Josemaría Escrivá: Extraordinary Graceand Total Detachment

Go, generously and like a child ask Him: 'What can you mean to give me when you ask me for "this"?'

You are afraid of becoming cold and distant towards everyone. For you want to be so detached! There is no need to worry: if you belong to Christ — completely to Christ! — from Him you will get fire, light, and warmth for all men.

Jesus isn't satisfied 'going halves': He wants the lot."

Josemaría Escrivá (1902-1975) in The Way, reading #152-#155.

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Scripture often uses the word picture of the 'harvest' to describe the rewards we can anticipate in choosing the way of obedience.

I hope you like the picture of a sampling of the peach harvest in a shop in Palisade, Colorado yesterday.

It does not make sense in the economy of this world that the one who gives freely gains. But that's the way things work with Christ.

His call for total detachment aims not to rob you but reward you.

Do it with childlike enthusiasm and anticipation. Detaching does not make you cold and distant but warm and connected to Christ and to the people around you.

All this happens because of the extraordinary grace of God.

Want greater peace, a closer union with God, and stronger hope? Josemaría rightly says that you need to respond to the extraordinary grace of God.

Someone asked me once: "How do I know what I need to detach from?" I said that it is different for everyone. But it centers on what you think you need to live.

How would you answer that question? What do you think you need to live? Whatever the answer is along with Jesus is what you need to detach from.

What are you waiting for? Detachment is essential for every disciple.

Don't withhold unduly. You will come to poverty. Don't go halves with God. You will gain nothing. You have to detach from everything to gain the kingdom.

Respond to the grace. Satisfy Jesus. See what happens.