Josemaría Escrivá: Lunatics

If you see your way clearly, follow it. Why don't you shake off the cowardice that holds you back?

'Proclaim the Good News... I shall be with you…' It is Jesus who has said this… and He has said it to you...

That — your ideal, your vocation — is madness. And the others — your friends, your brothers — are crazy. Have you never heard that cry deep down inside?

Answer, firmly, that you thank God for the honor of being one of those 'lunatics'."

Josemaría Escrivá (1902-1975) in The Way, reading #901-#904, #910.

This classic work contains short quotes on a wide variety of topics. Click here to read it online freely.

This is the final post from this work at this time.

It points us to the greatest act of generosity that we can practice. What is it? It's sharing the gospel, the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.

When was the last time you shared the gospel?

I am serious. When was the last time you shared the gospel? It is the most generous thing you can do. As I spend most of my time building up believers, I look forward opportunities to share the gospel.

This year alone I've see three people in China, one in Pakistan, and three in USA respond and decide to follow Jesus in response. It's not me. It's the power of the gospel.

Do this and rank among the lunatics.

What is a lunatic? It's a person who gives himself or herself to God once and for all. It's a person who shakes off the cowardice. It's a person who proclaims the good news.

Lunatics are a community of people who live for God rather than for themselves.

Living this way goes against the cultural flow, even in church settings. And the flow is powerful. It's partly why we will turn our attention to The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis over the next week.

I've arrived safely in Almaty, Kazakhstan, where I will train a group of pastors tomorrow. Thanks for your prayers.