List of points

Point 484 in your spiritual code, 'The Way', specifies: 'Your duty is to be an instrument' What meaning should be given to this statement in the context of the preceding questions?

'The Way' a code? Not at all. I wrote a good part of that book in 1934, summarising my priestly experience for the benefit of all the souls with whom I was in contact, whether they were in Opus Dei or not. I never suspected that thirty years later it would be spread so widely — millions of copies, in so many languages. It is not a book solely for members of Opus Dei. It is for everyone, whether Christian or not. Among those who have translated it on their own initiative are Orthodox, Protestants, and non-Christians. 'The Way' must be read with at least some supernatural spirit, some interior life and apostolic feeling. It is not a code for the man of action. The aim of the book is to help men become friends of God, to love Him and serve all men. In other words, to be an instrument — which gets back to your question — as St. Paul the Apostle wanted to be an instrument of Christ — a free and responsible instrument. Anyone who tries to see a temporal goal in the pages of 'The Way' is mistaken. Do not forget it has been common for spiritual authors of every age to see souls as instruments in the hands of God.

Opus Dei has played a leading role in the modern development of the laity. We would therefore like to ask you first of all: what, in your opinion, are the main characteristics of this development?

I have always thought that the basic characteristic of the development of the laity is a new awareness of the dignity of the Christian vocation. God's call, the character conferred by Baptism, and grace mean that every single Christian can and should be a living expression of the faith. Every Christian should be 'another Christ, Christ himself', present among men. The Holy Father has put it in a way which leaves no room for doubt: 'It is necessary to restore to Holy Baptism its full significance. By means of this sacrament we are incorporated into the Mystical Body of Christ, which is the Church… To be a Christian, to have received Baptism, should not be looked upon as something indifferent or of little importance. It should be imprinted deeply and joyously on the conscience of every baptised person' (Ecclesiam Suam, part 1).