First, prayer; then, atonement; in the third place, very much 'in the third place', action. - Josemaría Escrivá

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.

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

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