I wish I had the courage to be as holy as the men and women who are members of opus dei. I find Josemaria Escriva's writings to be some of the most inspirational stuff I've ever read. Anyone who thinks Opus Dei is some sort of evil cult should really take a long hard look at their ideas about good and evil.
Again, this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sign_of_contradiction goes a long way in explaining why people are so against Opus Dei.
I wish I were courageous enough to use a cilice and the discipline.
In the meantime, I often sleep without pillows, take cold showers, and fast. For me, at least, mortification has been a key part of progressing spiritually. It helps us to conquer our bad habits and it also helps us to gain a fuller understanding of the communion of saints which we profess so often in our creeds. Through our self sacrifice and our willingness to bear suffering we are able to make up what is lacking in others and are able to benefit the entire church and the whole world.
It should also be noted that through our faith in Christ, suffering is no longer something that is entirely negative but is instead something that we can use for the betterment of ourselves and others. We are able to take our enemy's weapon and use it against him!
From: http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?p=1075481#post1075481
and http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?p=1075851#post1075851
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