Continuity in apostolic dealings; linking them to St Gabriel’s work

In the apostolate with young people it is essential to ensure continuity so they don’t lose the ongoing support it offers them. When the time comes for them to cease taking part in the St Raphael work, for example, when they finish their studies or start working professionally, make sure that they are put in contact immediately with the St Gabriel work as collaborators.

Often, if they continue receiving our formation for a more prolonged period, the call to a generous dedication to the service of God in his Opus Dei will mature in them – if he wills it later on – either within marriage or as Numeraries.

Those who return later

Also, my daughters and sons, with the passage of time you will see many people who were in contact with our apostolate when they were young and were afterwards lost sight of, because their job or their family duties took them to far-off parts. These people eventually renew their contact with Opus Dei through the St Gabriel work, and so the work of the first hour, which at first sight seemed sterile, bears its fruit.

One can truly apply to our work the words of Holy Scripture: This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah; and when it enters the stagnant waters of the sea, the water will become fresh. And wherever the river goes every living creature which swarms will live, and there will be very many fish; for this water goes there, that the waters of the sea may become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes. Fishermen will stand beside the sea; from Engedi to Eneglaim it will be a place for the spreading of nets; its fish will be of very many kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea (Ezek 47:8-10).