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The Saints love to intercede with God for us, to draw down grace upon us like sunlight upon dark lives. The greatest help pours down - like a blazing gift of light, covering a huge area - when Christ's Mother intercedes for us, in response to our cries for help.
It is as if, far above the earth, the Godhead holds at its heart an oasis of light. This is the city of God, home of the Saints and Angels for Eternity; and it is foolishness, in the Lord's sight, to risk losing an Eternity of bliss, there, for a moment's earthly pleasure or gain followed by Eternal pain and darkness.
Our guardian Angels always pray with immense reverence and devotion. They love to see us pray in the same manner; and though we do not usually see them we can delight in the knowledge that they are beside us as we pray: our faithful guardians and companions.
People who like to engage in malicious gossip, or scandalous or salacious conversations, are like people choosing to stand in a filthy alley which is befouled underfoot, instead of in a beautiful meeting place in fresh air and sunlight.
Christ showed me that from every floor of the hospital of St Frai in Lourdes we can see the sunlight and the Heavens. At every Mass, likewise, we are in contact with the Father - Who reaches out to us - and with Heaven, no matter whether the Mass has to be conducted outdoors, or underground, or in any sort of building, because of unusual circumstances.
Wearing His chasuble, Christ sits beside us in our Holy Communion, inviting us to remain silently in His company, enjoying His Presence, in utter peace and delight.
Some people discuss the Catholic Faith as if it were a light matter: a question of joining a happy group just for company and reassurance. They do not realise that the Faith is about truth and goodness. There is a battle raging in the world - though many people are still blind to it - it is a war between good and evil.
Some people are so engrossed in their own interests that it is only when an apparent disaster tears a jagged hole in their hearts or in the fabric of their lives that they look up, yearning for help - and allow the Holy Spirit, unceasingly ready to help, to bring light, truth and consolation into their lives.
The power given to us in Baptism can draw us up to holiness and Heaven; but we can be hampered from 'flight' by these attachments: timidity in sharing our Faith, worrying about what people think our about particular vocation, concern for physical comfort, or neglect of everyday duties. The last 'string' to be cut is death.
As Christ looks down from Heaven upon the world He sees a great light shining out. That is the Catholic Church which He founded. It is like a great light which will never go out, even if that light is sometimes dimmed. All truths that others preach are facets of the whole Body of truths (the Deposit of Faith) that the Church holds and preaches.
We can usually see little on a flight. Just as when, on an aircraft, we have little glimpses of bright fields or snowy mountains, so, in the spiritual life, God allows us 'glimpses' of spiritual joys, because He knows one of our greatest dangers is discouragement, and wants us to know that we are on our way to Heaven.
Just as, on an aircraft, the flight is endangered if someone becomes so angry that he attacks the pilot or breaks a window, so, in the spiritual life, a person who commits a mortal sin risks missing a safe landing, and even entering a state which is indescribably painful.
Christ told me that those few Catholics who believe in all the teachings of the Church and who are willing to proclaim and defend them are like a lamp set on an hill, to enlighten people around them. But many Catholics, even many of the Clergy, have little faith, and so give little or no light to people near them.
A person who is on his way to Hell has taken that downward path only by a series of deliberate, freely-chosen acts or thoughts by which he defies God or disobeys His laws. Yet if he pauses, and regrets his choices, and simply calls out "O God, Help me" - he will be helped to move upwards towards the light: helped by God who loves Him.
Those who repent of their sins, make Heaven their goal, and humbly ask for the grace of Christ and the prayers of His Virgin Mother, and who persevere to the end, will receive a great welcome in Heaven. People who love Christ and Our Lady are led straight up to the summit, to meet the Father of Light Who sent His Son to save us.
Whoever 'offers up' her suffering in union with Christ in His Passion, and prays for people in need, can be sure of bringing help to sinners, or the sick or lonely, and others. It's as if those needy souls are brought close to God, in a great procession, as His healing light shines upon them - even if the one praying has no idea who is being helped.
Christians live in the light, knowing that the prayers offered by the Church - and individual Christians - are worthy of being heard, because they are offered with and through Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Through our union with Christ, and the power of His saving Work, made present at every Mass, we can be confident that our praise is acceptable to the Father.
The Lord asked me to paint a very large picture of the Last Judgement. He asked me to show the glory of Heaven as being like a blazing light at the top of the painting. I could include a stairway to Heaven, representing the only way there: the way made by Christ through His Death and Resurrection.
Christ is the Saviour Who appeared on earth, to deliver us from our sins and from the fear of death. His arrival has been greeted by many who recognise their plight, just as a man in a small boat would be welcomed by people on a doomed ship such as the Titanic.
For as long as life on earth endures there will always be demons gibbering in the darkness, trying to drag souls into sin. Whoever calls out to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God, Mary, and asks for her prayers, will receive grace from God and be drawn towards the light of Heaven.
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