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Fruits of Fasting

DVRodriguez2023-04-06T14:32:08-04:00

The goal of Lent is to grow in your love of God: to do His holy will, to live for Him, to be with Him. Fasting gives strength against sin, represses evil desires, repels temptation, humbles pride, cools anger, quenches fires of lust, renders the heart contrite, detaches from the world and and helps practice every virtue. It has great spiritual fruit: [1] makes satisfaction for sins, [2] protects the soul from its enemies, [3] and obtains grace from God. What better motives can you have to fast and abstain!

Fruits of FastingDVRodriguez2023-04-06T14:32:08-04:00

Fasting and Prayer Dispel Spiritual Blindness

DVRodriguez2023-04-05T10:15:04-04:00

In today's Gospel, Jesus Himself teaches us how to see supernatural realities (the value of grace, of union with God). Satan works to tempt him in worldly ways. Take to heart the importance of prayer and fasting. Without these, we are guaranteed to lose the spiritual battle. Make efforts to grow in your prayer repertoire and to pray with a pure heart. Fasting is urgently needed to do necessary penance and to recover our Catholic Faith. Write down your Lenten plan for accountability!

Fasting and Prayer Dispel Spiritual BlindnessDVRodriguez2023-04-05T10:15:04-04:00

Lord That I May See

DVRodriguez2023-03-25T08:24:20-04:00

Every single one of us (to varying degrees) is spiritually blind. We don't recognize the goodness and greatness of God. We are oblivious to the evil and horror of our sin. In daily life we ignore our eternal end. We are blind because we are worldly and the spirit of the world will never let us see. The capital sins enslave us. We fail to see our desperate need to convert. Reflect on this and take it seriously. Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving – true penance – are needed. Pray: "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! Lord, grant that I [...]

Lord That I May SeeDVRodriguez2023-03-25T08:24:20-04:00

Our Lady of Lourdes

DVRodriguez2023-03-20T18:30:26-04:00

Lourdes is an excellent example of how God comes to our aid through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We also see how saints are molded in and with Mary. The miracles continue at Lourdes to this day and Our Lady's message remains exceptionally timely. Every detail if filled with meaning. Let us consider ten important spiritual lessons from Lourdes.

Our Lady of LourdesDVRodriguez2023-03-20T18:30:26-04:00

Exterior Devotion and Interior Piety

DVRodriguez2023-03-10T06:27:09-05:00

There is a vast difference in how the majority of Catholics live Christmas and Septuageisma. As tradition was abandoned, many forgot the liturgical seasons. In seeking to restore Catholicism, let us not be content with exterior devotions. That is only a first step. Have an authentic interior observance of prayer and of these great Mysteries. Consider how the Son of God made Himself entirely subject to His human Mother – and willingly remains obedient to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Exterior Devotion and Interior PietyDVRodriguez2023-03-10T06:27:09-05:00

Temple Sacrifice and Truth

DVRodriguez2023-03-25T07:55:14-04:00

Christ gives us great blessings by His birth - let us thank Him and, like our Lady, keep in mind and heart the great mysteries of Christmas. The Presentation highlights the offering of the Child Jesus to the Eternal Father on the part of His Mother, the temple priests, and holy Simeon. The final mysteries of Christmas take place in the temple. They emphasize sacrifice (the Mass!) and Jesus' teaching the truth (doctrine!). Both of these are suffering terrible attacks today from our own prelates.

Temple Sacrifice and TruthDVRodriguez2023-03-25T07:55:14-04:00

The Divine Child as Teacher

DVRodriguez2023-02-05T11:24:38-05:00

The Magi saw the Christ Child carrying His cross in the light of the star. The manger is Jesus' cathedra (teaching chair of authority) from which He confounds the spirit of the world. Christ teaches us by the very mysteries He chose to live in His infancy. He teaches us to overcome our inordinate inclinations (concupiscence). These Mysteries testify to His love and desire to save us.

The Divine Child as TeacherDVRodriguez2023-02-05T11:24:38-05:00

The World Is Lost

DVRodriguez2023-03-25T07:53:49-04:00

Epiphany is one of the five holiest days of the year, yet nearly everyone has 'moved past' Christmas. You must think and act like Catholics. The feasts of Church should shape your mindset. Know that the purpose of your marriage and family is to lead people to Christ, to inspire a greater love for Him – find great joy in this! The light that guides the Three Kings also represents faith. They are men of great obedience and faith who follow the light from God. Catholic, do the same!

The World Is LostDVRodriguez2023-03-25T07:53:49-04:00

Pray the Holy Name

DVRodriguez2024-01-02T10:33:11-05:00

Jesus' holy Name is all powerful because of the Name who bears it. His Name highlights His mission as our Savior. In particular, it represents His love and power. It is the shortest and simplest prayer. "Jesus, I love Thee. Jesus, I live for Thee. Jesus, I suffer for Thee. Jesus, I die for Thee. Jesus, save me."

Pray the Holy NameDVRodriguez2024-01-02T10:33:11-05:00

Mary Kept All These Words in Her Heart

DVRodriguez2023-01-09T08:03:09-05:00

Be not like those lost in worldliness or who forget Christmas after the 25th. Christmas lasts until February 2! During this time, focus on the great mission God entrusted to Our Lady. No one knew Christ as profoundly as Mary. No one is a more competent guide and teacher. She lived the very life of Christ. Imitate her 'Christmas' example of pondering every word, deed and detail of her Divine Son and of comforting her life to those most sacred mysteries. Know that the Hail Mary is an exemplary prayer of praise and petition which glorifies God.

Mary Kept All These Words in Her HeartDVRodriguez2023-01-09T08:03:09-05:00