Man no longer lives in the beginning--he has lost the beginning. Now he finds he is in the middle, knowing neither the end nor the beginning, and yet knowing that he is in the middle, coming from the beginning and going towards the end. He sees that his life is determined by these two facets, of which he knows only that he does not know them

The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world that it leaves to its children.

Jesus says that every Christian has his own cross waiting for him, a cross destined and appointed by God. Each must endure his allotted share of suffering and rejection. But each has a different share: some God deems worthy of the highest form of suffering, and gives them the grace of martyrdom, while others he does not allow to be tempted above that which they are able to bear. But it is the one and the same cross in every case.

The Christian needs another Christian who speaks God's word to him. He needs him again and again when he becomes uncertain and discouraged, for by himself he cannot help himself without belying the truth.

Desires repeatedly mastered for the sake of present duty make us richer. Lack of desire is poverty.

God has willed that we should seek and find God's living Word in the testimony of other Christians, in the mouths of human beings.

Once a man has truly experienced the mercy of God in his life he will henceforth aspire only to serve.