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There are many dangers to earthly life, such as pollution and famine. Yet people are in far greater danger if they risk the life of their immortal souls, through immoral behavior. Serious sin cuts us off from the love and life of God.
There are many dangers to earthly life, such as pollution and famine. Yet people are in far greater danger if they risk the life of their immortal souls, through immoral behavior. Serious sin cuts us off from the love and life of God.
Any priest who offers the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, yet rushes away to fulfil his own selfish plans, or to continue a sinful lifestyle, moves as if from Heaven to Hell in a few minutes, leaving the 'Heaven' which is Christ's Real Presence to the 'hell' which is human life when the 'door' has been shut to God.
Though we must pray and work to help the needy all over the world, we must keep our thoughts also on Heaven, lest we become despondent, forgetting the glory and joy that await God's friends. Yet we must think, too, about our preparation. Only the pure and holy are ready to enter.
Parts of the earth lie in darkness, again. For God, looking at the earth, it is as if lights on the earth which normally shine out to Heaven, are extinguished, where Catholics routinely go against the Commandments, particularly about chastity and about married love. It is just as when people working for the National Grid see large, un-lit areas suddenly appear on their screens.
Christ our God can see the whole earth, all at once, and everyone on it. And He can see our countries, towns, homes and hearts. He is at work to guide us to make wise decisions. He longs to see us happy and holy both now and forever. Nothing is hidden from Him.
The Father hears the prayers we offer in Jesus' name. Jesus is living to intercede for us, and does so not just in Heaven, but also here upon earth in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
God, the King of Kings, lives in Heaven, yet has an 'outpost' in a foreign country, Earth, where His ambassadors keep a special residence, with a throne-room, which He can visit. Hence the reverent silence appropriate for that place: a Catholic church.
Whenever the Church on earth prays the Creed with faith and fervour, the Saints and Angels, with the Holy Trinity, rejoice at seeing such a blaze of love and faith from upon earth.
God does not 'like' to see us suffer, just as God the Father did not like to see His Son suffer on earth; yet that suffering of Jesus was part of the plan which They - with the Holy Spirit - accomplished, so that salvation would be possible for the whole human race; and we too are sometimes asked to bear a few dreadful trials for a special purpose.
God does not 'like' to see us suffer, just as God the Father did not like to see His Son suffer on earth; yet that suffering of Jesus was part of the plan which They - with the Holy Spirit - accomplished, so that salvation would be possible for the whole human race; and we too are sometimes asked to bear a few dreadful trials for a special purpose.
In becoming man, the Son of God chose to share our life on earth, and our sufferings - though He is without sin. And He sacrificed His life so that we could be freed from sin and from the fear of death.
Those who enjoy visions but are content to do without them are like housewives who love to see a visitor for coffee and a chat but who are content to get on with their ordinary chores - unlike someone consumed with a desire for entertainment (or visions), who neglects her ordinary duties.
The graces that God pours out upon souls at the mention of Jesus' name in our prayers are like a 'rain' of emeralds, rubies and other precious stones in earthly life. We all ought to pray in His name, so that spiritual treasures will enrich those we love, and people in need.
Christ does not expect us to become perfect just because we spend time with Him at Exposition. He delights is our prayers of adoration; yet He understands when our minds wander, and when we reflect on ordinary aspects of life - as guests do at a wedding reception who don't spend every second talking about the bridge and groom.
At Mass, it is as though a gigantic Christ stands at the altar, to reach out and tear the veil that hides Heaven from earth.
At Mass, it is as though a gigantic Christ stands at the altar, to reach out and tear the veil that hides Heaven from earth.
Christmas is 'about' the entry into our world of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, our Saviour, in all His power, Divinity and holiness - though He hid His glory for most of His life on earth, and in fact began His life on earth as an infant.
God the Son was born of the Blessed Virgin Mary. No more dramatic and marvellous event had ever occurred upon earth than the appearance of the infant Who was fully God and fully human. And He had come to earth so that we can go to Heaven.
Jesus Christ came to share our life on earth, in His Nativity, so that we could go to Heaven.
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