The whole universe was stilled as if listening for a voice. For the space of one heartbeat there was peace on earth. For one fraction of a moment there was no deed of violence wrought on earth, no hatred, no fire, no whirlwind, no pain, no fear. Existence rested against the heart of God, then sighed and journeyed again.

The sun is still there... even if clouds drift over it. Once you have experienced the reality of sunshine you may weep, but you will never feel ice about your heart again.

This modern craze for putting the young in positions of authority - headmasters in their thirties, bishops without a gray hair on their heads, generals who scarcely need to use a razor - ever since it took hold the world's gone steadily downhill.

Faith given back to us after a night of doubt is a stronger thing, and far more valuable to us than faith that has never been tested.

The child in us is always there, you know, and it's the best part of us, the winged part that travels farthest.

I don't think there's anything more tiring ... than expecting people who don't turn up.

All we are asked to bear we can bear.