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If we surrender to him, the Holy Spirit will fill our souls with light, love, purity, peace, and power

What does the 'eternity' of hell or heaven mean? It means 'captured unchangeably', whether in selfishness or a state of grace; either being held eternally without God, by the free choices of an individual soul, or being held forever in friendship with God, to the degree to which the soul enjoyed at the moment of death. As a fly, suddenly imprisoned by a drop of amber, is held 'forever' in the state it was in when the liquid fell upon it, so the soul retains forever its state at the moment of death - even though those held in God's friendship can undergo some purification.

Just as the 'climate' within a well-made cable car remains the same, whatever the weather outside, so a mature soul is always calm and at peace within, whatever storms may rage exteriorly around him.

Our spiritual Communion, in the Communion of Saints, is like the connection in a conference call. We must keep the transmitter in good order, and the lines open by taking care of our souls. If we refuse to forgive anyone, for example, it's as if we deliberately walk away from God and our friends.

The 'flight' of a soul in prayer, in Divine grace and sweetness, is like the soaring of a swallow, or the swift movement of a dolphin, or a shark gracefully circling, or a Dove descending in simplicity and peace.

The 'flight' of a soul in prayer, in Divine grace and sweetness, is like the soaring of a swallow, or the swift movement of a dolphin, or a shark gracefully circling, or a Dove descending in simplicity and peace.

As gigantic flames leap up from the surface of the sun, so the ardent soul's fervent prayers leap up - as great 'flames' of glory - towards Heaven, whenever we offers sincere words of praise to God. This gives joy to the soul, and joy to Heaven.

From the ardent soul which offers sincere praise to God, great 'flames' of glory leap up to Heaven.

Everything in a priest's life should pale into insignificance when set beside the supreme task of saving souls and leading them towards an everlasting Easter. No personal or private ambition or scheme must intrude.

Jesus suffered in body and soul, and we need not feel guilty if we do not 'feel' fervent and joyful in our difficulties, as long as we are actively trying to do God's Will, and to remain faithful.

No-one would want to walk down the aisle in a badly stained garment for everyone to see. Yet many people walk down the aisle, for Holy Communion, with their souls covered in huge 'stains' - which Jesus can see - the stains of unrepented sins.

A bride is horrified at seeing a stain on her dress, and we should also avoid having 'stains' on our souls, through serious sin, as we go up to receive Holy Communion.

Imagine how embarrassed a bride would be, whose dress had been stained by a spilled drink, and who then thought about her walk towards the altar. Similarly, everyone who approaches the altar to receive Holy Communion needs to think about their present state. Is there a large 'stain' on their soul, from serious sin, which makes them unfit to approach to receive Christ their Saviour?

A bride is horrified at seeing a stain on her dress, and we should also avoid having 'stains' on our souls, through serious sin, as we go up to receive Holy Communion.

Authentic Catholic teaching is like a glass of pure water for thirsty souls. Teaching which contains errors or distortions is like a glass of water which contains some dangerous organisms.

We hear about a 'God-shaped hollow' at the centre of the human heart. It is Christ in the Holy Eucharist Who is able to fill that space. Only He can give us what we need for true life and joy, here and in eternity.

Souls are powerfully helped by the prayers we offer with and through Christ at Mass. It's as if needy souls are 'carried' by the prayer of the Church, away from danger and distress.

Souls are powerfully helped by the prayers we offer with and through Christ at Mass. It's as if needy souls are 'carried' by the prayer of the Church, away from danger and distress.

Christ descended a great distance to join us in our world, yet He had the joy of being with a Mother who, though not divine, was pure and holy. It was fitting that she was lifted, body and soul, out of our sinful world, when her work was done, so that she might 'rest' eternally with Him Who had 'rested' with her.

There is a broad road to Hell, and a narrow ladder, it seemed, to Heaven. There were many more people in view, at one side, below Christ and His Saints. These Holy Souls were in shadow, in Purgatory - safe with God, yet not yet enjoying Heaven.