dMeditations: Tuesday of the Twenty-First Week of Ordinary Time
Some reflections that can assist our prayer during the 21st week of Ordinary Time.
The First Associates of Opus Dei
In this episode of Fragments of History, historian Constantino Ánchel traces the history of the first associate of Opus Dei and describes how the vocation to the Work as an associate spread through various Spanish cities over the next few years.
Malina, Malaysia: "Seeing my friends take Communion was the beginning of my journey"
Malina learned to get along with Muslims, atheists and Christians in her own family. "My family is an example of the mix of cultures and religions that exist in my country, Malaysia," she says. Her father is an atheist, her mother is Catholic, and her sisters converted to Islam. She decided to be baptised at the age of 16. That was the beginning of a search that would eventually lead her to Opus Dei as an assistant numerary.
Alonso, Spain: "I told God, 'This is the last chance I’m giving you'"
The Genesis account tells us that Jacob spent an entire night wrestling with God. It was a physical struggle that ended with a dislocated femur… and God’s blessing. Alonso’s battle was even longer but no less hard or intense. And, just like Jacob, God won – which means that they both won.
Cecilia, Canada: "Through my work, people feel loved and valued"
Cecilia was born into a Catholic family in Ontario, Canada. The faith she received in her childhood is, to some extent, from her great-grandfather (the English intellectual Malcolm Muggeridge) and his tireless search for truth. The legacy Malcolm and his wife Kitty left their family was this spirit of inquiry and dedication. In her vocation to Opus Dei as an assistant numerary, Cecilia seeks to make people loved and valued through her professional work and to bring them closer to God.
Juan and Lourdes, Spain: "The 'culture shock' of an imperfect, happy marriage"
Juan wasn't a believer when he started dating Lourdes. However, their affection, as well as the respect and admiration he had for her Christian upbringing, gradually drew him closer to God. In this video, they share their testimony of joys and difficulties.
João Carlos, Brazil: "I found God in my archeological excavations"
João Carlos is an architect, professor of archaeology, and comparative history researcher. "We have to have great love for people's freedom, because without freedom, it's impossible to love God," he says.
Juan Eusebio, Spain: "The formation I receive in the Work is essential for me"
Juan Eusebio works in the fields of Mérida. He and his wife take in Saharawi children from refugee camps.
Manolo, Spain: "Faith is the most important thing. I would be a nobody if I didn’t offer everything I do"
“My name is Manuel Lozano Salamanca. I have a slight disability from birth on the left side of my body, due to cerebral palsy. I’m the eldest of three siblings, and I had to set an example… I had to be, well, not just normal, but a step beyond." Thus begins the story of a fighter.
Cloti, Spain: "If I'm with you, I already have a family"
After Cloti and Antonio had been married for some time, Cloti, who works at an optical store with many clients, was often asked the same question: "Don’t you have children?"