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God's inner life of self-giving is mirrored by those who love Him, and who themselves reach out in love to others.

Just as a person in a wood cannot see the depths of a deep forest pool, so no-one can 'fathom' God, or ever understand and know Him completely; but it is nevertheless important to learn about God's nature and attributes, through reason and revelation.

Because of their Baptism, souls have been changed; and those who enter Heaven are 'shielded' from the burning fire of love which is God's nature. Instead of suffering through contact with His holiness, they shine, in joy: as if each is a little flame of love, visible even amidst the surrounding Divine Glory.

It was as a 'cloud' over the earth had been rent apart, when Jesus toured Galilee, speaking the truth about the purpose of life, the glory of the Father, the need for repentance, and for Baptism. He showed out God's nature and God's Will. He revealed the extent of Divine Love by accepting death on a Cross, rather than give up His Mission. He proved His Divinity by His miracles, above all by His Resurrection.

We are right to yearn to know the truth about God, and life; yet reality is different from, and greater than our first imaginings. A person who builds a picture of Paris, from a few stories, and films and melodies, finds that the reality is even more marvellous. So it is, with our thoughts about God. People all over the world have different pictures in their minds, but when Jesus arrived on earth, revealing the truth about God's nature, it was astonishing for people to learn that He is Love and Truth. It was thrilling.

Some people say: 'Why does God let people suffer in Hell. Can't He destroy sinners?' It is not in God's nature to destroy, like a mythical God who is proud of his power. He is all-love, and lovingly reaches out to us through His Son, warning us of the danger of sin and disobedience. The sufferings of Hell are caused by the loss of God, through a person's own fault, and through the demons, who delight in causing pain.

We should think about God's nature, when we think about catechesis. Wherever a person whose duty it is to teach the Faith distorts it, or truncates it, to make it more palatable, that person does wrong. God Himself is Truth, so if we offer people a distorted truth, or a truth which leaves out essential elements or difficult-to-comprehend aspects, we insult God, even if we don't realise it.