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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.

There is a way to avoid falling into the 'pit' of doom, though many people ignore the means, which is the Way made by Christ. It's as if He has placed a ladder on earth by which we can climb to Heaven and safety, through the sacraments and prayer.

There are many well-meaning people offering to the crowds very different ideas about God. It's as if they stand on stepladders, to give out their advice; yet the only ladder that reaches Heaven was put up by Christ, who came from Heaven.

St. Francis of Assisi was fervent in love for God and for others, until the very end, speaking frankly about Heaven and Hell.

As each of us moves towards either Heaven - through God's grace - or Hell, moving because of our own thoughts, words and actions, we are at the same time helping others to move towards Heaven or Hell, by our influence.

There are very many well-meaning people offering to the crowds very different ideas about God. It's as if they stand on stepladders, to give out their advice; yet the only ladder that reaches Heaven was put up by Christ, who came from Heaven.

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.

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.

Christ told me that His message is simple: It is all 'about' love. Because of His love for each of us, He wants to draw us towards Heaven and save us from Hell. Hence His constant teachings in His own day, and ours, about repentance, change, and the sacraments of the Church.

On the feast of St Michael and all Angels I 'saw' the Angels as they waited in church before the Mass began, adoring Christ Who was Really Present in the tabernacle.

It would cause an upsurge of devotion were the many dusty, neglected altars to be renovated, so that Masses might be celebrated upon them again, as during the past many hundreds of years.

Christ held out to me a purple cloak, like the one which was draped over His shoulders before his crucifixion. He invited me to put it on, as a sign that I accept the sufferings which He asks me to endure in patience on the path ahead.

Christ looks on with joy when we celebrate life or good news by sharing food and drink with friends, at a party, in genuine mutual delight, with a desire to give joy and to comfort tired hearts. Heaven is a little like that.

In the lower depths of Purgatory are souls - like desperate people in a mediaeval dungeon who huddle close to the walls - who have no-one to pray for them.

Those who have remained faithful to God, yet who need purification, enter Purgatory, from which they can 'ascend' to Heaven when they are ready. Yet Hell awaits those who have insisted, until they die, on ignoring God or rebelling against His laws in serious matters; who will find themselves separated from Him, in Hell, unable to escape.

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.

In Holy Communion, Christ can draw us close so that we can rest our head on His breast, like St. John, and rest beside Christ in utter peace, joy and fulfilment.

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.

Christ comforts and reassures us, like a mother reassuring her children when they are worried or distressed.

It is tragic to see someone walking as if in a 'tunnel' of gloom, hidden, by a life of sin, from enjoying God's light, and with none of the peace-of-soul that comes with repentance. Such a soul is in need of the powerful help brought by the prayers of a friend, and the grace of God.