Wisdom from Saint Josemaria Escriva

Jay is a member of Opus Dei. Specifically, he is a supernumerary, which means that he has committed to a certain level of activity both within the organization and, mostly, in his own ongoing spiritual development.

Although I myself have not become involved in Opus Dei, I have been exposed to much of it through Jay's participation. Over the years, I have watched him become a more devoted Christian, and a better father, husband and provider through the writings and teachings of Saint Josemaria Escriva, the founder of Opus Dei. Jay's inner peace has been decidedly improved by this wonderful yet misunderstood organization, and I thank God for its influence in our lives.

For those unfamiliar with Opus Dei (outside of the Da Vinci Code's gross misrepresentations, that is), it is a personal prelature within the Roman Catholic Church. Except for the priests that assist in its running, it is an organization of lay people committed to finding God in ordinary, daily life. Anything we do, I have learned with the help of Opus Dei teachings, can be sanctifying for us if we do it well and for God. Grocery shopping, diapers, mowing the lawn, everything. This has been an enormous help to me, especially as I fold laundry. This work can become a prayer of sorts if I intend it as such. And how does this intention change my attitude!

Saint Josemaria wrote many books, and among them is a trio called The Way, Furrow, and The Forge. These are collections of "spiritual nuggets of wisdom" that are easily digestable, even for busy mothers, yet extremely inspiring. Jay reads some of these nuggets each morning and often emails me one or two that he thinks will help me.

This morning I read this one, which spoke very clearly to me:

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Is this how it is? You are longing for the victory, the end of the struggle... but it doesn't come!

Thank God, as if you had already gained what you are seeking, and offer him your feelings of impatience: Vir fidelis loquetur victoriam, the faithful man will sing the joys of victory.

Sometimes it seems that there will be no end to whatever struggle we are currently facing. But there is so much grace to be found in the struggle, and I must not forget this. Certainly, there will be no end to the challenges of life, even if individual ones resolve over time. But if we remember to seek God, not just for the resolution, but also to embrace Him fully during the darkest hours, the struggle should be as sweet for us as the ultimate victory.

Thank you, Saint Josemaria, for inspiring me this morning.