To become our best selves

Katrina Perry, Bachelor of Fine Arts, University of Calgary.

October 20, 2010

Tags: Cooperators of Opus Dei, Women, Canada I’ve learnt in the means of formation I receive in Opus Dei that we have the chance to seek opportunities to live our best lives, and to make a difference. I have also learnt that there is the possibility to create joy for those who we encounter in our daily routines, in our families, our volunteer commitments, parishes, and communities.

A roadmap for all
Sanctification of our daily lives is the spirit of Opus Dei, as founded by Saint Josemaria Escriva more than 80 years ago, with the goal to support the evangelical mission of the Catholic Church. He wanted to create a roadmap for all to become closer to Our Lord.
"'Great' holiness consists in carrying out the ‘little duties’ of each moment.”(The Way, 817). It is in these ‘little duties’ that the journey of knowing and sharing the light of our Lord can be truly found.

The action plan
As a convert to the Church, I was first introduced to Opus Dei through a friend some years ago. It was a joy to me, that there was so much to learn about the Faith, and that there was really no ceiling on how much you could personally develop your relationship with Our Lord. As humanly frightening as it may seem, I had a glimpse of how it is possible for all of us to become saints without becoming members of a religious community or clergy; the Work provides the action plan for becoming our best selves and living in the world, and in turn, sharing that love for Jesus with those who we encounter each day. Through friendship, through our work relationships, through the cashier at the grocery store, through the sales associate at the clothing store, through the mechanic, through our doctors and nurses, through our brothers, sisters and parents. There are endless opportunities to be beacons of light in a world where there is much confusion and disorder. “By this all men will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John13:35)

The knowledge, and tools
Just over a year ago I became a Cooperator of the Work and continue to receive formation that gives me the knowledge, and tools to live my best life. As a manager, there have been countless opportunities where I have wanted to react in anger and frustration (as I am sure all of you have as mothers, wives, employee’s. etc.). When those experiences arise, I am more apt to see a soul vs. someone who is trying to take advantage of a situation. There is more meaning to correcting their behavior, perhaps more patience, more kindness because there is knowingness that we are all sons and daughters of Our Lord.

I have also learnt that we need no opportunity to do GREAT things. The GREAT thing has already been done! We have received life, a beautiful soul and the sacraments of Our Lord. He only asks us to “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”(John 13:34) this is the greatest of the commandments. We are called, ALL of us are called, to share the message of our Lord in a very practical way: through our daily words, our actions, and our prayers.
“It is true that life, which by its nature is already rather narrow and uncertain, sometimes becomes difficult. But that will help you to become more supernatural and to see the hand of God in everything. Then you will be more human and understanding with those around you.” J. Escriva, Furrow 762.

A personal favorite from The Way
A personal favorite from The Way is, “Jesus isn’t satisfied in ‘going halves’ he wants the lot.” (The Way 155) so I want to be daring in giving love to others, out of love for Him. And not only that, now I also want to encourage everybody to give our best selves to those we have the joy to meet daily.

Can we show love when it’s difficult?
Since meeting Opus Dei I know this is not difficult, we just have to take care of the details of our work, knowing that this is a wonderful offering to Our Lord. To take care of our own health in our choice of food and exercise, to take care in our order of our offices and homes knowing that this too is so pleasing to our Lord. Can we show love when it’s difficult? Can we choose the appropriate words and actions that will be most pleasing to Him? Let’s smile when we don’t really want to and seek out opportunities to make our selves more knowledgeable about our faith and the Church. The ultimate price has been paid, and there is nothing but opportunity for us to seek out the graces to become our best selves in our love for one another and our Lord.

Katrina Perry *

*Bachelor of Fine Arts, University of Calgary. Current Occupation: District Manager. VP of Communication as National Board Member for Trends, Volunteer Coordinator Hedford Cultural Group Annual Gala, Agape Street Ministry Team Member.