50 Pentecost

The Virus of Cowardice

DVRodriguez2021-05-30T05:52:02-04:00

It is extraordinary what fear has done to us as a people. Despite the tremendous decline in virus related cases, which happened well before the introduction of any vaccine, the fear continues. Masks have become part of everyday life. Segregation is back: the vaccinated are ‘privileged’ but others are treated as ‘lepers.’ We have become silly and weak. We are afraid to die. Why? Because we are filled with a worldly spirit as opposed to the Holy Ghost. Can we ever see in our day anything similar to what martyrs and previous Catholics did for the glory of God? Consider the [...]

The Virus of CowardiceDVRodriguez2021-05-30T05:52:02-04:00

Baptism not Transhumanism

DVRodriguez2020-11-13T21:49:50-05:00

Some elitist secular humanists are dreaming of a futuristic 'bionic man' who does not suffer, is filled with knowledge and has immortality. Yet this "transhuman" would not be divine; he'd be more like a 'walking smart phone.' The false promise of such an 'evolved being' reminds us of satan seducing Eve, 'You will be like gods.' No, such an artificial 'evolution' would make us more akin to preternatural demons. On the other hand, the baptized Catholic IS filled with the Holy Ghost and participates in the Divine Nature itself. Through grace, we don’t become simply spirits or angels, but we become divinized. At every Baptism, the Holy Ghost comes [...]

Baptism not TranshumanismDVRodriguez2020-11-13T21:49:50-05:00

Hold Fast to Tradition

DVRodriguez2020-11-13T21:49:50-05:00

Over the last few months, everything has appeared in a state of fluidity and uncertainty. Random protocols are made and revised, often making little sense. Those who favor the destruction of God's order, such as communists, thrive by promoting conflict and revolution. They leave men's souls in troubled unrest. The Holy Ghost, on the other hand, provides peace amidst trials and tribulations. Whereas fallen man, spurred by the spirit of evil, entrenches himself in error and sin on account of stiff-necked pride, the Spirit of God leads man to an immobility in divine Wisdom beyond his nature. Through Him, the Christian is unflinching in [...]

Hold Fast to TraditionDVRodriguez2020-11-13T21:49:50-05:00

Extinguish Not the Spirit

DVRodriguez2020-11-13T21:49:50-05:00

Frequently invoke the Holy Ghost, imploring Him to enlighten your mind, inflame your heart, and strengthen your will. He is the never ceasing font of truth, love and grace. He is the Author of all supernatural gifts and nothing good begins without His help. Now there is a tremendous battle going on between the Spirit of God and the spirit of the world, of the flesh, and of the devil. The spirits contrary to God must be cast out if the Holy Ghost is to abide in us. One who saturates himself with these evil spirits extinguishes the Holy Ghost from his [...]

Extinguish Not the SpiritDVRodriguez2020-11-13T21:49:50-05:00

Veni Dator Munerum

svfonline2019-07-22T06:16:38-04:00

The season of Pentecost provides Christians with important spiritual lessons: [1] the primary of grace; [2] the importance of prayer; [3] the Church's life centers on prayer and holiness; [4] the role of Our Lady; [5] and the importance of purity - in mind, heart and body. This is a time for every Catholic to cultivate a special devotion to the Holy Ghost, especially since [1] He is God, [2] His mission is to impart divine gifts (e.g. truth for the mind and charity for the heart), and [3] we are all spiritually poor (weak) and desperately need His aid. Yet [...]

Veni Dator Munerumsvfonline2019-07-22T06:16:38-04:00

Spirit of Truth vs Spirit of Teilhard

svfonline2019-06-26T07:55:13-04:00

The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Truth. He confirms the true teachings of Christ in our very souls. There is truth; hence the mind's primary function is to discover and to conform to Christ and the created order He has established. The human mind is not meant to create its own reality; it is not independent or alone. It has not license to create its own version of truth, for things are what they are. But in this modern world in which we dwell, the Spirit of Truth has been put aside in favor of the Spirit of Deception from [...]

Spirit of Truth vs Spirit of Teilhardsvfonline2019-06-26T07:55:13-04:00

Fruits of the Holy Ghost

svfonline2019-06-25T22:29:23-04:00

The Fruits of the Holy Ghost come about both by the Holy Ghost working in man, but also by man willingly cooperating with Him. Gold provides an analogy, since man does not produce gold, but he can cooperate with it to generate more. A man is known by his works (fruits) for the fruits are dispositions in man's soul (his higher faculties) which provide a proper orientation with regard to things that are good and evil. One ought to examine himself with regard to these fruits. Following Aquinas' division, we will look at the the first two sets: those ordering the [...]

Fruits of the Holy Ghostsvfonline2019-06-25T22:29:23-04:00

Apostle of Rome vs Apostle of Modern Thought

svfonline2019-06-14T08:06:18-04:00

On this Pentecost, let us reflect upon two 'apostles' who were both filled with a spirit, albeit a different one. On the one hand, St. Philip Neri, known as the Apostle of Rome, who was inflamed with Divine Charity and helped Rome though the difficult and terrible times of Protestant revolution and Mohammedan invasions. On the other hand, the Jesuit Teilhard de Chardin, who preached a "Cosmic Christ" that is constantly evolving. His works were ambiguous and condemned, yet many modern prelates consider him the greatest theologian of the 20th century. Understanding his thought, and the spirit that imbued him, helps [...]

Apostle of Rome vs Apostle of Modern Thoughtsvfonline2019-06-14T08:06:18-04:00