Search Page
Showing 601 - 620 of 1911
We are right to speak of 'falling' into sin, or of the danger of falling 'down' into Hell. Just as we are deeply saddened when earthly lives end in tragedy, so we should be saddened even more by the results sin can bring us, in the 'pit' of damnation.
Just as a driver on a main road, nowadays, cannot escape being noticed and photographed - and even followed by police in a helicopter - so we need to remember that much that we do or say in everyday life is noticed by others. It is important that we set a good example.
We can picture Heaven as being like a big party, where everyone is related, and, where people live together in mutual delight, love and care, in God's presence; yet careless or lukewarm friends of God are held and purified below, until they are ready to take part. Those who refuse God's friendship utterly, however, descend to Hell, where there is no hope of joy.
Christ is touched to the heart by every sign of devotion to Him in His Passion - which He endured out of love for us all. He wants us to revere the crucifix, pray the stations of the Cross, and make the sign of the Cross with reverence and care.
If we are ever overwhelmed by shame about our past lives, tempted to be despondent even though we are loved and forgiven, we can be sure that Christ wants us to remember His Apostles. Even Peter and others sinned - yet were chosen by God for His work.
Even when Catholics in England are looked upon as being different from 'ordinary' people, as the Amish are in the USA, we must still persevere in our faithfulness to the Church and God's laws.
The Lord told me the when I find myself in X-ray departments and operating theatres I must look upon them as my venues for mission, given to me by God, just as certain towns and places were shown to the Apostles, for them to evangelise by their words and example. I can show out the joy of Christ, even in trouble and pain.
The Lord gave me a glimpse of our beautiful village, which He has allowed me to enjoy amidst many years of pain. Then He showed me an even greater beauty on high, 'above' the village. I saw Heaven's glory, and all the Saints who live in God, in joy.
Truly, I have a tremendous dignity (the Lord explained) as a practicing Catholic in a state of grace who can be confident of my every prayer being heard and answered. It's as if my arms reach out to Heaven, as the Father holds out His arms to greet me.
We need to maintain an inner peace at every provocation. If we are attacked, let us remember that Christ was followed and pestered by people who were determined to annoy Him, or to trap Him into some unwise or inflammatory answer.
As corn is cut whether by a sickle or a machine, so wherever prayer is offered to God the Father in the name of Jesus, His Son, by sincere people, such prayer honours Him; and it brings blessings upon those who offer it - whether at formal gatherings or in small private groups, or individuals.
The best prayer is that which is offered through Christ, in the Sacred Liturgy. Yet as God gazes upon the world with love He notices with delight each 'spark' of prayer offered by people who believe in Him as their Creator and Judge and Goal.
Christ is touched to the heart by every sign of devotion to Him in His Passion, which He endured out of love for us all. He wants us to pray to Him, even if the image in our hearts or the knowledge in our hearts is not perfectly accurate. The Sacred Liturgy is supremely important for prayer, but we should encourage everyone, of every faith, to trust in God and to turn to Him in prayer.
Each of us is on our way towards Heaven or Hell. By our own free decision, we are moving closer to God or away from Him. We need to look at everything in our lives, and ask ourselves: "Does this help me to achieve sanctity, or hinder me?"
Some of our attempts to attract young people to Mass are unnecessary or even foolish. It is the living memorial of the Sacrifice of Christ; and if they believe and appreciate this they will long to be there.
Mortal sin is like a whirlpool. It is easy to be swept into it, and it is impossible to escape disaster. In the life based on the Sacred Liturgy, however, we can be carried powerfully along by the sacraments and holy habits, until we arrive on the shore of Heaven.
It is the Lord's wish that our Bishops teach and reinforce the 'basics' of the Catholic life, which include regular and reverent Liturgical and private prayer, care of family and the needy, celebration of feasts and fasts, love for the Church, for the glory of the Holy Trinity, following Jesus.
Christ showed me His delight in the care taken to prepare a worthy place for the pyx to be placed. Christ Himself, Present in the Blessed Sacrament, showed His joy that, for love of Him, I had placed flowers before that little 'altar'.
Christ is pleased whenever people write, speak or act to support brave organisers who work to save life. The work done by 'LIFE', for example, to save unborn babies is admirable, in the spirit of Christ our God, Whose gift life is.
Christ is overjoyed when we take steps to defend the weak, or to save lives, even by little efforts like writing to newspapers or politicians.
Showing 601 - 620 of 1911