as editor of the college newspaper, as member of a Greek-letter organization, and as a devoted son to my family amid a very busy schedule shall once again remind me of the need to find God in all things.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Spiritual Professionalism
By David H. Lukenbill in Catholic Eye, a daily look at politics, public policy, and culture, from one Catholic's eyes
One of the greatest moments in my life was when I became a Catholic and a most significant step towards that communion was learning of the work of Josemaria Escriva, the founder of Opus Dei, who is now St. Josemaria Escriva.
It was from the writing about Opus Dei, initially Uncommon Faith, which tells of the early development of Opus Dei, which then led me to his writings, and I acquired the Centennial Edition, a collection of all of his published work in nine volumes.
I also acquired the original multi-volume edition of the Catholic Bible, seven volumes for the Old Testament and 12 for the New Testament, which is the best modern translation and commentary I have found, and a project initiated by St. Josemaria and completed by the faculty of the University of Navarra.
This grounding in the precepts of the approach to work and faith—they are forever joined—has been the greatest blessing to me, and with liturgy and contemplation, propels me toward the ever developing work of perfecting my service.
An excellent new book, Virtuous Leadership: An Agenda for Personal Excellence, by Alexandre Havard, Director of the European Center for Leadership Development, addresses this in a focused way, informed deeply by the work of St. Josemaria, and opens his introduction thus:
“Leadership is only superficially about what we imagine. Hearing the word, one thinks of heads of state or government moving nations to action, captains of industry bringing products to market that change our lives, generals leading armies into battle. One supposes it to be an amalgam of ambition, charisma, cunning, know-how, access to money, and a gift for being in the right place at the right time.
“These are talents and qualities and resources leaders can use to advantage, but none of them constitutes the essence of leadership.
“Leadership is about character.
“No, leadership is character.
“There are those who think one must be born to lead—that some have a knack for it and some do not, that leadership is largely a matter of temperament combined with experience. Not everyone can be a Roosevelt or a de Gaulle or a Churchill, they think.
“Nothing could be further from the truth. Leadership is not reserved to an elite. It is the vocation not of the few but the many.” (p. xiii, italics in the original)
One of the greatest moments in my life was when I became a Catholic and a most significant step towards that communion was learning of the work of Josemaria Escriva, the founder of Opus Dei, who is now St. Josemaria Escriva.
It was from the writing about Opus Dei, initially Uncommon Faith, which tells of the early development of Opus Dei, which then led me to his writings, and I acquired the Centennial Edition, a collection of all of his published work in nine volumes.
I also acquired the original multi-volume edition of the Catholic Bible, seven volumes for the Old Testament and 12 for the New Testament, which is the best modern translation and commentary I have found, and a project initiated by St. Josemaria and completed by the faculty of the University of Navarra.
This grounding in the precepts of the approach to work and faith—they are forever joined—has been the greatest blessing to me, and with liturgy and contemplation, propels me toward the ever developing work of perfecting my service.
An excellent new book, Virtuous Leadership: An Agenda for Personal Excellence, by Alexandre Havard, Director of the European Center for Leadership Development, addresses this in a focused way, informed deeply by the work of St. Josemaria, and opens his introduction thus:
“Leadership is only superficially about what we imagine. Hearing the word, one thinks of heads of state or government moving nations to action, captains of industry bringing products to market that change our lives, generals leading armies into battle. One supposes it to be an amalgam of ambition, charisma, cunning, know-how, access to money, and a gift for being in the right place at the right time.
“These are talents and qualities and resources leaders can use to advantage, but none of them constitutes the essence of leadership.
“Leadership is about character.
“No, leadership is character.
“There are those who think one must be born to lead—that some have a knack for it and some do not, that leadership is largely a matter of temperament combined with experience. Not everyone can be a Roosevelt or a de Gaulle or a Churchill, they think.
“Nothing could be further from the truth. Leadership is not reserved to an elite. It is the vocation not of the few but the many.” (p. xiii, italics in the original)
Practicing normal ordinary Catholicism in a very real daily way
By Carrie, writing for Wedding at Cana
The whole premise of Opus Dei is calling each person to holiness in their ordinary life 'work' ... in their individual vocation. You as a wife, mother, homeschooler, Chiropractor. Me as a wife, etc. The factory worker is called to be a saint just like the Pope and that Carmelite nun.
The spirituality is nothing new. It is just focused on practical approaches to a life of virtue in the midst of daily challenges and struggles. For instance: one of the talks on the retreat was a in-depth look at what the virtue of friendship looks like and what it doesn't look like. That talk was wonderful! Its all good so far. I have not seen anything in the least bit unbalanced. Nor have I seen anything bizarre or out of the ordinary. This really is just practicing the normal ordinary Catholicism in a very real daily way.
The main focus and attention is on the Sacraments as a means of Grace in an effort to make Christ the center of thought, action, and life. The Eucharist, of course, is the supreme unity available to us. Our True Food for this journey to the Kingdom of God.
It also stresses that it isn't just about where we spend the rest of eternity but how many people we can bring with us by being the 'salt' and 'light' of the world... by being truly effective on the world around us by 'walking the walk' (only if necessary talking the talk)!
This really is worth investigating for any Catholic or person that is taking Christ and the Gospel really seriously. All of the events are open to people to come and see... NO secret society stuff!
I have gone to their 'circles' for about 9 months and have now started doing the monthly recollections for the last 4 months. This past weekend was my first silent retreat. All of it has been beyond good. This retreat and the women's recollections have been exceptional. (9AM-12PM on the 3rd Fridays each month at my parish, St. Peter's in Spring Grove, IL. Fr. 'Rocky' and Fr. Lange have done most all of them. All are welcome! Childcare is provided for a small fee.)
This is my take. I already told Julie, my closest friend, along with Jim, my sweet, that I can't imagine that God is calling only me of our 'group' to this. If I have to, I will drag her and you all along with me... but it would be much easier if you just jump on board without the power struggle.
God has given us this wonderfully practical and balanced way to achieve the goal of our heart of hearts... unified life with our Christ. This is a Saint making factory for lay, priest and religious alike. Please join me in diving deeper into this great Work of God, Opus Dei. Yes, you can consider this your personal invitation.... because He and I love you so very much!
The whole premise of Opus Dei is calling each person to holiness in their ordinary life 'work' ... in their individual vocation. You as a wife, mother, homeschooler, Chiropractor. Me as a wife, etc. The factory worker is called to be a saint just like the Pope and that Carmelite nun.
The spirituality is nothing new. It is just focused on practical approaches to a life of virtue in the midst of daily challenges and struggles. For instance: one of the talks on the retreat was a in-depth look at what the virtue of friendship looks like and what it doesn't look like. That talk was wonderful! Its all good so far. I have not seen anything in the least bit unbalanced. Nor have I seen anything bizarre or out of the ordinary. This really is just practicing the normal ordinary Catholicism in a very real daily way.
The main focus and attention is on the Sacraments as a means of Grace in an effort to make Christ the center of thought, action, and life. The Eucharist, of course, is the supreme unity available to us. Our True Food for this journey to the Kingdom of God.
It also stresses that it isn't just about where we spend the rest of eternity but how many people we can bring with us by being the 'salt' and 'light' of the world... by being truly effective on the world around us by 'walking the walk' (only if necessary talking the talk)!
This really is worth investigating for any Catholic or person that is taking Christ and the Gospel really seriously. All of the events are open to people to come and see... NO secret society stuff!
I have gone to their 'circles' for about 9 months and have now started doing the monthly recollections for the last 4 months. This past weekend was my first silent retreat. All of it has been beyond good. This retreat and the women's recollections have been exceptional. (9AM-12PM on the 3rd Fridays each month at my parish, St. Peter's in Spring Grove, IL. Fr. 'Rocky' and Fr. Lange have done most all of them. All are welcome! Childcare is provided for a small fee.)
This is my take. I already told Julie, my closest friend, along with Jim, my sweet, that I can't imagine that God is calling only me of our 'group' to this. If I have to, I will drag her and you all along with me... but it would be much easier if you just jump on board without the power struggle.
God has given us this wonderfully practical and balanced way to achieve the goal of our heart of hearts... unified life with our Christ. This is a Saint making factory for lay, priest and religious alike. Please join me in diving deeper into this great Work of God, Opus Dei. Yes, you can consider this your personal invitation.... because He and I love you so very much!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)