The Way (book)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Pot, Slovenian translation of The Way, the main book of St. Josemaria Escrivá

The Way is a book on spirituality written by Josemaria Escriva, the founder of Opus Dei. The book was first published in 1934 under the title Consideraciones espirituales. It later received its definitive title in 1939. More than four and a half million copies have been sold, in 43 different languages. The same title has also been given to certain companies that manufacture Bibles.

Some writers have compared it with Thomas A Kempis's Imitation of Christ as the latter's modern version for the Catholic laity. According to the author his motivation was: "The 999 points which make up The Way were written with yearnings to see 'Christ, the Light of the World.' Anyone who reads it with the same yearnings will not have opened this book in vain."

The Way was written based on notes Escriva took during the day and during times of prayer, notes which are based on his reflections on the gospel and its application to specific situations arising from his personal pastoral experience. Many of the points are counsels he actually gave to persons in spiritual direction. Some are letters he wrote and received. Thus it has a conversational style. As a reviewer in Osservatore Romano (March 24, 1950) put it: "Msgr. Escriva de Balaguer has written something more than a masterpiece; he has written straight from the heart, and straight to the heart go the short paragraphs which make up The Way."