Fr. Michael Rodriguez

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 [...]

Two brief daily sermons. First Saturday. It is the heart of Mary that gives perfect adoration, praise, honor and glory to God. Her heart is an sea of grace and charity. In her maternal solicitude we find a special love for those who are abandoned. St. Thomas Aquinas. On this day the Church honors her greatest theologian. Let us reflect upon a brief biographical sketch of the Angelic Doctor.

We can draw much light from today’s gospel and last Sunday’s for the two themes of our mission: [1] Jesus and [2] Christian Perfection. Note how both of these are linked by charity. The fruitfulness of these spiritual exercises will depend on your willingness and your efforts to cooperate with the Holy Ghost (Who is Charity itself). Consider the lives of Ss. Peter, James and John, who were the three Apostles most transfigured by the love of their Master. It is imperative that each one of us get to know Christ better. For example, today we hear a most solemn divine command to listen to the Son of [...]

Christ’s call to have faith and believe in Him is a clear and forceful call throughout the Gospel. Our Lord asks each of us, “If I say the truth to you, why do you not believe Me?” The end of our faith is the salvation of our soul. Thus our faith is more precious than gold; but it must be tried in fire. We must examine our conscience – Do you believe His words? How do you respond to them? Like the father in Mark 9, let us pray, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.” Let us heed Our Lady’s counsel, [...]

The good sheep listen to the voice of the Shepherd and follow Him. His voice is always calling us to eternal life. [1] Consider just four examples of the voice of the Risen Lord, culminating with Mt 28:18-20. All power is given to Christ. He then bequeaths this power to His Apostles so they may govern, teach in His Name, and administer the Sacraments. [2] The Good Shepherd speaks to us through His Church. One can’t emphasize this enough. Our heart ought to burn when we hear His teaching. The Apostles’ successors must teach as Christ commands and not according to [...]

It is clear from the Message of Fatima that Our Lord now wishes to universally establish devotion to the Immaculate Heart of His Mother. It is through her heart that He will bring peace and exercise His kingship. Let us briefly consider five of the many reasons provided by St. John Eudes for why we should honor the Immaculate Heart of Mary. These include, for example, to honor what God honors, on account of how she cared for the child Jesus, and in thanksgiving to her maternal solicitude for each of us.

At Fatima, Our Lady offered her Brown Scapular to the world. She offers, but we have to place ourselves under her mantle. Ultimately, her “mantle” is Christ Himself. On account of her great maternal love, she promises to protect those who faithfully wear her Scapular and to bring them to salvation. She is all-powerful with God and is therefore able to fulfill this promise. It is important for us to know the origins and history of the Scapular and to bear in mind the context in which she gave it to St. Simon Stock: a mother to a son who found [...]