Music (when it's good, like this was) can also help us to pray
because beauty leads us to God.
But Saint Josemaria also said that, to sanctify our work, the first thing we have to do is work!
And work well...
He used to say, we can't offer God something shoddy!
Often we don't manage to do our work well, but we should at least make the effort to do so,
especially since we know that, as Christians, we can really do our work with our Lord and for our Lord.
Then we don't just sanctify our work itself, as an activity, but we sanctify ourselves through our work,
because work has a transformational power
when it is done with supernatural outlook and in union with Christ,
who transforms us little by little.
We don't just turn the act of working into something holy,
but we are attaining sanctity and our work is sanctifying us.
I have been asking myself for years: "what does God want from me?"
I've asked Him, and what one day seems like to be a sign, or a desire, or a response...
weeks later, it seems to be exactly the opposite...
But I'm not expecting perfect clarity,
because I know that our Lord always leaves some margin for doubt so that we are free.
They always say that God speaks to us through the desires of the heart
but I feel like until I can see it with more clarity
I can't trust any path, because I'm not sure that this is what God wants from me.
What's important is what you said earlier:
you don't have to wait for a moment of perfect clarity;
if we did that, we would do nothing in this life.
When a person finishes their secondary school studies and has to choose a career,
some people have a clear vision because of what's common in their family, or for other reasons,
but many others have to just choose between options that are all more or less attractive.
And there's a lot at stake when you choose a career, picking one and eliminating other possible paths...
There is always a certain risk.
If we were always scared to make a mistake at the moment of choosing,
as Saint Josemaria used to say, we wouldn't even walk!
Because to take a step, how do I know that the other foot won't get stuck and I won't fall?
So, what would I say to you? Ask God for light as you are already doing
as well as strength to really want to do His will.
And when you come across a "disjunctive" on your path, and all options seem possible,
try to see which one brings you closer to God,
also taking into account that we will never be more generous with God than He is with us.
But you should also listen to the advice from those who know you, and in spiritual direction:
they won't tell you "do this" or "do that" but they will be able to help you with specific advice.
Ultimately, it always has to be you who decides on your path.
But also considering what you said -- "I've been at this for years"
-- as if you were already an old lady!
(laughter)
Sometimes we just have to launch out, trusting in God.
My name is Nathan. I'm from the capital of Australia, Canberra.
I've been working in the construction industry as a tiler for six years.
I came across Opus Dei in June last year and started attending recollections.
I attended a work camp in January in Vanuatu
and was amazed by the people and the spirit of Opus Dei experienced there.
It has deepened my faith and prayer life profoundly.
My question for you, Father, is...
I've met many people in Opus Dei; all of them have attended university or have degrees,
so I've noticed there is a small number involved who are in the construction industry
How can we attract and evangelize people in these sometimes not-so-welcoming working environments?
How can we bring more tradesmen to know Jesus Christ?
In construction as with any other working environment, the key thing is friendship.
Once you've established friendship with a person,
you have to share your apostolic concerns with that person.
That's why Saint Josemaria insisted so much that the main apostolate is that of friendship and trust
It's not about organizing events, although we can do that as well and in fact we do, for all kinds of people,
to get to know them, to help them by teaching them the doctrine of the faith.
But then the most important thing is the personal relationship.
When there is genuine friendship, you share things -- not as though "teaching the ignorant," with a top-down attitude --
but rather, among peers who are equal, who share the experience of their own soul,
and this has a much greater capacity to convince,
and to transform the other person for the good: the same goodness that you yourself seek.
We are all called to holiness!
For everyone, our Lord has this desire and this call to be holy.
And what does holiness consist of?
It's a perfection, but not in the sense of never having defects,
but rather a perfection in love: a love for God, and from Him and with Him, a love for others, a service to others.
To live with Jesus Christ, knowing that we are saved by Him and loved by God.
It's a reality that we should meditate about a lot.
It's true: in our spiritual life we should consider, "what am I doing for God? Am I living right?"
But before all this, I should consider all the things God does for me
And what God does for all of us is this: He loves us madly.
He is always willing to give us grace.
He is always willing to forgive us for everything we do wrong.
That's why we have sacramental confession,
this wonderful means that Saint Josemaria called the "sacrament of joy."