Description
LAICAL
Book Summary
This book delves into lay and secular spirituality, inspired by the teachings of Saint Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer, founder of Opus Dei. Published on the centenary of his priestly ordination, the work explores the heart of his message: the gifts received in Baptism, such as adoptive divine filiation and the common priesthood. The reader will discover how the laity are called to sanctify everyday realities, integrating contemplation and apostolic mission into their daily lives, just as reflected in the founder's image in St. Peter's Basilica.
What is it about?
The book focuses on the vocation of the layperson in the world, starting from the teaching of Saint Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer. It analyzes the fundamental gifts received in Baptism: adoptive divine filiation, which establishes a personal relationship with God; the common priesthood, which enables one to offer their own life as an act of worship; and the inheritance of the children of God, which encompasses all created realities.
The work explains how these gifts enable the laity to sanctify their work, their family, and their social relationships. It proposes a path of contemplation in the midst of the world, where ordinary life becomes a stage for apostolic mission. The text relies on the figure of the founder of Opus Dei as a master of this spirituality, linking his message with the Gospel quote "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself" (Jn 12:32).
Main Topics
- Lay and secular spirituality.
- Gifts of Baptism: adoptive divine filiation, common priesthood, and the inheritance of the children of God.
- Sanctification of ordinary life and work.
- Contemplation in the midst of the world.
- Apostolic mission of the layperson in society.
- Teachings of Saint Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at people interested in Christian spirituality, especially laypeople who wish to understand and live their faith in the context of daily life. It is suitable for those seeking a deep reflection on the secular vocation, as well as for scholars of the doctrine of Opus Dei and the figure of Saint Josemaría Escrivá. It is also of interest to priests and formators who work with lay faithful.
What this book offers
- A clear understanding of the theological foundations of the lay vocation.
- Tools for integrating faith into daily activities, from work to family life.
- A guide to developing a life of prayer and contemplation without leaving the world.
- Keys to understanding the central message of Saint Josemaría Escrivá and its current relevance.
- A practical approach to living the apostolic mission in the secular environment.
Technical Specifications
- Author: LOPEZ DIAZ, JAVIER
- Publisher: EDICIONES RIALP S.A.
- Language: Spanish
- Topic: RELIGION AND BELIEFS
- Collection: BOOKS ABOUT OPUS DEI
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: April 2025
- Number of pages: 134
- Weight: 171 g
Editorial Review
This book offers a solid and well-documented reflection on lay spirituality, a central theme in contemporary Christian thought. The work benefits from its publication on a significant date, the centenary of Saint Josemaría's ordination, which gives it commemorative and doctrinal value. For the reader interested in the theology of the laity or in the teachings of Opus Dei, it represents an opportunity to access clear and structured content that connects doctrine with practical life. Its pocket-sized format makes it accessible for daily reading and reference.