There's Only One Way to Heaven

Tribulation Times

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com/august.asp?version=63&startmmdd=0101

   

THE TRIB TIMES WILL RETURN NEXT WEEK, GOD WILLING (James 4:15).

(John 14:6) Jesus saith to him: I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father, but by me.

INTERMOUNTAIN CATHOLIC: Make death your friend and live life to the fullest, says deacon

CATHOLICISM.ORG: There Is a Hell, and It Makes Perfect Sense

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There's Only One Way to Heaven
By the late Father Kilian McGowan, C.P.

Of al the possible questions, the one that begs for a most definite answer is this: "What is the surest way to eternal life?" The answer was given by our Blessed Lord to Saint Thomas at the Last Supper.

During His Last Supper, Christ had been predicting His departure when He suddenly added: "And where I go you know, and the way you know." Thomas quickly interrupted: "Lord, we do not know where you are going, and how can we know the way?" Jesus answered: "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father but through me." (John 14:4-6)

One of the most basic truths of the spiritual life is that Jesus is the Way of God. He is not one of many ways-He is the ONLY way! It is simply impossible to overstress this truth! Yet, some of us are like Thomas. Despite our Christian background, we say: "Lord, how can we know the way?" The spiritual life is a very personal business between the soul and God. It is more Someone than something. It is more Someone to become than some things to be done. For Christianity is Christ! All progress in the Christian life must be measured by our increasing knowledge, love, and imitation of Jesus Christ. "This is eternal life to know Thee, the one true God, and Jesus Christ Whom Thou has sent."

The Christian life is more a "putting-on" of Christ than a putting off of sin-even though the two-fold effort is inseparable. The task of becoming more Christlike is chief asceticism of each Christian. It is better to look at Christ rather than ourselves, and to see ourselves only in contrast to Him.

There are three stages in the formation of a Christ-like character. The first is the STUDY of Christ. There can be no progress unless Our Lord becomes the chief study of our lives. You should have a good working knowledge of the historical Christ, and be well acquainted with all the events of His Life.

The second stage is closely related to the preceding-it is PRAYERFUL MEDITATION on Christ. Through this prayer, strive to penetrate more deeply into mysteries of His life. There ponder His words, study His actions, witness His miracles, and strive for a greater

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 insight into the motives and sentiments of His Sacred Heart.

Third there is the IMITATION of Christ. You will make much greater progress by the positive effort of imitating His virtue than by trying to root out your faults and failings. You will discover that the more faithful you are to the will of God, the greater the revelation God makes of Himself in the depths of your heart.

And don't be discouraged if at first you seem so unlike your divine Model. Be encouraged rather, by the words of the Apostle Paul who tells us to glory in our infirmities that the power of Christ might dwell in us.

Your weakness is an invitation to His strength, your littleness calls out to His greatness. Your nothingness is irresistible to His "allness." Your very need of Him is the perfect complement to His infinite desire to give Himself. He is more than the Way-He is the Savior!

Our Blessed Lord is the Only Way that leads to eternal life. And Study-Prayer-and Imitation are indispensable means for putting us on the way and making progress along the way. This is the plan produced by the wisdom of God. Let us follow no other!

Ladder of Divine Ascent excerpt: Step 22- "On the many forms of vainglory"

12. People of high spirit bear offence nobly and gladly, but only the holy and righteous can pass through praise without harm.   

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This month's archive can be found at: http://www.catholicprophecy.info/news2.html.

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