March 28, 1925, marked the day Saint Josemaría became a priest. Fifty years later, on June 26, 1975, he completed his earthly journey. To celebrate this period, we invite you to take part in the Saint Josemaría Challenge.

What does the challenge consist of? There are 3 parts to it every week:

• A short reading from Saint Josemaría.

• A concrete challenge to apply in daily life.

• Three reflection questions to ask yourself every morning, during your personal prayer, and in your evening examination of conscience.

Week 1: Called to Holiness

Reading

We are deeply moved, and our hearts profoundly shaken, when we listen attentively to that cry of St Paul: 'This is God's will for you, your sanctification.' Today, once again, I set myself this goal and I also remind you and all mankind: this is God's Will for us, that we be saints.

In order to bring peace, genuine peace, to souls; in order to transform the earth and to seek God Our Lord in the world and through the things of the world, personal sanctity is indispensable. In my conversations with people from so many countries and from all kinds of social backgrounds, I am often asked: 'What do you say to us married folk? To those of us who work on the land? To widows? To young people?'

I reply systematically that I have only 'one stewing pot'. I usually go on to point out that Our Lord Jesus Christ preached the good news to all, without distinction. One stewing pot and only one kind of food: 'My food is to do the will of him who sent me, and to accomplish his work.' He calls each and every one to holiness; he asks each and every one to love him: young and old, single and married, healthy and sick, learned and unlearned, no matter where they work, or where they are. There is only one way to become more familiar with God, to increase our trust in him. We must come to know him through prayer; we must speak to him and show him, through a heart to heart conversation, that we love him.

(Friends of God, no. 294)

Challenge

This week, offer your work or studies to God with a prayer at the start of the day and carry them out with love.

Questions

The three questions you can ask yourself this week to reflect on in your personal prayer and evening examination of conscience are:

1. How can I offer my daily activities to the Lord?
2. What part of my life most needs to be offered to God?
3. Who benefits when I do everyday things with my heart?