Fr. Michael Rodriguez

The Holy Ghost comes to sanctify us and this sanctification is the extension and completion of the work He began in Christ. Two very important truths about holiness are: [1] God’s certain will is that you be holy and [2] Holiness is union with God and detachment from the world. This love for God and separation from the world shine forth in the lives of ALL the saints. Yet we do not emphasize nearly enough this necessary abnegation of the world. Too many think they are filled with the Holy Ghost while primarily focusing on worldly matters. Yet St. John infallibly [...]

Two brief daily sermons on the Immaculate Heart of Mary. August is a month specially dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. At Fatima, God placed special emphasis on this devotion. It is the ideal devotion for our time as it counteracts the great evils of our age. God wishes to use this devotion to save souls from hell and guarantees that in the end, the Immaculate Heart will triumph.

Candlemas concludes Christmas, a season in which we focus on the light, salvation, and glory which is the Infant Jesus. Twelve witnesses of the Christmas Mystery show us how (1) He brings Light to those in darkness; (2) He brings salvation to those who walk in this Light; (3) and He gives glory to those who live and die as children of the Light. For Catholics, blessed Candles symbolize Jesus Christ, who is the Light of the world. Consider twelve occasions on which one can use blessed candles with faith and devotion.

We are living in the Age of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Seven among the many signs witnessing to this are: [1] The Miraculous Medal; [2] the Archconfraternity est. at OL Victory Parish; [3] The Green Scapular; [4] Fatima; [5] Pontevedra; [6] Beauraing; and [7] Pius XII's consecration and establishment of a universal feast. Father provides four ways one can grow in devotion to the Immaculate Heart and concludes with comparisons between Jesus and Mary meant to inspire greater fervor for this indispensable devotion.

Today, Holy Mother Church begins to prepare us for Lent by calling us to reflect on sorrow and death. These are caused by sin (any willful thought, desire, word, action or omission forbidden by the law of God). There is nothing more basic to our life as Catholics than turning away from sin and turning to God. We must do this every day. During Lent, the Church specifically calls us to focus upon the misery of fallen mankind and the fatal consequences of sin, for that shall motivate us spiritually to will the rejection of sin. Mind you, this is HARD [...]

The purpose of Lent is to help us turn away from sin and turn to God. This is hard work! We pray, fast and give alms in order to imitate Christ by sharing in His Passion. These Lenten penances serve as exterior manifestations of our faith, hope and charity. Today let us focus upon charity, which is absolutely essential for salvation. This reality is exemplified in the lives of two third century Antiochians: Sapricius the priest and Nicephorus the layman who suffered under the persecution of Valerian (260 AD). How willing are you to forgive and to ask for forgiveness? Let [...]

* Sermon from the Baptism of Fr. Rodríguez's nephew, Michael Sean Mary Athanasius * St. Frances de Sales would gather youths around the sacred font in which they had been baptized, saying: “This spot should be dearest to us, for it is here that we were made children of God!” They would praise and thank God, kiss the font on bended knee, and then scatter off to their games. Baptism points to the grandeur, immensity and love of God. How can one ever sufficiently appreciate the miracle of grace which takes place at the baptismal font? A poor wretched sinner and [...]

Three brief daily sermons. [1] Feb 27 Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows was an Italian Passionist who died of tuberculosis at the young age of 24 (+1862). He truly lived his life so as to be “lost in God” Who is all charity. [2] Feb 28 Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are meant to help us perfect our charity. Prayer helps us grow in love of God for His sake. Fasting helps us die to self-interest and love our selves for God’s sake. Almsgiving helps us to grow in love of neighbor for the sake of God. [3] Mar 4 The [...]