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In Christ's sight, teachers of the faith ought to embody it. It is not enough for teachers to believe in the articles of the Faith, if they do not show out the virtues, including chastity, for example. Women, especially, should pay attention to their clothing and avoid immodest garments or styles which tempt other people to have unchaste thoughts.

It is not wise for any artist to paint naked figures, or figures with revealing or immodest clothing, which will incite or increase lustful thoughts in the minds of those who gaze at them. Even though attempts to cover up the genitalia on a famous painting have been mocked, Christ looks on with gladness when crude art works or obscene materials are taken out of sight, or covered up.

We must expect to meet criticism, especially about chastity. Critics of Christians and Christianity call good people 'prudish' or old-fashioned, when care is taken to wear modest clothing, to lead chaste lives, and to avoid indecent films and art displays, and to protest at public nudity. This must not deter Christians from keeping the Commandments, and striving to be 'as pure as Christ'.

We must be sensitive in speaking to individuals. If we want to share the truth with Anglicans about their separation from the Catholic Church, in another Century, and the loss of valid Orders, it is not right to thrust unwelcome truths at people we do not know. These things can be discussed when we have greeted them and learned about them, and are invited to speak freely.

In wanting to share the good news about Christ, and the Catholic Faith, we do not begin by accosting people we do not know, to accuse them of sin. We imitate Christ, Who first got to know a person - as in Simon's house - and only when a bond was established gently mentioned things which Simon needed to know, above love for a neighbour.

All who love and serve Christ and their neighbour with sincere hearts, and who persevere in love and purity and gratitude until they die, can be sure of being drawn across the great Abyss, after death, as if on an express train which is supported by the upstretched arms of Christ, Who Himself is the bridge to Heaven.

There are good people of other religions who have never heard of Christ, or learned of His true nature. When they die, it's as if they will be shown that only through His mercy can they cross the bridge He has made, which takes people from earthly life, across the Abyss to Heaven. Those who see and accept him will be saved.

We are wise to ask the Saints for their prayers. They are alive, living in glory, and love to intercede for us with God. As we pray, and work, it's as if by their love and companionship they help to form a fence around us, to protect us from evil, and to encourage us to raise up our hearts and minds to the Blessed Trinity, above.

Whenever we pray in the name of Christ to our Heavenly Father, we are wise to keep in mind that Heaven should be our final destination. Christ has made possible our contact with Heaven, and the promise of Eternal joy for the faithful. If we could peer through a little window into Heaven, without being dazzled by Divine glory, we would see the wonders prepared for all of Christ's true friends.

A person who neglects his own soul by neglecting prayer and the sacraments, becoming lukewarm towards his Saviour and lukewarm or cold towards his neighbour, has a soul like a neglected road. Without care or repair, a road soon decays, to become riddled with potholes, covered in weeds, stones, dead branches and puddles.

Many people today look upon a baby as a commodity: one to be ordered if wanted, or to be rejected if arriving unexpectedly, just as people might reject an unwanted parcel at the front door. They no longer accept the truth: that each child - even before birth - is a gift from God, through the union of the man and woman, and deserves to be loved, not killed.

A brave politician who is willing to defend innocent life by protesting against the misguided Government's provision of abortion 'services' is of the same mind as God on this issue, even if he is mistaken about less important matters in everyday life, and unclear about other matters of justice.

Satan is the source of the evil 'smoke' which covers much of the world, that 'smoke' being the willingness of troubled persons, and politicians, to promote or arrange abortion provision. Here and there, a brave politician speaks up for the sanctity of life - including the lives of unborn babies.

The smoke of Satan has entered the Church, causing many Catholics to approve of various types of immorality, to practice forbidden acts, to protest about legitimate discipline and constant teachings on faith and morals, to demand Papal approval of heresy, to water down the truth when catechising others, and to show little reverence for Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.

A person who enjoys an intimate relationship with Christ, in the heights of the spiritual life, must not feel ashamed if she is not feeling as awe-struck and astonished as in the earlier years. If her heart has grown even more grateful to Christ, and even more glad about opportunities to share Good News, she can enjoy His blessed, quiet friendship in peace

If a farmer were to have a field of ripe, surplus wheat he would harvest it, and give it away. He would be seen as mad, if he poisoned the wheat or burned it. But when women have unwanted pregnancies, many wantonly poison or otherwise kill the unborn children, when they could bear the children, and then give them to couples who long to look after them, by adoption.

There are many people who have been urged to have abortions, but who have been given little advice or encouragement on the subject of adoption. This is usually second best, after caring by the birth parent; but it is always better than the killing of an unborn child; and it can give joy to couples unable to conceive children of their own.

Many politicians do not see how strange is their stance on life. They claim to be compassionate persons who want to save lives, in countries blighted by war, poverty and earthquakes; meanwhile, in their own countries and elsewhere, they build or allow a conveyor-belt of procedures by which unborn babies - live human beings - can be slaughtered just because they are unwanted by their mothers.

It is as if the Holy Souls are suspended in God's love, as they move closer to the light, little by little, helped by our prayers, until the moment when each can enter joyfully into Heaven, and share in the blissful life of the Saints, at the heart of the Most Blessed Trinity.

Truly, it is Christ Himself, our Risen Lord, Who is Present with us on All Souls Day, Who raises His hands in prayer, praying to the Father for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, as the priest offers the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.