Josemaría Escrivá: Barrenor Useful

Josemaría Escrivá (1902-1975) in The Way , reading #1.

Click here to read it online freely.

The book title, The Way, finds roots in biblical references like Acts 9:2 or Acts 22:4, where followers of Jesus were described as followers of "the Way."

This marks the first of seven posts from this classic work. If you view it you will find it contains short profound statements to ponder. We will consider a sampling of them.

In today's Scripture the apostle Paul reminds Titus that the people of God must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good in order to meet needs and live productive lives. The operative word here is learn.

Doing good and living productive lives are learned behaviors.

And I appreciated Josemaría's comments on two levels. First, he echoes the Pauline zeal to be useful and to make our presence felt in loving ways.

Second, he adds something priceless. He teaches us how to help others learn. We simply live out our apostolic life. When we do this, it wipes the bad away and sets fire to everything for Christ.

What does this mean for each of us today? It shows us the pathway from barren to useful living.

When we live out our calling as followers of Christ, our lives shine light in the darkness. We learn along the way to do good and to be useful and loving.

We also ignite a willingness to learn the way and to love Christ in others. As we stay the course on the way, our lives clean up the filth of this world and replace it with faith.

Choose the Way today! Since you learn as you go, ask the Holy Spirit what useful step will need to take next. Take it.