Josemaría Escrivá

Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer (9 January 1902– 26 June 1975), was a Spanish priest and founder of Opus Dei.

The Way (1950)
Camino (1950)
 * You are too calculating. Don't tell me you are young. Youth gives all it can: it gives itself without reserve.
 * #30


 * First, prayer; then, atonement; in the third place, very much 'in the third place', action.
 * #82


 * True virtue is not sad or disagreeable, but pleasantly cheerful.
 * #657


 * All the things of this world are no more than earth. Place them in a heap under your feet and you will be so much the nearer to heaven.
 * #676


 * Gold, silver, jewels: dust, heaps of manure. Gratification, sensual pleasures, satisfaction of the appetites: like a beast, like a mule, like a cock, like a pig, like a bull. Honours, distinctions, titles: things of air, puffs of pride, lies, nothingness.
 * #677

The Forge (1987)

 * I am every day more convinced that happiness in Heaven is for those who know how to be happy on earth.
 * #1005


 * With God's grace, you have to tackle and carry out the impossible, because anybody can do what is possible.
 * #216


 * Even in our times, despite those who deny God, earth is very close to Heaven.
 * #992

The Furrow (1986)

 * The pedant interprets the simplicity and the humility of the wise man as ignorance.
 * #434


 * People who are stupid, unscrupulous, or hypocritical, think that others are just the same. And — this is the real pity — they treat them as if they were.
 * #551


 * The understanding that so many people demand of others is that everyone should join their party.
 * #576


 * It is easier to bustle about than to study, but it is also less effective.
 * #524


 * The higher a statue is raised, the harder and more dangerous the impact when it falls.
 * #269


 * For everyone, whatever his state — single, married, widowed or priest — chastity is a triumphant affirmation of love.
 * #831


 * Never say of anybody under you: he is no good. It is you who are no good, for you cannot find a place where he will be of use.
 * #975


 * Those in love do not know how to say good-bye: they are with one another all the time.


 * The strength of a chain is the strength of its weakest link.
 * #974


 * Work is man's original vocation. It is a blessing from God, and those who consider it a punishment are sadly mistaken.
 * #482


 * You are ready to give your life for your honour ... Be ready to give up your honour for your soul.
 * #614