Prayer

St Teresa and Mental Prayer

DVRodriguez2023-10-30T22:50:57-04:00

Church tradition honors St. Teresa of Avila as the virgo seraphica, doctrix mystica, and reformer of the Carmelite Order. Her life was marked by such miracles as a 'resurrection' and the transverbration. She can teach us much about mental prayer, including overcoming failures. Prayer is essential for salvation and meditation is necessary for growth in virtue. Mental prayer is nothing else than an intimate friendship, a frequent heart to heart conversation, with God. [This sermon includes a brief, yet excellent, explanation of how to do mental prayer.]

St Teresa and Mental PrayerDVRodriguez2023-10-30T22:50:57-04:00

O Divine Blood of Jesus

DVR Fatima2023-08-29T07:26:27-04:00

The prayer from the sermon 'The Supreme Dignity of Man' given on 9 July 2023 O Divine Blood of Jesus, I adore Thee from the depths of my heart! Thee I fervently invoke, for Thou art my salvation, and by Thee I hope to obtain the joys of Paradise. Eternal Father, be merciful, for the sake of the Blood of Thine only-begotten Son; we beseech Thee, show us Thy mercy. Most Precious Blood of Jesus, cry to the Heavenly Father for mercy for us, and deliver us. Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Precious Blood of Jesus in atonement for my [...]

O Divine Blood of JesusDVR Fatima2023-08-29T07:26:27-04:00

The Original Novena

DVRodriguez2023-06-22T08:41:32-04:00

I exhort you to live according to the world, but according to the liturgical year. For example, this period is the origin of the novena, a privileged form of prayer. I recommend you pray a novena to the Holy Ghost in the nine days leading up to Pentecost and another during the nine days following Pentecost.

The Original NovenaDVRodriguez2023-06-22T08:41:32-04:00

Prayer – Why How What

DVRodriguez2023-04-08T08:06:18-04:00

Like fasting, prayer makes satisfaction for sins, protects us from the enemies of our soul, and obtains grace from God. Prayer is offering God our homage and imploring His favors in order to grow in holiness for His glory. It ought to be humble, fervent, resigned, persevering and accompanied with great reverence. Practice the Presence of God, have a set time to prayer, and use traditional prayer books. Look to three great examples of prayer in Our Lord's life: His time in the desert, His agony in Gethsemane, His death on the Cross.

Prayer – Why How WhatDVRodriguez2023-04-08T08:06:18-04:00

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

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

Christmas and the Judgment

DVRodriguez2022-11-30T06:02:25-05:00

The Coming of the Lord is the great Mystery with which the Church year begins (and ends). Why does Jesus come? [1] To save your soul. [2] To judge your soul. We must see it as something very personal – as “Jesus and You.” God is giving you this year to prepare for your death and judgement, that you may avoid hell and gain Heaven. Consider Christmas in the light of salvation and of faith – not in a worldly way. Recommendations for Advent include prayer (e.g. the Christmas Novena), penance, and especially detachment.

Christmas and the JudgmentDVRodriguez2022-11-30T06:02:25-05:00

What Price Are You Willing to Pay?

DVRodriguez2022-11-06T16:39:18-05:00

What would you give to be with God? The reality is shocking, because most of us wouldn't give up much. Where are we going wrong? Do we misjudge the price or the prize or both? Is it because we don't perceive God with our senses? Is it because we lack true personal interaction? How God's heart must hurt on account of our hesitation. What will it take for us to want to be with God?

What Price Are You Willing to Pay?DVRodriguez2022-11-06T16:39:18-05:00

Thy Kingdom Come

DVRodriguez2022-11-07T12:37:53-05:00

Every time we pray the Our Father, we pray for the coming of Christ's Kingdom. This means we pray for the propagation of His Church, for the conversion of all sinners, and that Christ reign in our heart, mind, will and body. Too many think Christ need not be acknowledged as King by society and nations. Yet all things exist for His honor and glory. Consider these three truths: [1] You must prize God's kingdom above all things. [2] You must labor to obtain His Kingdom. [3] You are an exile and must render a full account of your life.

Thy Kingdom ComeDVRodriguez2022-11-07T12:37:53-05:00

Three Pillars of Penance

DVRodriguez2021-02-27T06:38:57-05:00

Prayer, fasting and almsgiving are at the very foundation of our spiritual life as Catholics. We must practice them in order to grow in God’s grace. All three require a profound interior disposition. Prayer grows our love for God, almsgiving increases our love of neighbor and detachment from the world, and fasting requires our death to self. These pillars of penance are the most important ways to store up treasures in Heaven and combat the obstacles to receiving God’s grace. This Lent, I exhort you to pray the Rosary more devoutly, meditate upon the Stations of the Cross, grow in your [...]

Three Pillars of PenanceDVRodriguez2021-02-27T06:38:57-05:00