Fr. Iacomus Paulus

Hope and Daring

DVRodriguez2023-12-17T12:04:51-05:00

When you rise and when yo go to bed, ask yourself these two questions: [1] What drives you or fuels your desire? [2] What are you afraid of? We often know what we have to do but fail to do it because of something we fear. What keeps us from giving ourselves to God, and neighbor, as we are meant to do? During Advent, the Church calls to mind the example of St. John the Baptist and the Immaculate Conception. Saints change the world because they do what what others dare not. They achieve great virtue by their hope (the virtue [...]

Hope and DaringDVRodriguez2023-12-17T12:04:51-05:00

Mystery is Essential to Christmas

DVRodriguez2023-12-08T16:06:31-05:00

Christ subverts the expectations of the worldly. Yet we are still in love with the things of this world – and our vice – because we have yet to see the true worth in tossing them aside. Christ changes the way we value things. The element of mystery, which surrounds Christmas, compels us to acts of greater virtue. (Note: Father's considerations of the Holy Family in Bethlehem touch upon matters not defined by Scripture or Tradition. Faithful Catholics are free to disagree on such details.)

Mystery is Essential to ChristmasDVRodriguez2023-12-08T16:06:31-05:00

Be a Master of Your Craft

DVRodriguez2023-11-26T19:38:16-05:00

Here are three means to progress and excel in the spiritual life. [1] An ability to identify defects. We usually don't want to hear any critique of ourselves. Yet seeing our [minor] defects, which aren't easy to self detect, is the only way to make progress. [2] Humility in the spirit of collaboration. Every criticism has an element of truth, so be hungry for criticism (not paranoid or angry). [3] Love what you do and study your craft. Be obsessed with being Catholic. If you love your state in life, then at every moment you will try to learn how to [...]

Be a Master of Your CraftDVRodriguez2023-11-26T19:38:16-05:00

The One Thing That Prevents Your Sanctity

DVRodriguez2023-11-21T07:43:24-05:00

All Saints is time to reflect and celebrate those men and women who accomplished what they were born for. We are all meant to be saints and to reign in Heaven. Yet the Saints were at a time ordinary men and women. There is no difference between them and us on the level where we begin. So what did they do differently? What iron clad gates do we build up around our soul to prevent sanctity? Examine yourself and firmly resolve to eliminate just one simple thing which holds you back.

The One Thing That Prevents Your SanctityDVRodriguez2023-11-21T07:43:24-05:00

Silent Killers

DVRodriguez2023-11-14T06:14:12-05:00

The dramatic rise in our use of technology is severely handicapping us. Everything we consume is immediate, fleeting and has to entertain. God is not this way. Yet each day we expend much effort habituating ourselves to prompt gratification. We are looking for a God that is easily packaged. This makes it extremely difficult to be in a relationship with God. Even worse, technology induces us to look at obstacles as impossibilities instead of as an invitation from God to do something greater. No one of us is dealing with technology correctly. We see its terrible effect upon vocations. Limit your [...]

Silent KillersDVRodriguez2023-11-14T06:14:12-05:00

Three Classes of Men

DVRodriguez2023-08-13T06:14:54-04:00

In his Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius provides a powerful meditation on three classes of men. Which one are you? Do you strive to eliminate sin from your life? Do attachments prevent you from attaining your heavenly goal? Do you implement the means necessary to get rid of attachments? Or do you want both: God and your earthly goods. If so, you constantly rationalize your self-indulgence. Yet sanctity is radical. It is complete indifference. Nothing matters but God. This is the challenge before you. How do you respond to Christ the King? He calls you to follow Him in everything! Have you [...]

Three Classes of MenDVRodriguez2023-08-13T06:14:54-04:00

The Art of Complaining

DVRodriguez2023-06-30T18:46:23-04:00

Complaining is a human universal. Why do we complain? Two reasons: [1] Because of our ingratitude. Reality does not line up with what we want. God has given us everything even though we don't deserve it. To complain is immature. We must grow up! [2] Because we lack courage. We complain to illegitimatize something and then not have to give ourselves to it. Complaining is delaying the necessity of action. We lack courage. The only cure is to know Christ – to believe in Him. We have no greater model than the Sacred Heart.

The Art of ComplainingDVRodriguez2023-06-30T18:46:23-04:00

Fire and Blood

DVRodriguez2023-06-01T11:18:52-04:00

Pentecost is a Christocentric feast. Today, the Apostles become Christ (no longer just followers). Something changed in them. It is the key to understanding Pentecost. Fire is full of hunger and consumes everything it can. It transforms all into itself. Blood spilled on this earth is what made the world Catholic. What kind of hunger do you have? What blood are you willing to suffer? You only have one life to live. Don't let it pass by in fleeting vanities. Only God can satisfy you.

Fire and BloodDVRodriguez2023-06-01T11:18:52-04:00

Just Be Good

DVRodriguez2023-04-20T08:50:58-04:00

Lent and Easter have passed. The spiritual battle remains. We must reject the devil and ALL his works. satan's battle is focused on a grand scale against goodness where Catholics don't even realize he is attacking. Identify where in your own life you are supporting the world and the enemy who incessantly attack God. See the inconsistencies which are stopping you from doing good. Root them out and just be good.

Just Be GoodDVRodriguez2023-04-20T08:50:58-04:00

His Death on the Cross

DVRodriguez2023-04-17T07:04:58-04:00

Jesus takes up His Cross. The Via Dolorosa. Pilate left perplexed. Lessons from St. Joseph. Our Lord's tears of joy. The confusion of satan. Our Lady's role standing at the foot of the Cross.

His Death on the CrossDVRodriguez2023-04-17T07:04:58-04:00