Opus Dei

[AmazingLove]

If I’m not mistaken, only the priests reads the Breviary. Cooperators contribute with their prayers, said daily for Opus Dei, alms with the money obtained in a spirit of sacrifice (i.e. money saved from walking instead of paying for a ride), and work in apostolic undertakings (i.e. mentoring mothers in a cooperative, volunteering to teach catechism, working at different undertakings of Opus Dei, providing venues for camps, etc.).

Wow! I think I can contribute by saying a prayer for them and teaching catechism but not sure about the monetary aspect since I’m having a financial difficulty as of the moment.

 

[AmazingLove]

The instrumentalization of friendships must be a case to case basis as well. I have friends who have been my friends since before I met Opus Dei, and I never felt the need to turn them into numeraries. I have friends who tell me to stop inviting them because they are not interested, and I do stop inviting them and, wonder of wonders, we are still friends. I have friends who initially attended activities at the Center of Opus Dei, then decided that being involved in the parish or a charismatic community is their place. They stop attending Opus Dei activities, yet we are still friends. I value the freedom of my friends regarding the manner they want to serve our Lord, in whatever vocation God calls them, and its fine by me if the spirituality of Opus Dei is not for them.

I agree with you. God is calling each of us differently so if our friends prefer joining a charismatic group, seminary or a secular institute like Opus Dei, we should not stop them but pray for the light of God to shine upon them and grant them an obedient heart to heed His calling wherever that leads them.

 

[jimdi3]

I do not understand the “Spirituality” of Opus Dei. I understand our Catholic Spirituality. How do they differ? Does the Holy Spirit provide different Spiritualities?

I was delighted to read of the Numerary assistant. But, is that her lot, or may she advance up the chain of command?

 

[Edward_H]

I do not understand the “Spirituality” of Opus Dei. I understand our Catholic Spirituality. How do they differ? Does the Holy Spirit provide different Spiritualities?

I was delighted to read of the Numerary assistant. But, is that her lot, or may she advance up the chain of command?

Opus Dei is a way of living the Catholic faith for the ordinary person, not one for example who has a religious calling. Most of the daily, weekly, monthly norms are no different from what the Church has recommended over the centuries for all Catholics, all done to maintain a constant conversation with Our Lord.

There is a bit more emphasis in how to live the norms, perhaps with a greater sense of love, more generosity, perhaps a more demanding struggle toward holiness.

You can get a good sense of the spirituality of Opus Dei by reading and dwelling on the points you find in The Way (a book written by St Josemaria).

There is also a very special and integral consideration of our divine filiation, with God, in Opus Dei. And it is this aspect that leads to the joy you see in many people who have come in contact with the work.

Opus Dei can be summarized in a couple short expressions:

• Pray, Work, Smile
• Also “a smiling asceticism”

This then carries over into other characteristics, such as being perhaps a bit more demanding and sincere in Confession. Getting to the hard truths with a sense of daring, and confidence as a child of God (relating again to our divine filiation)

 

[jimdi3]

Opus Dei is a way of living the Catholic faith for the ordinary person, not one for example who has a religious calling. Most of the daily, weekly, monthly norms are no different from what the Church has recommended over the centuries for all Catholics, all done to maintain a constant conversation with Our Lord.

There is a bit more emphasis in how to live the norms, perhaps with a greater sense of love, more generosity, perhaps a more demanding struggle toward holiness.

You can get a good sense of the spirituality of Opus Dei by reading and dwelling on the points you find in The Way (a book written by St Josemaria).

There is also a very special and integral consideration of our divine filiation, with God, in Opus Dei. And it is this aspect that leads to the joy you see in many people who have come in contact with the work.

Opus Dei can be summarized in a couple short expressions:

• Pray, Work, Smile
• Also “a smiling asceticism”

This then carries over into other characteristics, such as being perhaps a bit more demanding and sincere in Confession. Getting to the hard truths with a sense of daring, and confidence as a child of God (relating again to our divine filiation)

That is in my mind a little elitist.

Very special and integral consideration of our divine filiation?

A little more demanding and sincere in Confession?

with a greater sense of love, more generosity, perhaps a more demanding struggle toward holiness?

Just where is the humility?

I’ll continue to read up on the subject but I can’t find it’s constitution.

As far as I am concerned within us is the only source - The Holy Spirit.

 

[jaaraf]

Wow! I think I can contribute by saying a prayer for them and teaching catechism but not sure about the monetary aspect since I’m having a financial difficulty as of the moment.

I know of cooperators who give around P100-200 month because they are just starting a job or are students or are entry-level wage earners… Contributions by cooperators do not mean big money all of the time.

BTW, Opus Dei is a personal prelature, although for a time, it used to be a secular institute, which was not a right fit for it in terms of canonical framework.

 

[jaaraf]

I

That is in my mind a little elitist.

Very special and integral consideration of our divine filiation?

A little more demanding and sincere in Confession?

with a greater sense of love, more generosity, perhaps a more demanding struggle toward holiness?

Just where is the humility?

I’ll continue to read up on the subject but I can’t find it’s constitution.

As far as I am concerned within us is the only source - The Holy Spirit.

You may find this book interesting: written by a layman who is not a member of Opus Dei
opusdei.ph/art.php?p=49010

 

[Edward_H]

That is in my mind a little elitist.

Very special and integral consideration of our divine filiation?

A little more demanding and sincere in Confession?

with a greater sense of love, more generosity, perhaps a more demanding struggle toward holiness?

Just where is the humility?

I’ll continue to read up on the subject but I can’t find it’s constitution.

As far as I am concerned within us is the only source - The Holy Spirit.

You misunderstand. There is nothing elitist in what I said. Being more demanding in Confession means being more generous and humble…more frank. No excuses. It’s removing the me, and allowing the Holy Spirit to work. God is gentle and will not force Himself upon us. But if we’re sincere and childlike He’ll help us grow in union with Him.

Humility is seen in the centers of Opus Dei. There’s no sign, no business cards. Opus Dei is about providing quietly formation for those Christians (they’re happy to provide means of formation for Non Catholics) who want to live the happy struggle of holiness fully without hesitation or reservation inthe middle of the world.

Opus Dei is a personal prelature. It’s focused on the personal formation of people, not on membership.

 

[fin]

I want to attend Opus Dei activities, but they are for invitation only. I’m hoping I would meet someone who would invite me. From one of their centers:

“Attendance to any activity is by invitation only. Please get in touch with us should you wish to benefit from the various activities organized by friends of the center.”

 

[Edward_H]

If you’re close to a Center, go during the day and meet with someone to learn more. Part of the quietness and humility of the Work is not to do a lot of advertising and self promotion. This is often wrongly interpreted as elitist or secretive. But instead it goes back to the “personal” nature of Prelature of Opus Dei. One by one, friend to friend. The founder at least used once the expression: “capillary action”, lowest level form of quiet apostolate. The apostolate of friendship, it’s called.

Go to a center and ask to learn more.

 

[jimdi3]

You misunderstand. There is nothing elitist in what I said. Being more demanding in Confession means being more generous and humble…more frank. No excuses. It’s removing the me, and allowing the Holy Spirit to work. God is gentle and will not force Himself upon us. But if we’re sincere and childlike He’ll help us grow in union with Him.

Just how does this differ from any Catholic’s Confession? Do you suppose they are less honest and frank in seeking reconcilation?

 

[Edward_H]

Just how does this differ from any Catholic’s Confession? Do you suppose they are less honest and frank in seeking reconcilation?

That’s my point. It’s no different in theory. Either in Confession or spiritual direction when was the last time you heard a diocesan priest ask you about purity. Or tell you, ‘don’t tell me a story or wind up excuses tell me your sins plainly’. “how’s your spirit of sacrifice for your wife, how is your struggle going in order to make her the happiest woman on the face of the earth?”

When I used the word special, you leapt to elitism. What I meant was one of special emphasis, a pointedness in application or practice.

 

[jimdi3]

That’s my point. It’s no different in theory. Either in Confession or spiritual direction when was the last time you heard a diocesan priest ask you about purity. Or tell you, ‘don’t tell me a story or wind up excuses tell me your sins plainly’. “how’s your spirit of sacrifice for your wife, how is your struggle going in order to make her the happiest woman on the face of the earth?”

When I used the word special, you leapt to elitism. What I meant was one of special emphasis, a pointedness in application or practice.

I suppose the last time I had a Confessional face to face with my confessor and the subject of purity was discussed in detail was about 30 years ago when I was 41. I don’t recall a Priest ever having to correct me in the manner of my confession. I regard to my late wife, our union was such that her will became mine and my became her’s. My struggle to make her the happiest woman on the face of the earth ceased in Feb 1999 when after a very long (24 years) and painful illness she died.

Now can you answer my question in regard to the future progression of that female Numerary Assistant?

 

[Edward_H]

Now can you answer my question in regard to the future progression of that female Numerary Assistant?

Jim, you had several questions. I focused on what I could answer. I don’t know what the real and full facts are in her case. But viewing a vocation as a chain of command is the wrong way to look at a vocation to Opus Dei, or to any pathway to God.

 

[HailStarofSea]

I do not understand the “Spirituality” of Opus Dei. I understand our Catholic Spirituality. How do they differ?

The main difference is in spiritual direction. They will give you mostly practical direction i.e., who to date and marry, what job and career to choose. For some people, apparently even the sort of underwear to wear. telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1568302/Book-lifts-cowl-on-misogynist-Opus-Dei.html They will not differentiate between their own “personal opinion” and “spiritual direction” unless repeatedly questioned.

 

[Edward_H]

The main difference is in spiritual direction. They will give you mostly practical direction i.e., who to date and marry, what job and career to choose. For some people, apparently even the sort of underwear to wear. telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1568302/Book-lifts-cowl-on-misogynist-Opus-Dei.html They will not differentiate between their own “personal opinion” and “spiritual direction” unless repeatedly questioned.

Is your real name Dan Brown?

This is utterly false.

 

[HailStarofSea]

Is your real name Dan Brown?

This is utterly false.

You lie.

 

[AmazingLove]

Hi guys thanks for the information you have provided so far. I’m still attending Opus Dei’s doctrine class though but my schedule doesn’t fit the recollection.

 

[jimdi3]

Hi guys thanks for the information you have provided so far. I’m still attending Opus Dei’s doctrine class though but my schedule doesn’t fit the recollection.

Is it possible to rephrase that by saying, “I am attending Catholic doctrine classes given by the Opus Dei”?. As it sounds you are attending classes of their own doctrine?

 

[Edward_H]

One of the rich points that I’ve picked up through my contact with the Work is the idea of “little things”. One such little thing might be to suffer well the contradictions and annoyances of everyday life: the weather, setbacks, when things seem to take extra effort, or annoying people who seem to be always on the edge of being offended or those with a critical spirit, people who seem to always put a bit finer edge to things, or who find fault, or blow things out of proportion.

These are opportunities which can be sanctified, and offered to God.