Scriptural Exegesis

Temptations of an Implacable Enemy

DVRodriguez2025-08-08T16:37:51-04:00

Our life on earth is a constant battle against evil. It begins in the heart. We see it at the root of the crises in the world and Church. The devil never ceases to attack and tempt us. We should expect this. After baptism we must pass through wilderness to be tempted until we reach our blessed home. Our Lord underwent this process; so too did God’s people under Moses. Understand spiritual warfare: satan has three basic temptations and you must be adept at resisting them all.

Temptations of an Implacable EnemyDVRodriguez2025-08-08T16:37:51-04:00

The Mammon of Iniquity

DVRodriguez2025-08-07T12:38:55-04:00

Our Lord praises the unjust steward’s shrewdness: he saw himself as he is and did what it took to survive. All created goods (mammon) are given to us by God to be used moderately and prudently. In this way we are “friends” to them and they help us reach God. But when we misuse them they turn to evil (iniquity). What created things are you misusing? Some common ones are technology, alcohol, debt, friends, and clothing. A basic Catholic life, with the penance of prayer and sacrifice, will help us use all created goods as God intended.

The Mammon of IniquityDVRodriguez2025-08-07T12:38:55-04:00

Many Are Called Few Are Chosen

DVRodriguez2025-07-06T16:50:29-04:00

Hearing Scripture is not enough. We need to understand it. That means we need a proper interpretation; we must study the Scriptures with the mind of the Church. For example, we believe in the Communion of Saints. We know this from our Creed, liturgy, and life of devotion. Moreover, the Holy Ghost –through St. Paul– calls us to study and imitate (follow) the saints so as to arrive in Heaven. Look at the three apostles Jesus chose so as to imitate them. Peter was passionate, fervent, and always wanted to be close to the Lord. James was bold, fearless, and would [...]

Many Are Called Few Are ChosenDVRodriguez2025-07-06T16:50:29-04:00

Living Water from The Rock

DVRodriguez2025-04-06T00:19:48-04:00

Moses led the Hebrews –and Gentiles– in the wilderness. They had no water, which means certain death. God's people were ready to revolt and return to Egypt. Moses interceded, taking an impossible situation to God. But why was Moses unable to enter the Promised Land? Because he struck the rock (Christ) twice instead of obeying God. The two strikes from his wooden staff represent the two beams of a cross. This is a type of the Passion. Just as an abundance of water flowed from the Rock, so too an abundance of grace flows from Christ’s pierced side.

Living Water from The RockDVRodriguez2025-04-06T00:19:48-04:00

Demon Returns with Seven Worse Demons

DVRodriguez2025-03-31T09:06:18-04:00

With his characteristic brilliance and insight, Father explains one of the most confusing gospels (Lk 11:14-28). The dumb and deaf man can't hear God's word or praise God, representing Adam and all his offspring born in sin. The strong man is satan. Christ overcomes him. The Jewish people represent the cleansed man. Waterless places are the Gentile lands whom Christ has won. The demon returns to the Jews. Their home is clean but no one dwells there, meaning the religion is one of pure externals and hypocrisy. Thus the devil abides there with seven worse demons. This has been the Jews' [...]

Demon Returns with Seven Worse DemonsDVRodriguez2025-03-31T09:06:18-04:00

Warfare is in Temptation

DVRodriguez2025-03-11T20:56:01-04:00

The Spirit leads Jesus into the desert to be tempted. The devil always attacks us at our weakest point, where we lack support. He tempts our Lord to satisfy his natural (bodily) needs with illegitimate means. The context of Jesus' scriptural rebuttal is the manna from Exodus, and hence highly Eucharistic. The devil then tempts Jesus with pride and avarice. satan wants to be worshiped as if he were God. This is the root of temptation, by which our first parents fell, the desire to "be like God." Yet Jesus strongly rebukes satan him for violating God's honor. Man should only [...]

Warfare is in TemptationDVRodriguez2025-03-11T20:56:01-04:00

Leper and Centurion

DVRodriguez2024-08-13T10:03:20-04:00

Given how Our Lord delivered the Sermon on the Mount, He was asserting His divinity. His miracles provide abundant proof. Our Lord's healing of physical leprosy points to spiritual truth. Leprosy not only caused physical and psychological suffering, but inflicted social and religious pain. The centurion's faith prompts Our Lord to utter a wonderful prophecy and a chilling warning (it is the first of many times that Jesus speaks of hell). The Leper and Centurion share similarities and teach valuable lessons. God wills to make us whole. Christ speaks and His word is fulfilled. Both Jew and Gentile are brought into [...]

Leper and CenturionDVRodriguez2024-08-13T10:03:20-04:00