Anyone part of Opus Dei?

[jaaraf]

I’ve been an associate member of Opus Dei for a little over 6 1/2 years.
I got in contact with the Work, through (of all things!) volunteering to work on a research project about dengue-causing mosquitoes of one of college professor who happened to be a numerary. It started from there. I attended the spiritual activities offered at the Center, and discerning the particular way in Opus Dei God wanted me to live. As always, in any vocation, there are ups and downs. I’m still learning and growing (definetly, it’s a struggle to live holiness in this path!)
A vocation to Opus De is definitely not for everyone, but its definitely for me!

 

[Mt_28_19_20]

I suppose obedience does not matter when it comes to personal opinions of the Holy Father, etc., only obedience to binding teachings, etc…oh well.

I would think someone who takes their faith seriously enough to be a supernumary and applies the daily plan to their lives should be able to discern what to take their children to see. Until one discerns perfectly all the time, and knows all the factors one considered in deciding on taking their children to see a movie, I wouldn’t assume I know better than they how to discern for themselves.

And yes, pesonal opinions of the Pope are just that, personal opinions. Why else would he need a personal confessor?

Is there an offical warning from the Church about HP? Also, which “Christmas” and “Easter” cartoons has the Church warned up about? Are there any that you think they should warn about?

Michael

 

[Tom317]

I would think someone who takes their faith seriously enough to be a supernumary and applies the daily plan to their lives should be able to discern what to take their children to see. Until one discerns perfectly all the time, and knows all the factors one considered in deciding on taking their children to see a movie, I wouldn’t assume I know better than they how to discern for themselves.

And yes, pesonal opinions of the Pope are just that, personal opinions. Why else would he need a personal confessor?

Is there an offical warning from the Church about HP? Also, which “Christmas” and “Easter” cartoons has the Church warned up about? Are there any that you think they should warn about?

Michael

Plenty of people think they can discern all sorts of things, and they mess it up frequently. I do that all the time, most honest people will admit they do so as well.

I am not attacking anyone, it is just that Opus Dei members are known for being more cautious about what their kids see on TV, in books, on the internet and in the movies…they are not fanatics, yet they are very, very careful people that take few chances with their kids…they often see their children as the foundation of the future of the faith and take great care to foster strong Catholic kids.

The HP debate has been won by the world, yet that does not mean it does not contain anything to be alarmed about. In the end, I am simply surprised to learn that an Opus Dei member takes their kids to see HP, when am I quite sure they did not do the same with “The Da Vinci Code,” and many other movies.

I also suspect that the Pope’s views, along with the exorcist in Rome, are listened to very well when people agree with those views–yet many Catholics seem to ignore those views about HP simply because HP is so worldly popular. We are to live in the world, not be of the world–it is very important to remember that fact every single day.

Finally, I was not accusing, I was simply seeking/requesting an explnation so that I can better understand how the person made that choice.

 

[Mt_28_19_20]

Plenty of people think they can discern all sorts of things, and they mess it up frequently. I do that all the time, most honest people will admit they do so as well.

I am not attacking anyone, it is just that Opus Dei members are known for being more cautious about what their kids see on TV, in books, on the internet and in the movies…they are not fanatics, yet they are very, very careful people that take few chances with their kids…they often see their children as the foundation of the future of the faith and take great care to foster strong Catholic kids.

The HP debate has been won by the world, yet that does not mean it does not contain anything to be alarmed about. In the end, I am simply surprised to learn that an Opus Dei member takes their kids to see HP, when am I quite sure they did not do the same with “The Da Vinci Code,” and many other movies.

I also suspect that the Pope’s views, along with the exorcist in Rome, are listened to very well when people agree with those views–yet many Catholics seem to ignore those views about HP simply because HP is so worldly popular. We are to live in the world, not be of the world–it is very important to remember that fact every single day.

Finally, I was not accusing, I was simply seeking/requesting an explnation so that I can better understand how the person made that choice.

USCCB rating is A-II (Adults and adolescents)
usccb.org/movies/h/harrypotterandtheorderofthephoenix.shtml

Evidently the Vatican has not been officially negative about Potter, except for the Vatican exorcist.
usatoday.com/life/books/news/2003-02-03-potter-vatican_x.htm

Yes, many people, myself included, do not discern perfectly. Made the point in my previous post.

Given the current information and variety of views, she may very well have discerned properly given.

Maybe you didn’t intend for the post to appear accusing or judgemental. One can seek/request an explanation without:
“I am a bit surprised a supernumerary is…”
or
“I guess the negative comments from the then Cardinal Ratzinger (obviously now our Pope) and Rome’s chief exorcist just doesn’t mean much to Catholics.”
or
“I suppose obedience does not matter when it comes to personal opinions of the Holy Father, etc., only obedience to binding teachings, etc…oh well.”
or
“The HP debate has been won by the world, yet that does not mean it does not contain anything to be alarmed about. In the end,”
or
“I am simply surprised to learn that an Opus Dei member takes their kids to see HP, when am I quite sure they did not do the same with “The Da Vinci Code,” and many other movies.”
or
“I also suspect that the Pope’s views, along with the exorcist in Rome, are listened to very well when people agree with those views–yet many Catholics seem to ignore those views about HP simply because HP is so worldly popular.”
or
“We are to live in the world, not be of the world–it is very important to remember that fact every single day.”
(I hope you assume the person already is cognizant of this)

You were saying, “Finally, I was not accusing, I was simply seeking/requesting an explnation so that I can better understand how the person made that choice.”?

How about simply seeking/requesting an explanation with:
“Some see the Harry Potter as inappropriate for Christians or their children to view. What factors led you to make the choice that it was appropriate to view?”

All in all, looked like an accusation or judgement to me, in both posts. However, you know your own heart in this regard.

Maybe I’ll ask my OD friends this week if they want to go see the movie. I’ll let you know what they say.

Michael

 

[Caesar]

My spiritual director and confessor is an Opus Dei priest. He is very orthodox and extremely intelligent (got his PhD in Rome, was ordained in the 1960s by John XXIII and he knew St. Josemaria). While I am not part od Opus Dei I have participated in several groups and seminars organized by them.

In regards to the discussion of Harry Potter, my spiritual director has reffered to the books a couple times. I get the impression that he is an avid reader of the series, as is an Opus Dei numerary I know.

 

[Red_Meg]

I should have just said I was taking my kids to the movies and left it at that…

But before this thread side-tracks hopelessly, I’d like to direct you briefly to a few pieces that address the HP issue far more articulately than I could. First, Jimmy Akin on the whole Ratzinger (NB: not Pope Benedict!) reference to Harry Potter. Second, Jimmy Akin again, and Ed Peters on Fr. Amorth.

Lastly, I am quite cautious about what I expose my children to. Quite. I exercise veto or editing authority fairly often with regards to their TV/film viewing, reading and music listening. The Harry Potter books, in my judgement as a parent, and relying on the opinions of those better formed and smarter than me, pose no harm to my children spiritually or morally. I was actually quite moved to recently read the final book in the series because some of the Christian imagery and references that were more subtle in earlier books finally came into full bloom. This issue really needs to move to a new thread if people want to discuss it further.

Now, back to the matter at hand: the vocation to Opus Dei.

If you are interested in the Work, I suggest you simply try attending some activities. An evening of recollection (sort of a mini-retreat) is a really good way to get a taste of the spirituality and flavor of Opus Dei.

Often, local centers also offer workshops that are not explicitly “religious” in nature but address practical matters faced by Christians living in the middle of the world: business ethics, fashion, parenting, stem cell research, etc. I think it’s important to see as full a picture of the Work as possible, in order to better grasp the real nature of it.

While we obviously use the discernment incumbent on any Christian with regards to our entertainment and reading, we don’t live in some kind of a “Catholic bubble.” I wrote something on this a while ago, so I won’t repeat myself…

As far as sorting out a possible vocation: lots of prayer, coupled with spiritual direction, reading, and just hanging around for a while to really “get” the spirit of the Work are the key things. If you are patient and sincere in your personal prayer, confession and spiritual direction, you’ll figure it out.

And now, before I get cited for overuse of smilies I’ll sign off.

Margaret

 

[Mt_28_19_20]

Has anyone here “joined” Opus Dei? How is it? How did you know you should have joined? I’m just looking up stuff on it and find it interesting…

I’ve been discerning whether I have a vocation in Opus Dei. Several men I highly respect for their faith I later came to find out are supernumaries. One suggested my current spiritual director, an Opus Dei priest. My experience with Opus Dei members has been overwhelmingly positive, and find most live humble, holy lives in everyday life without drawing attention to themselves.

That said, I also have some hesitancies/questions. There seems, in my opinion, an undertow to encouraging celibate vocations, something I was asked to consider. I have also been surprised that one long time supernumary seemed more of a “cradle Catholic” than living in the spirit of Christ’s teachings. Also, one friend was a numerary (vow of celibacy) and now is married, so is not permitted to be part of Opus Dei , even as a supernumary (not celibate). After years as part of Opus Dei, just seems a bit uncharitable/unforgiving to be excluded because of marrying a supernumary. So, if you do become part of Opus Dei, unless you know God is calling you to never marry, think twice about becoming a numerary (celibate vow).

Michael

 

[Tom317]

I should have just said I was taking my kids to the movies and left it at that…

But before this thread side-tracks hopelessly, I’d like to direct you briefly to a few pieces that address the HP issue far more articulately than I could. First, Jimmy Akin on the whole Ratzinger (NB: not Pope Benedict!) reference to Harry Potter. Second, Jimmy Akin again, and Ed Peters on Fr. Amorth.

Lastly, I am quite cautious about what I expose my children to. Quite. I exercise veto or editing authority fairly often with regards to their TV/film viewing, reading and music listening. The Harry Potter books, in my judgement as a parent, and relying on the opinions of those better formed and smarter than me, pose no harm to my children spiritually or morally. I was actually quite moved to recently read the final book in the series because some of the Christian imagery and references that were more subtle in earlier books finally came into full bloom. This issue really needs to move to a new thread if people want to discuss it further.

Now, back to the matter at hand: the vocation to Opus Dei.

If you are interested in the Work, I suggest you simply try attending some activities. An evening of recollection (sort of a mini-retreat) is a really good way to get a taste of the spirituality and flavor of Opus Dei.

Often, local centers also offer workshops that are not explicitly “religious” in nature but address practical matters faced by Christians living in the middle of the world: business ethics, fashion, parenting, stem cell research, etc. I think it’s important to see as full a picture of the Work as possible, in order to better grasp the real nature of it.

While we obviously use the discernment incumbent on any Christian with regards to our entertainment and reading, we don’t live in some kind of a “Catholic bubble.” I wrote something on this a while ago, so I won’t repeat myself…

As far as sorting out a possible vocation: lots of prayer, coupled with spiritual direction, reading, and just hanging around for a while to really “get” the spirit of the Work are the key things. If you are patient and sincere in your personal prayer, confession and spiritual direction, you’ll figure it out.

And now, before I get cited for overuse of smilies I’ll sign off.

Margaret

I have found Jimmy Akin’s work to be wanting many times, so I won’t even bother pushing this thread towards a discussion about his comments (when did JA become the official spokes person for the the Vatican anyway–people listen to him more then they do the Holy See’ sometimes).

I was actually looking for your reasons. As a member of Opus Dei it would ahve been nice to know your reasons, not Jimmy Akins loose analysis of matters.

Anyway, you are quite right this is not the correct place to discuss HP, there are many threads for that topic.

I do appreciate your response.

God Bless.

 

[Tom317]

USCCB rating is A-II (Adults and adolescents)
usccb.org/movies/h/harrypotterandtheorderofthephoenix.shtml

Evidently the Vatican has not been officially negative about Potter, except for the Vatican exorcist.
usatoday.com/life/books/news/2003-02-03-potter-vatican_x.htm

Yes, many people, myself included, do not discern perfectly. Made the point in my previous post.

Given the current information and variety of views, she may very well have discerned properly given.

Maybe you didn’t intend for the post to appear accusing or judgemental. One can seek/request an explanation without:
“I am a bit surprised a supernumerary is…”
or
“I guess the negative comments from the then Cardinal Ratzinger (obviously now our Pope) and Rome’s chief exorcist just doesn’t mean much to Catholics.”
or
“I suppose obedience does not matter when it comes to personal opinions of the Holy Father, etc., only obedience to binding teachings, etc…oh well.”
or
“The HP debate has been won by the world, yet that does not mean it does not contain anything to be alarmed about. In the end,”
or
“I am simply surprised to learn that an Opus Dei member takes their kids to see HP, when am I quite sure they did not do the same with “The Da Vinci Code,” and many other movies.”
or
“I also suspect that the Pope’s views, along with the exorcist in Rome, are listened to very well when people agree with those views–yet many Catholics seem to ignore those views about HP simply because HP is so worldly popular.”
or
“We are to live in the world, not be of the world–it is very important to remember that fact every single day.”
(I hope you assume the person already is cognizant of this)

You were saying, “Finally, I was not accusing, I was simply seeking/requesting an explnation so that I can better understand how the person made that choice.”?

How about simply seeking/requesting an explanation with:
“Some see the Harry Potter as inappropriate for Christians or their children to view. What factors led you to make the choice that it was appropriate to view?”

All in all, looked like an accusation or judgement to me, in both posts. However, you know your own heart in this regard.

Maybe I’ll ask my OD friends this week if they want to go see the movie. I’ll let you know what they say.

Michael

If you saw it as an accusation or judgment, then you are mistaken.

BTW, I make no assumptions about what people do or do not know. One can easily be a member of Opus Dei and not know that they are to live in the world, but not be of the world. Opus Dei speaks constantly about striving for holiness in the world, it would be quite easy for members to be confused about that point, so with that point I was simply stating a what I feel to be a truth, not an attack. The Vatican only had mariginally negative things to say about “The Da Vinci Code,” and yet that book is an attack on the faith. Finally, I was/am surprised a member of OD would bring their kids to see HP, that is not an insult, it is how I feel.

One only feels a sense of insult if they allow themselves to feel that way.

 

[Mt_28_19_20]

If you saw it as an accusation or judgment, then you are mistaken.

As, I said:
“All in all, looked like an accusation or judgement to me, in both posts. However, you know your own heart in this regard.”

 So no, I am not mistaken in how it appeared to me.

And no, I did not assume the appearance to me reflected the intention of your own heart in that regard.

Perhaps instead of wondering whether someone discerned properly in regards to what movie to take their children to see, Mt 12:36 might be more worth paying attention to: "“But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.”

“One can easily be a member of Opus Dei and not know that they are to live in the world, but not be of the world. Opus Dei speaks constantly about striving for holiness in the world, it would be quite easy for members to be confused about that point”
That would be uncharacteristic of the majority of OD members, in my experience. It is not something they jump into without discernment and spiritual direction.

“One only feels a sense of insult if they allow themselves to feel that way.”
One can recognize an insult without taking offense at the insult. If some stranger randomly yells an insult at me, my not giving it any credence does not cause it to be an insult any less.

Michael

 

[Fergal]

Time to shut this thread which has become sad to read and has gone way off track with petty arguments.
Please Mods will you close this thread without delay?

 

[Tom317]

As, I said:
“All in all, looked like an accusation or judgement to me, in both posts. However, you know your own heart in this regard.”

 So no, I am not mistaken in how it appeared to me.

And no, I did not assume the appearance to me reflected the intention of your own heart in that regard.

Perhaps instead of wondering whether someone discerned properly in regards to what movie to take their children to see, Mt 12:36 might be more worth paying attention to: "“But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.”

“One can easily be a member of Opus Dei and not know that they are to live in the world, but not be of the world. Opus Dei speaks constantly about striving for holiness in the world, it would be quite easy for members to be confused about that point”
That would be uncharacteristic of the majority of OD members, in my experience. It is not something they jump into without discernment and spiritual direction.

“One only feels a sense of insult if they allow themselves to feel that way.”
One can recognize an insult without taking offense at the insult. If some stranger randomly yells an insult at me, my not giving it any credence does not cause it to be an insult any less.

Michael

This has become quite silly. I will not continue to respond to each of your points because there is just no need and it has little to do with the subject of this thread.

As for my questions about HP. I have great respect for Opus Dei and its members and simply felt surprised that a member would bring their children to see HP. I remain surprised, though I am quite sure that OD members need no help or “defense” to answer queries offered by people on this thread.

Thanks for the chat.

 

[Mt_28_19_20]

Has anyone here “joined” Opus Dei? How is it? How did you know you should have joined? I’m just looking up stuff on it and find it interesting…

 Those who are interested, in my experience, are not pressured to join. I came into contact through my spiritual director who is an Opus Dei priest, and then got to know some of the other Opus Dei members. It was not until about two years after starting with spiritual direction that I thought of considering a vocation in Opus Dei. There are also seperate retreats for men and women, that one can experience without being a member, that many find helpful for living their Catholic faith (myself included).
In general, those I know live a prayerful life, and have a good understanding of Catholic faith, and Scripture. There are weekly and monthly meetings, were encouragement in aspects of faith such as the different virtues, and how to apply them in everyday life and work situations, is talked about. 
 At the retreat, and at the meetings, I am impressed when you listen to what comes out of the mouths of these men, both numeraries, and supernumaries. They know how to control their tongues, look for ways to encourage one another, look out for one another. They seem not to ignore things just because it is easier to pass it by, or dismiss things as "quite silly" or "petty arguements". If you are interested, consider checking it out on a regular basis for a period of time. You do not have to join to benefit from meeting with like-minded Catholics, and it seems to me that one could always incorporate what they find encouraging and helpful for their faith to their everyday lives without committing to joining if that particular calling is not there. And who knows, it time it might be there?

Michael
Phil 4:4-7

 

[TraditionalCath]

Has anyone here “joined” Opus Dei? How is it? How did you know you should have joined? I’m just looking up stuff on it and find it interesting…

i would love to join opus dei.

 

[Tom317]

Those who are interested, in my experience, are not pressured to join. I came into contact through my spiritual director who is an Opus Dei priest, and then got to know some of the other Opus Dei members. It was not until about two years after starting with spiritual direction that I thought of considering a vocation in Opus Dei. There are also seperate retreats for men and women, that one can experience without being a member, that many find helpful for living their Catholic faith (myself included).
In general, those I know live a prayerful life, and have a good understanding of Catholic faith, and Scripture. There are weekly and monthly meetings, were encouragement in aspects of faith such as the different virtues, and how to apply them in everyday life and work situations, is talked about.
At the retreat, and at the meetings, I am impressed when you listen to what comes out of the mouths of these men, both numeraries, and supernumaries. They know how to control their tongues, look for ways to encourage one another, look out for one another. They seem not to ignore things just because it is easier to pass it by, or dismiss things as “quite silly” or “petty arguements”. If you are interested, consider checking it out on a regular basis for a period of time. You do not have to join to benefit from meeting with like-minded Catholics, and it seems to me that one could always incorporate what they find encouraging and helpful for their faith to their everyday lives without committing to joining if that particular calling is not there. And who knows, it time it might be there?

Michael
Phil 4:4-7

Sometimes conversations do become “quite silly.”

Are you an OD member or Cooperator?

 

[Mt_28_19_20]

Sometimes conversations do become “quite silly.”

Are you an OD member or Cooperator?

Tom317,

Call it quite silly if you want. I already voiced my opinion.

One of my recent posts answers your question.

Michael

 

[Tom317]

Tom317,

Call it quite silly if you want. I already voiced my opinion.

One of my recent posts answers your question.

Michael

Do really think OD people are incapable of having a silly conversation, or that they are somehow incapable of gossip, etc.?

I am sorry, I read your posts, perhaps I missed when you said you were or were not part of OD. I also read the last post where you mentioned things you have gotten from OD, yet you still not say if you were part of the personal prelature, or not.

As I said before, I have great respect for OD, if not I would not have wondered why a member would have seen HP.

 

[Mt_28_19_20]

Do really think OD people are incapable of having a silly conversation, or that they are somehow incapable of gossip, etc.?

I am sorry, I read your posts, perhaps I missed when you said you were or were not part of OD. I also read the last post where you mentioned things you have gotten from OD, yet you still not say if you were part of the personal prelature, or not.

As I said before, I have great respect for OD, if not I would not have wondered why a member would have seen HP.

Anyone is capable of inappropriate conversation. And some dismiss something as silly out of “convenience”. As I said, I already voiced my opinion. Your disagreeing does not inherently make it silly.

“I’ve been discerning whether I have a vocation in Opus Dei.”

I’ll let you know by Thursday whether my OD friends want to see Harry Potter.

Michael.

 

[Tom317]

Anyone is capable of inappropriate conversation. And some dismiss something as silly out of “convenience”. As I said, I already voiced my opinion. Your disagreeing does not inherently make it silly.

“I’ve been discerning whether I have a vocation in Opus Dei.”

I’ll let you know by Thursday whether my OD friends want to see Harry Potter.

Michael.

I obviously rub you the wrong way, so I will not continue to do so. Thank you for chat, you have actually helped me more than you likely know. Have a great day.

BTW, no need to tell me about your OD friends, I have learned enough. Thanks again.

 

[Mt_28_19_20]

I obviously rub you the wrong way, so I will not continue to do so. Thank you for chat, you have actually helped me more than you likely know. Have a great day.

BTW, no need to tell me about your OD friends, I have learned enough. Thanks again.

Tom,

I just gave my opinion about your posts. You have other posts that I've enjoyed reading, and I assume you are a good guy. I did not intend to offend you with my opinion, that was not my intention. Hope we get to chat about something we agree on in another post/thread.

Michael