Search Page

The journey of faith leads to light and joy, but we must be careful not to fall into the darkness through carelessness or pride

Only in Heaven is everybody perfect. When we look upon other people in earthly life who seem to be without faith or hope we must look with patience and kindness. Perhaps they need time, as they consider entrusting their lives to God.

If we put our trust in Christ our Saviour, even in difficulties, it's as if we are speeding ahead on a clear road to holiness. If we try to do our own will, not God's, we are bound to make unwise decisions, steer badly, get into trouble, and even damage other lives.

The journey from life to death is like being on a cable-car between two mountains. Sometimes, mid-journey, we seem to be making little progress; but if we persevere in faith, we can trust that amazing things are happening, and that we are moving slowly towards our final destination with God.

The journey from life to death is like being on a cable-car between two mountains. Sometimes, mid-journey, we seem to be making little progress; but if we persevere in faith, we can trust that amazing things are happening, and that we are moving slowly towards our final destination with God.

The journey from life to death is like being on a cable-car between two mountains. Sometimes, mid-journey, we seem to be making little progress; but if we persevere in faith, we can trust that amazing things are happening, and that we are moving slowly towards our final destination with God.

Sometimes our trials do not go away quickly. We can picture ourselves as like a log, carried along by the current, even if it sometimes bumps into the river-bank, or seems to make little progress.

Jesus said that it is a narrow gate that leads to life, and a hard road. Prayer is the gate. If we refuse to enter it, how can we ask for forgiveness, receive the sacraments, grow in the knowledge and love of God, receive His gifts in prayer, and follow the way to Heaven?

A person who, for love of God, loves and serves her neighbour, walks a hard road towards Heaven, with steep climbs; but as she arrives, it is Christ Himself Who will kneel, wash her feet, then put a white robe over her head, for the feast of Heaven.

A person who, for love of God, loves and serves her neighbour, walks a hard road towards Heaven, with steep climbs; but as she arrives, it is Christ Himself Who will kneel, wash her feet, then put a white robe over her head, for the feast of Heaven.

People who say they love God but who refuse to do His will are as if 'hiding' away from His sight, in a dark pit. As long as they stay 'hidden', they are not yet walking on the bridge to Heaven, the 'bridge' made by Christ across the Abyss.

Each of us must one day stand before God, to give an account of our life on Earth, for our 'particular judgement'. Each person who is a true child of God will enter Heaven, or be helped to prepare for Heaven. Those who have no love for God or their neighbour cannot enter Heaven or Purgatory. Their journey ends in the Abyss.

Someone who follows a humble, quiet, persevering way of prayer and faithfulness to God, is on the Way to Heaven, just as a man on a straight, well-lit motorway is making a safe journey to the city; unlike those who choose to struggle on foot, picking their own route across country, and encountering rabbit-holes, barbed wire and wild animals.

It is really important, as we journey together in the Church towards Heaven, that we love one another, and do not overlook the command to love our enemies, or to love the sick, shy and poor in a parish.

On our journey to Heaven, Catholics trust in the navigator and the pilot (God) and are grateful for regular food (the sacraments). They try not to complain or demand weather reports or arrival times, but try to be helpful and kind to people around them.

Some of the 'roads' we travel in the Lord's service seem unending; yet we need to be prepared for sudden surprises and changes which He has arranged for us. It's as if we travel through mile upon mile of forest, then are awestruck when the Grand Canyon comes into view.

Catholics who want to do more than fulfil ordinary duties with little enthusiasm should follow the 'ladder' to Heaven, which consists of three stages: purgation, illumination and union. These lead to the heights of contemplation, and to eternal bliss in Heaven.

Life lived in union with God through Baptism is like a journey in a seat on a monorail; the train arrives at an airport, which represents a happy death; for there is a flight waiting, which will end in Heaven. Those who cannot be bothered to take the train are doomed. Those who wanted to, but could not, will be 'parachuted' into the airport by a merciful God.

A wise Christian never says: 'This path before me is so difficult or painful that God can't possibly want me to follow it'. A friend of Christ follows where Christ has led him, avoiding an easier route. He steers straight towards the Heavenly Jerusalem.

Each friend of Christ must make a journey before he can reach Heaven. By Baptism we cross a chasm, and are freed from sin. Then there are deserts and mountain ranges, and other features, before we reach the glorious 'City' on the horizon.