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We are right to unite ourselves with Christ's self-offering in the Mass, but we give God the Father further glory if we pause in private prayer, throughout the day, to renew our self-offering. In that way we honour God and draw grace upon ourselves and the Church, and we can be certain that Christ is with us at every step of the way.

There is a place not far from Heaven, called Purgatory, where people arrive to prepare for Heaven. It is as if they finally take off their dirty rags, and are re-clothed like royalty; then they process to their seats, wearing crowns, to join the Saints above - through the love and mercy of God Who rewards all who die in a state of grace.

A person trapped in sin is like a prisoner in a cage, with the key on the inside. We must speak with pity to him - yet also encourage such a person to set himself free, with the help of God, by giving up his sins.

A person trapped in sin is like a prisoner in a cage, with the key on the inside. We must speak with pity to him - yet also encourage such a person to set himself free, with the help of God, by giving up his sins.

God the Father pours out extra graces, like a waterfall, when He hears the prayers of all who call on Him in the name of Jesus, His beloved Son.

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.

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.

Truly, I have a tremendous dignity (the Lord explained) as a practicing Catholic in a state of grace who can be confident of my every prayer being heard and answered. It's as if my arms reach out to Heaven, as the Father holds out His arms to greet me.

The happy group of friends at the party gave joy to God through their grace before the meal, their faithfulness to marriage and to friendship, their love of God's gifts of laughter, food, drink and music, as men and women together celebrated a birthday and therefore life itself, which is a gift - from God.

Those who try to live independent of God, His Church, and His laws, are living as if on a sheet of melting ice. A broad road nearby leads to Hell, whereas a steep path leads to a fruitful land at the top of a mountain, which represents a state of grace.

The souls of those who live in serious sin, without following God's laws and the Church's teachings, are like a sea of melting ice, in which there is no hope of life; the souls of those in a 'state of grace', however, are like a land of fruit trees, cornfields, rivers and blue skies, far above the icy wastes, close to a mountain whose top lies in heaven.

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.

God pours out into our souls tremendous graces when we confess our sins in the Sacrament of Penance. As a dirty room needs cleaning right into the corners, so our souls need purifying in every 'area' - by the grace of Christ, Who is at work in His Church.

We are right to honour Mary, the Blessed Virgin, through whom the Father gave us His Son, and all the graces we receive in the Church, especially in the Holy Eucharist. We would be right to surmount a 'Mary-style' tabernacle with an image of Christ in glory.

The graces that God pours out upon souls at the mention of Jesus' name in our prayers are like a 'rain' of emeralds, rubies and other precious stones in earthly life. We all ought to pray in His name, so that spiritual treasures will enrich those we love, and people in need.

When people slide 'downhill' into mortal sin, it is impossible to regain the 'heights' of holiness without God's grace. We must beware of yearning for the whole world, only to lose our souls.

Christ brushed my shoulder, as He assured me that our minor failings are like little bits of dust on a smart suit, as we approach Him for Holy Communion. The important thing is to be properly clothed. The suit represents the 'state of grace' we should be in.

Whenever we intercede for someone, in Jesus' name, it's as though a ray of light and grace from Heaven pierces the dark 'cloud' of sin and self-love over our world, to touch the life of someone in need of help.

Christ sees that humble people are willing to benefit from the customs and sacramentals of the Church, in order to gain extra graces, receive Divine protection, and feel assured of certain help from God and the Saints and Angels.

A person trapped in sin can benefit from the prayers of other people on her behalf. Through them, God can shine a light on that sinner's life and actions, so she can see things clearly, and decide to change. God is merciful - but some people refuse to act in response to His love.