Explore Quotes by Josemaria Escriva

All the things that are now worrying you can be put into a smile which shows your love of God.

Faith, joy, optimism. But not the folly of closing your eyes to reality.

Say the Holy Rosary. Blessed be that monotony of Hail Mary's which purifies the monotony of your sins!

For those who use their intelligence and their study as a weapon, the Rosary is most effective. Because that apparently monotonous way of beseeching Our Lady as children do their Mother, can destroy every seed of vainglory and pride.

The holy Rosary is a powerful weapon. Use it with confidence and you'll be amazed at the results.

When we were little, we kept close to our mother in a dark alley or if dogs barked at us. Now, when we feel temptations of the flesh, we should run to the side of our Mother in Heaven, by realizing how she is to us, and by means of aspirations. She will defend us and lead us to the light.

Love our Lady. And she will obtain abundant grace to help you conquer in your daily struggle.

When you see the storm coming, if you seek safety in that firm refuge which is Mary, there will be no danger of your wavering or going down.

You always leave the Rosary for later, and you end up not saying it at all because you are sleepy. If there is no other time, say it in the street without letting anybody notice it. It will, moreover, help you to have presence of God.

For everyone, whatever his state--single, married, widowed, or priest-chastity is a triumphant affirmation of love.

Holy Purity is granted by God when it is asked for with humility.

Temptation is necessary to make us realize that we are nothing in ourselves.

As soon as you willfully allow a dialogue with temptation to begin, the soul is robbed of peace, just as consent to impurity destroys grace.

You don't know how to pray? Put yourself in the presence of God, and as soon as you have said, 'Lord, I don't know how to pray!' you can be sure you have already begun.

It's true he was a sinner. But don't pass so final a judgement. Have pity in your heart and don't forget that he may yet be an Augustine, while you remain just another mediocrity.

You go to pray; to become a bonfire, a living flame, giving light and heat.

You strayed from the way and did not return because you were ashamed. It would be more logical if you were ashamed not to return.

When you decide firmly to lead a clean life, chastity will not be a burden on you: it will be a crown of triumph.

If you have so many defects, why are you surprised to find defects in others?

Christian optimism is not a sugary optimism, nor is it a mere human confidence that everything will turn out all right. It is an optimism that sinks its roots into an awareness of our freedom, and the sure knowledge of the power of grace. It is an optimism that leads us to make demands on ourselves, to struggle to respond at every moment to God's call.

Put your heart aside. Duty comes first. But when fulfilling your duty, put your heart into it. It helps.