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It is as though, to reach Heaven, we must deliberately aim for Heaven, swimming against the powerful current that might draw us into a 'whirlpool' of evil that leads to Hell. Baptism is like a set of water wings that hold us up and give us confidence about life in Christ, and the power to become holy and to persevere.

It is important to persevere in prayer even during sickness. It draws graces upon the sick person - even if the prayers must be wordless or abbreviated. It helps others directly - and indirectly, when the sick person sets a good example to healthy people tempted not to pray.

Our Beloved Lady came to me in my hotel room. She was radiant, and glorious as a Queen. She consoled me in my difficulties, and assured me that her son was pleased with me, and glad that I persevere to bring encouragement to many in the Church.

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.

Every follower of Jesus is on a journey to Heaven, with ravines to cross and mountains to climb; yet Jesus' true friends persevere in faith, hope and love, and set an example for other people who long to reach Heaven.

The Father sees everything that happens to us, as we live and work in the 'darkness' of earthly life, as if in a deep cavern, far below Heaven's glory. Yet when we overcome our sins and persevere in difficulties, and share our faith in God, we give joy to God's heart.

The Lord showed me a series of posters which represented the many subjects studied in Catholic schools. If the children don't learn spiritual truths, however, they will be lost. They need to know about God's love for them, and their unique worth; and also about the importance of prayer, the sacraments, holy living, the Mass, and perseverance in grace until death.

The generous response of the Blessed Virgin to God's invitation to become the Mother of God brought her much suffering - but also tremendous joy and glory. And so it is with us, when we respond to God's call, and allow Him to lead us through trials to bliss and intimacy.

Christ is pleased when we make great efforts to attend Mass and receive Him in Holy Communion, even battling through snow and difficult circumstances to reach the church.

There are all sort of trials that must be faced by Christians who are trying to be faithful. This should not surprise us. Christ was not surprised by the jeering crowds who lined the streets of Jerusalem as He staggered along the road the Calvary.

A person in turmoil is wise if he turns to the Father in Heaven, and believes in his love. If he prays, he will be led to the right Way; and if he follows it, though it takes him through dark times, he will be moving towards the light of Heaven with a new hope in his heart.

No one achieves sanctity by looking timidly at the waters of holiness, or trying to remain on the surface. It is the Saints, who believe that the water can support them, and who want to accept Christ's invitation, who plunge in, experience transformation, and persevere. With a special diet, and with courage, training and good instruction they become champion swimmers.

If we persevere in fervent love of God and of our neighbour we can arrive at the top of the mountain of holiness, and enter Heaven as soon as we die. Those friends of Christ who grow luke-warm or careless are collected, at death, and taken to Purgatory, to be made fully-alive and joyful, ready for Heaven. People who have walked down the mountain, of their own free will, are heading towards the Abyss, and doom.

In the spiritual life, it can seem as though we travel on a narrow path, between high walls, with little hope of finding joy. But just where the path seems most unpromising, it can open out - if we persevere - into an orchard, full of trees laden with fruit and lush foliage. Helped by the prayers of the Saints, our state of life is becoming fruitful.

To live as a faithful Catholic, in difficult circumstances, is like climbing a huge mountain, knowing that a great welcome awaits climbers at the summit. A good climber does not lose hope, but keeps climbing, confident that - by God's grace - he will be strong enough to persevere.

A person who is determined to make preparation, to be worthy to receive the gift of contemplation, is like a man willing to go to the station, and travel on a train through dark tunnels, in order to reach the heights of the Himalayas. Someone who will not get out of bed to pray is like a man who wants to travel on high, but who sits waiting for a sedan chair to be sent down to fetch him. It will not come.

Sick people have no special right to enter Heaven just because they have suffered much, no matter what sentimental onlookers say. The sick, too, are called to holiness. They need to believe, to think and act with charity, and to persevere, in order to be saved. Yet they have had greater than usual opportunities to do penance, by accepting their sufferings in patience.

Just as there was a place allotted and made ready for each child, at the nursery school, so there is a 'place' ready for each of us in Heaven, if we will accept God's invitation, and persevere in faith and love, to the end.

Many good followers of Christ seem to live in a bright 'cloud', in the spiritual life, which prevents them from seeing or hearing their beloved Lord. He allows this, for their souls' sakes, to help them grow in faith. If they persevere, they will experience a 'birth' into the joy and glory of known union.