Original News: Un libanés maronita del Opus Dei
I copy the answer to the question as I helped the Opus Dei?, A friend sent me from Lebanon:
I'm sorry for my Spanish, I'm cash Lebanese (Maronite rite, but still the pope from my enfancia ).
I have known the work in 2004 in a school where I was doing practice, sent by my university. After a year or so, frequenting the only center in Lebanon (Beirut) and knowing little by little people of the work and spirit that embody in their lives, have asked to be in Opus Dei member. Many reasons have motivated me to make this decision and many are the things I've learned since I've known the work, and of course since my entry into it. I shall confine myself to two aspects, which are now very significant in my life (I think most people can cite these same changes also).
The aspect that I've grown the most, although I have a long way, is my devotion to the Eucharist. In Opus Dei, I discovered the treasure that we Christians, we are very close: The Lord of the heavens and land is waiting in the tabernacle.Although I am a Christian Catholic from birth (like the rest of my family), this center (or the most central'') of our faith, I have forgotten, or perhaps I have never taken seriously, lack of training deep .... In Opus Dei, I have become aware of the presence of God in the sacramental aspects, and I've learned to deal with more intimacy and frequency, and of course to share this new and wonderful''news''with my friends .... This''new relationship''has changed many things in my life for the better of course, and I hope the Lord will continue making me about Him, day by day.
One major change, caused mainly by this new and deeper relationship with Jesus is to live in peace. I have experienced the words of Jesus in the Gospel, when he tells his apostles that will give her peace, not world peace, but peace SU nothing and nobody could take away. Many people abroad still think that Lebanon is a country at war, or at least insecure.The great part this is false, but when there are tensions in the local political scene, or as a small war with Israel in July 2006, I lose this peace, much needed, takes precedence in the hearts of people.
But I'm talking about this''attitude''or perhaps better for this state of continual peace, compared to the hundred every day brings contradictions in it. I found another reality in Opus Dei: That God is none other than my Father! Creator of the universe that the whole case makes me (long case) that I am nothing less than his son!
Now I am jobless and have no objective opportunities, less serious, for the moment. I'm not crazy, not rich so this does not affect me, but I am calm, because I have confidence that things will settle soon, someone fixed.
I shall command updates on this issue soon .... But perhaps not that I think would have much to do in my work.
Alain Kiwan
Beirut, Lebanon