Liturgical Year

More Saving Patterns from Cana and Baptism

DVRodriguez2020-02-11T10:42:53-05:00

Let us consider a few more patterns laid down by our Savior, as presented to us by Holy Mother Church, in Christmastide feasts: The Baptism of the Lord and the Wedding at Cana. (Both feasts are also part of the Mystery of Epiphany.) Note that Baptism [1] is the sure and clear way to Heaven; [2] brings about the indwelling of the Holy Ghost and habitual sanctifying grace; [3] and produces faith in the Triune God. The Wedding of Cana establishes patterns for validity in marriage, the purpose of marriage, and the importance of Our Lady and of sacrifice in marriage. [...]

More Saving Patterns from Cana and BaptismDVRodriguez2020-02-11T10:42:53-05:00

Patterns Learned from the Holy Family

DVRodriguez2020-02-11T10:32:16-05:00

God used the first Christmas and Epiphany to reveal His established order and His saving patterns. What He did then, He continues to do in our day and will do unto the consummation of the world. God does not change. St. Thomas explains, "Whatever is first in an order is the cause of everything which follows it." Thus, we ought to model our life upon these patterns. Today we note seven patterns regarding the family: [1] worship, [2] hierarchy; [3] unity; [4] respect for authority; [5] rejection of divorce; [6] the Last Things; and [7] accepting differences. If Christian families conform to [...]

Patterns Learned from the Holy FamilyDVRodriguez2020-02-11T10:32:16-05:00

Every Catholic Family

DVRodriguez2020-02-11T09:57:35-05:00

The Catholic family is to be led by the light of Christ (the Epiphany Star!). The Catholic family is to adore the Lord bringing gifts. These are symbolized by the Magi's gifts: love (gold), prayer (frankincense) and mortification (myrrh). Consider how much improved our society would be if families loved God, adored God and obeyed God. At present, there is horrendous disobedience against God and so many are being led astray by the devil. Simply compare God's Law to what is being approved by the leaders of nations and even of the Church. Fathers, mothers and children must strive to fulfill [...]

Every Catholic FamilyDVRodriguez2020-02-11T09:57:35-05:00

Rend Your Hearts

DVRodriguez2020-02-11T09:14:20-05:00

Holy Mother Church grants us the liturgical time of Septuagesima to prepare for Lent. This is a time for conversion, conversion, conversion! Lent is a time, more than any other, to turn away from sin to God. God asks that we give Him our heart. If you want to know to what degree you love God, honestly assess how you use your time and your money. God further asks that we change our heart. Yet this is not easy, which is why people usually don't do it. We need the light of Christ to see sin - in the world and [...]

Rend Your HeartsDVRodriguez2020-02-11T09:14:20-05:00

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