Liturgical Year

Holy Family Heals Our Families

DVRodriguez2020-01-27T08:47:16-05:00

On this feast, let us compare two diametrically opposed families living just six miles apart: The Holy Family and the family of Herod. Herod's was a worldly family filled with every kind of vice, envy, pride and murder. Yet to all fathers of families, Joseph is verily the best model of paternal vigilance and care. In the most holy Virgin Mother of God, mothers may find an excellent example of love, modesty, resignation of spirit, and the perfecting of faith. And in Jesus, who was subject to His parents, the children of the family have a divine pattern of obedience which [...]

Holy Family Heals Our FamiliesDVRodriguez2020-01-27T08:47:16-05:00

How to Begin the New Year

DVRodriguez2020-01-16T12:31:42-05:00

How important for Catholics to pray for the grace to grow in love for Jesus! There can be no greater new year's resolution. Let us use the privileged means given by God, namely devotion to Mary's Immaculate Heart. This devotion's end is to conform one's hearts to the Sacred Heart. Our Lady's Heart is strong and mighty to conquer all enemies, obtains from God whatever it asks, and showers men with many graces and blessings. Three ways to practice devotion to her Heart, as given by St. John Eudes, are: [1] Live a true conversion to God, fulfilling your baptismal promises. Pray [...]

How to Begin the New YearDVRodriguez2020-01-16T12:31:42-05:00

Holy Name of Jesus

DVRodriguez2024-01-02T10:33:52-05:00

Biblical names are highly significant for they define a person and his mission, even making the person present. Jesus is a name that came directly from Heaven and means “God saves.” This Name has infinite power. It is a Name of gladness, hope and love with the power to forgive sins and give life. As faithful Catholics, we must always strive to grow in devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. Blessed be the Name of Jesus; now and forever. Amen.

Holy Name of JesusDVRodriguez2024-01-02T10:33:52-05:00

Despair Patience Blood

DVRodriguez2025-07-03T17:18:31-04:00

Many are expressing frustration at the state of affairs in the Church and the world; the problems seem institutionalized and intractable. It is as if the devil is taunting us: “Give up! These problems can't be fixed. I own this world." In response we must turn to the One Who shed His Blood, for it is His Precious Blood which conquers evil and can bring about all healing. Thus, we must remain utterly confident, full of faith and patience, in this dark night. DO NOT DESPAIR! You may think there are problems stemming from sin in your life, and those around [...]

Despair Patience BloodDVRodriguez2025-07-03T17:18:31-04:00

Christ Empties Himself

DVRodriguez2020-01-07T06:07:22-05:00

With the mystery of the Circumcision, the sacrifice of the Lamb of God begins. His innocent flesh begins to be wounded, causing the first precious drops of His Blood to flow. This is but the prelude to the final act on Calvary. Though but a few days old, the Father’s Son and Mary’s Child condescends to suffer, humbly submitting to a law that never was intended for Him. To free us from the sin of pride, Christ empties Himself completely, taking on a real human nature and the physical mark of a sinner, thus resembling the sinners He came to save.

Christ Empties HimselfDVRodriguez2020-01-07T06:07:22-05:00

Jesus Zealous Lover of Souls

DVRodriguez2021-01-26T09:29:40-05:00

Jesus Zealous Lover of SoulsDVRodriguez2021-01-26T09:29:40-05:00

The Grace of Divine Love

DVRodriguez2020-01-02T09:10:08-05:00

The greatest treasure, the most important thing in life, is to love Jesus. To love God above all things, to love the things of God, and to be able to sacrifice everything for Divine Love - no grace can be greater. God’s Love is an immense Mystery. Just consider the amazing condescension of God in coming down from Heaven. Meditate upon this as you gaze on the manger scene, recite the angelus, or hear the Last Gospel. If He has spent Himself entirely for me, I should spend myself entirely for Him. It is easy for man to get distracted and [...]

The Grace of Divine LoveDVRodriguez2020-01-02T09:10:08-05:00

Penance Prepares Us

DVRodriguez2019-12-31T16:50:42-05:00

Christmas Vigil is a day of penance, of fasting and abstinence. Why? So as to make room for Christ on our hearts. Jesus comes to save us and to judge us. We have to be prepared. The better one prepares, the more one will be disposed to receive Him, His Love, and His grace. Prayers by St. Alphonsus and meditations upon the Holy Family are aids in this preparation.

Penance Prepares UsDVRodriguez2019-12-31T16:50:42-05:00

Love Effects a Likeness

DVRodriguez2019-12-31T16:08:44-05:00

After four millennia, despite many Old Testament priests, prophets and kings, charity was cold and fallen man still lacked the ability to have a true and wholesome friendship with God. Man needed Love Itself to come and effect some likeness between God and man, for love is only possible among those who have some level of equality. Thus, God's Perfect Love was so inflamed that He planted His Love in the Blessed Virgin’s womb and He is born to us today - to draw out love. Yet love not only equates, but willingly subjects the lover to the loved one. Dear [...]

Love Effects a LikenessDVRodriguez2019-12-31T16:08:44-05:00

Love Jesus with the Heart of Mary

DVRodriguez2019-12-31T16:04:22-05:00

The Infant Jesus grants special graces during Christmastide. [1] Pray for these special graces and persevere in asking Baby Jesus for them. I urge you to put greater faith and trust in the Love of Our Savior Jesus Christ. [2] Especially pray for the grace to love God from this day forth with your whole heart. Now, it isn't just about loving Jesus "in our own way" because each one of us is a fallen human whose soul carries hurts, sorrows and scars. Amongst other things, this prevents us from truly loving after the example of our Savior Jesus Christ. Our love is all too [...]

Love Jesus with the Heart of MaryDVRodriguez2019-12-31T16:04:22-05:00