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A deep pool in a forest clearing is like the mystery of the Godhead. It is unfathomable, but we can still 'enter' and know God more deeply by study and prayer, by knowledge and love.

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.

From the life of grace, a rope-ladder led upwards to where Christ and the Saints waited in Heaven to greet those who persevered even amidst howling winds, and who bravely held on, until the moment of death.

Just as a child has to learn table manners and concern for others, by instruction as well as example, so a Christian needs to be taught how to pray and genuflect, and to show reverence to God, in His house of prayer.

Just as a child has to learn table manners and concern for others, by instruction as well as example, so a Christian needs to be taught how to pray and genuflect, and to show reverence to God, in His house of prayer.

It's as if souls are like seed pods - we can respond to the sunlight, which is God's perpetual love for everyone, and produce beautiful plants, or we can choose to remain 'shut-in', and shrivel.

We fail in our duty if we never warn others of the consequences of serious sin and irreverence. It's as if we were to walk past people who are trapped in a swamp because they did not take the right path. They are in danger, even if they imagine all is well.

In church, we are on the threshold of Heaven, in the Presence of Christ our God. Although it is sometimes necessary to offer a quiet greeting or enquiry, it is not right to engage in idle chatter, e.g. about football results or holidays. It is the House of God, and we should want to pray there and allow others to pray.

It is when a person becomes really alive in the Spirit, perhaps long after initial conversion, that he or she can 'see' Christ clearly, if Christ Wills - whether by genuine visions or by 'unknowing' knowledge and 'unseeing' sight. Christ is no longer hidden behind the 'veils' of a person's self-concern.

The idols or 'golden calves' which many people worship today, are their own selfish opinions, often contrary to the Church's teachings, their lack of reverence towards God, their neglect of penance and prayer, and the neglect of the ordinary duties of their state of life.

Just as the ancient people of God made an idol of a golden calf, so many people today make an idol of their private opinions, neglecting God's law, or they lack reverence in church, neglect prayer and penance, and disregard the duties of their state of life - loving their own will instead of the Will of God.

Whenever we pray with real faith, trusting that God hears us, it's as if we open a trapdoor overhead, which we had kept locked from our 'side'. By praying with faith, we consent to receive God's graces, and even to be raised up high, emerging from despondency and gloom.

The all-holy and majestic God Whom we praise at Mass, through Christ His Son, is present here. This huge Cathedral, and everyone in it, rests in God's care. Were we to see Him, we would see a blazing fire reaching out powerfully through the entire building: a burning fire of pure love.

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.

Each person who genuinely experiences God in contemplation and is able to describe such things is like someone who has glimpsed bright scenes through Gaps in a 'cloud' which is Divine Life and Eternity. We cannot 'see' the whole picture.

Someone who speaks about Mount Everest is worth believing if we know that he has followed the right path. Someone who speaks about God and Heaven is worth believing if he or she has evidently followed the right path: by faith in Christ, love for God and neighbour, self-denial in order to do God's Will, and the surrender of selfish ambitions.

The Angels are present in church. They join in our praises whenever we celebrate Mass

The Angels are present in church. They join in our praises whenever we celebrate Mass

Some people begrudge having to look after sick relations. They even bang the dinner plates on the table. That's what it's like when we pray to God with resentment, or are angry about having to confess our sins.

Heaven is like 'Head Office', and I am a junior in the Company. I don't know all the plans of the good director, but I can count it an honour to help Him. I even find that He comes out on the road to help me, or sends His Mother to guide me.