They who load us with insults and ignominies give us the means of acquiring treasures more precious than any that man can gain in this life.

He who goes about to reform the world must begin with himself, or he loses his labor.

... we ought even to hold as a fixed principle that what I see white I believe to be black, if the superior authorities define it to be so.

To have prevented one single sin is reward enough for the labors and efforts of a whole lifetime.

If God gives you an abundant harvest of trials, it is a sign of great holiness which He desires you to attain. Do you want to become a great saint? Ask God to send you many sufferings. The flame of Divine Love never rises higher than when fed with the wood of the Cross, which the infinite charity of the Savior used to finish His sacrifice. All the pleasures of the world are nothing compared with the sweetness found in the gall and vinegar offered to Jesus Christ. That is, hard and painful things endured for Jesus Christ and with Jesus Christ.

Concerning the harsh treatment of the body for our Lord's sake, I would say, avoid anything that would cause the shedding even of a drop of blood.

God inclines to shower His graces upon us, but our perverted will is a barrier to His generosity.