Fr. Michael Rodriguez

Two brief daily sermons on death, Our Lady, and the holy souls. [1] It is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgment. “Memento Mori” (Remember Death). One cardinal had a skull upon his desk with the words: “What you are, I was, and what I am, you shall be.” [2] The souls in Purgatory are consoled and assisted by the most holy Mother of God. She exercises a plenitude of power over the holy soul, not only to relieve their suffering, but also to release them from imprisonment.

Continuation of the sermon Devotion of Devotions [On the Sacred Heart]. Following a review of the four immediate and three ultimate aims of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Father explains how, on a daily basis, we can practice and grow in this essential devotion. [1] To excite our heart to love Jesus more we ought to: (1) Do what pleases the Heart of Jesus; (2) Avoid what displeases Him most; (3) Consciously carry out daily thoughts, words and actions out of love for Him; (4) Consecrate one’s self and family to the Sacred Heart; and foster (5) Devotion to Our Lord’s Passion; and (6) Devotion to Blessed Sacrament. [2] To do reparation to the Sacred Heart we should:(1) Pray Acts of Reparation, (2) Offer Mass and Holy Communion in reparation, (3) Be faithful to the First Friday devotion, and (4) Offer Holy Hours in reparation. [3] To increase our veneration, we can honor the Image [...]

The essence of sanctity is love of the will of God. Our holiness depends on the degree to which we conform ourselves to God’s will (and not our will). It helps to distinguish between God’s signified will and His will of good pleasure. Our country is in a terrible spiritual state because the vast majority of Americans are not being faithful to the will of God. Let us pray for the conversion of our country. St. Louis de Montfort teaches that we can never honor Jesus and Mary enough. St. Ildephonsus, Archbishop of Toldeo, Spain in the 7th century, wrote a treatise defending Our Lady’s purity. The Lateran Synod of 649 accepted it to fight against heresies [...]

So often we fail to appreciate the astounding reality of the Precious Blood.Why? One of the major reasons is because our mind and heart are too attached to the things of the earth. For example: health of body over health of soul, physical adornment over virtues of the soul, abiding by secular law over God’s law, human respect over respect for God, or even despairing over the shepherd’ in wolves’ clothing. Yet the three greatest Apostles teach us that the Mystery of the Precious Blood is the Mystery of Jesus (and of the Mass!). As one grows in devotion to the Precious Blood, one values eternal things ever more. Remember: A single [...]

Lucia of Fatima described an intense experience of God: “This light penetrated us to the heart and allowed us to see ourselves in God, Who was that light, more clearly than we see ourselves in a mirror.” This knowledge of God and knowledge of self came through the maternal mediation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In these two things is contained all Christian sanctity, for by them we come to know God’s greatness and our smallness. The only thing truly necessary is a singular focus on God (on knowing, loving and serving Him).

Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary is of paramount importance for every person. Our Lady told Lucia of Fatima: “My The Immaculate Heart will be your refuge and the way that will lead you to God. Our Lady's Admirable Heart is a furnace of love for the Blessed Trinity and for the Church and each one of us. We unite our heart to hers so that we can love and adore God as she does, even doing so with her own heart. St. Peter Chrysologus, Church Doctor, explains that God is so pleased with the holiness and purity of Mary’s heart, that He wills that this heart draw forth from Him the grace [...]

God is holy, true and pure. God made man to walk in holiness, truth and purity – and thereby save his soul. Any attack upon holiness, truth or purity is a real attack on God. Man is today in grave danger of damning his soul to hell by the sins of blasphemy, heresy and impurity. Four hundred years ago,Our Lady of Good Success warned that, in the latter half of the 20th century, these three sins would extinguish the light of faith in nearly all men’s hearts. In our times, Our Lady has confirmed and emphasized this same message at Fatima (1917). It is terrible and tragic that [...]

Two brief sermons. [Aug 1] The account in 2 Maccabees 7 shows how seven sons and their mother suffered terribly for God’s holy law. It is unusual to have Old Testament personages honored in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, yet four reasons moved the Church to do so. [Aug 2] St. Alphonsus Liguori, Doctor of the Church, provides excellent teaching on prayer, holy Common, and preparation for death.

The Gospel presents three very important questions, and they must be answered in the order presented to remain in their correct context. [1] Master what must I do to possess eternal life? [2] What is written in the law? [3] Who is my neighbor? Eternal life depends on keeping both the true faith and God’s commandments. It is not enough to just say “Lord, Lord” or “Love, Love.” Following the Golden Rule without faith is not true love. Christian charity is always in reference to God and eternal life, that is the good of the soul. This is what we need most in our families and society. True Christian [...]