Theology of the Body #64

Pope Saint John Paul 2nd

November 11, 1981

Develop reflective perseverance, here I am Lord to answer your call, only be ashamed to *not* return, carry out the norms given, preserve noblest ideals born within you, fight against discouragement, you wanted cross to your own taste, Constancy is what you need.

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from The Way (1934), by Josemaría Escrivá

Cultivate devotion to early Christians, Lord gives you words filled with efficacy, apostolate of friendship, practice hospitality of the Patriarchs, ask God to grow entertainment apostolate, pray for letter apostolate, receive encouragement from friends, evangelical death in intellectual apostolate, your profession is instrument of your apostolate, don't underestimate cooperation of women in apostolate, may women be inspired to join you on journey, women are faithful in hour of suffering - united to Lady of Sorrows.

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from The Way (1934), by Josemaría Escrivá

Sanctity of apostolate from your personal virtues, be man of God - prayer + sacrifice from within, Unity, don't develop cliques for universal undertaking, make your choice once for all to find certainty, rejoice in others' apostolic activity too, anyone who is not against us is for us, all is waste of time if you lack Love, essential we be one with the Head, blessed are those who suffer, silent effective mission.

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from The Way (1934), by Josemaría Escrivá

Be ready to suffer everything from everyone with infinite charity, no excuse for disobedience nor insincerity, sacrifice yourself for whoever's in charge, be extra respectful to him in charge of your apostolate, don't fear human enemies but your own spirit's flaws, who cares if you're slighted, your charity is lubricant for apostolic engine, get rid of isolating self-satisfied air, welcome contempt & persecution as divine signs. 

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from The Way (1934), by Josemaría Escrivá

Unreserved obedience is way of sanctity, you are Apostle carrying out imperative from Christ, don't be self-righteous, inspire with love of God & zeal for souls not bad example, don't listen to God's word with critical spirit, spiritual > scholarly & cover all senses with praying + atoning, unity & variety, live fraternal spirit without familiarities, don't aspire to positions - just to sainthood, responsibility will always be burdensome.  

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from The Way (1934), by Josemaría Escrivá

Cross on your breast/ your shoulders/ your flesh/ your mind, take care of your soul first, cannot lead unless you escape devil's chains, be sincere/simple/transparent, deeds > words, apostolic zeal in divine craziness, don't rest on laurels, annihilate yourself not impose personal viewpoints, don't be long action & short prayer, deprive yourself any comforts you would despise seeing in fellow man of God, be of world but not worldly, unity is sign of life.

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from The Way (1934), by Josemaría Escrivá

You are salt, love your apostolate, let it be shield to resist enemy, pray for perseverance, imitate disciples of Jesus, perfection through living in place/occupation/position God assigned to you, pray for each other, make your own way through mountains.

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from The Way (1934), by Josemaría Escrivá

Make better use of time in pestering God, keep your fiat 'Thy will be done' for insignificant routine jobs, vocation is greatest grace God gives you, pitiful crowds live without ideals, God's works not stepping stones, Lord give us infectious craziness to draw many to apostolate, companions should react to you with burning hearts, give everything & seek no earthly reward, calling = reminder that son of God, try to be apostle of apostles. 

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from The Way (1934), by Josemaría Escrivá