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Catholic Symbolism of the Advent Wreath

DVRodriguez2022-12-12T10:53:17-05:00

The symbolism of the advent wreath centers on the Coming of the Lord. The candle stands for Christ. The circle is a symbol of eternity (Heaven and hell are the only options). The evergreen is for eternal life. Green stands for hope and its renewal. A blessed candle always represents Christ. Violet and rose call us to penance and joy. Each candle also represents one millennium of hope in the Messiah. Pray the psalms, as they are excellent means to nurture hope.

Catholic Symbolism of the Advent WreathDVRodriguez2022-12-12T10:53:17-05:00

Our Lady of Sorrows Saves from the Fires

DVRodriguez2022-12-11T11:57:21-05:00

Three important September Marian feasts highlight the profound union between Jesus and Mary. Their Holy Names are inseparable. Her nativity, like the Morning Star, prepares us for His coming. She suffered her Son's Passion and her Sorrows are part of His Passion. The strongest inclination of Mary is to unite us to her Son; and the strongest inclination of the Son is that we should come to Him through His holy Mother. May we ever keep in our minds and hearts the bitter passion of Our Lord and sorrowful sufferings of Our Lady.

Our Lady of Sorrows Saves from the FiresDVRodriguez2022-12-11T11:57:21-05:00

Christmas and the Judgment

DVRodriguez2022-11-30T06:02:25-05:00

The Coming of the Lord is the great Mystery with which the Church year begins (and ends). Why does Jesus come? [1] To save your soul. [2] To judge your soul. We must see it as something very personal – as “Jesus and You.” God is giving you this year to prepare for your death and judgement, that you may avoid hell and gain Heaven. Consider Christmas in the light of salvation and of faith – not in a worldly way. Recommendations for Advent include prayer (e.g. the Christmas Novena), penance, and especially detachment.

Christmas and the JudgmentDVRodriguez2022-11-30T06:02:25-05:00

The Difference Between Me and the Saints

DVRodriguez2022-11-29T12:55:59-05:00

At the start of November we celebrate all the saints. For a time, they were ordinary men and women similar to us. They suffered from the same temptations, faults, discouragements, obstacles. So what did they do differently? Each of us has something we can get rid of that will make a huge difference. At our judgment, it's not about excuses or justifications. God keeps it simple: Why did you choose to not make that change. So examine yourself. You are supposed to be a saint. Decide now.

The Difference Between Me and the SaintsDVRodriguez2022-11-29T12:55:59-05:00

Rezar la Oración Colecta

DVRodriguez2022-11-26T07:41:45-05:00

Ponga su atención sobre la Oración Colecta de la Iglesia en general y hoy en particular. Rezamos por un aumento de la fe, la esperanza y la caridad. No podemos crecer en las virtudes teológicas por nuestros propios medios. Dios nos las promete y son Sus regalos gratuitos. Sin embargo, hay que hacer nuestra parte para merecerlos. También le pedimos a Dios que nos ayude a amar Sus Mandamientos. Con demasiada frecuencia, los hombres ven erróneamente la ley de Dios como una carga; sin embargo, es una expresión del amor divino.

Rezar la Oración ColectaDVRodriguez2022-11-26T07:41:45-05:00

A Potent Collect Prayer

DVRodriguez2022-11-26T07:31:19-05:00

Draw your attention to the Church’s Collect Prayer in general and today in particular. We beg God for an increase of faith, hope and charity. We can’t grow in them based on our own will and effort. God promises them to us and they are His free gifts to us. Nevertheless, we must do our part to merit them. We also ask God to help us love His Commandments. Too often men erroneously view God’s law as burdensome; yet it is an expression of His love.

A Potent Collect PrayerDVRodriguez2022-11-26T07:31:19-05:00

Reflect upon Death and Hell

DVRodriguez2022-11-22T10:55:37-05:00

In all your works, remember your last end, and you will never sin. Frequently prepare yourself spiritually for death. Advent is a good time for this. Pray Psalm 50 (Miserere) and Psalm 129 (De Profundis). When dangerously sick, you must be well trained to make an immediate and proper preparation for death. It is extremely important for you to reflect upon hell. We shall see Christ Our King and Judge coming on the clouds with power and majesty – Be prepared!

Reflect upon Death and HellDVRodriguez2022-11-22T10:55:37-05:00

La Obra Maestra de Dios

DVRodriguez2022-11-21T11:08:25-05:00

El corazón inmaculado de María contiene en si toda caridad. Inculcando en nuestros corazones los cinco sentimientos principales de su corazón es la forma más básica de fomentar devoción al corazón inmaculado. [1] Horror por todo pecado. [2] Odio por este mundo corrupto. [3] La menor estima posible hacia uno mismo. [4] Reverencia por todas las cosas de Dios. [5] Amor a la cruz.

La Obra Maestra de DiosDVRodriguez2022-11-21T11:08:25-05:00

Be Bold

DVRodriguez2022-11-20T11:22:46-05:00

We must be magnanimous souls! Three virtues that are so important for the Catholic in today's world are: [1] Humility. Dig into every detail of you life to see how you can serve God better. If you are not accusing yourself, you are excusing yourself. [2] Confidence in God. Catholic souls will only go out into the world, which we must do, when we know God is on our side. [3] Hope. Be ambitious in what you know God is asking you to do. Never look away from the mirror of self-sacrifice. Have the boldness to do things far greater than [...]

Be BoldDVRodriguez2022-11-20T11:22:46-05:00

Horror for Every Kind of Sin

DVRodriguez2022-11-19T08:28:09-05:00

Be devoted to Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart by striving to share her heart’s five principal sentiments: [1] Horror for all sin. [2] Scorn for this corrupt world. [3] Lowest esteem for self. [4] Profound love for all the things of God. [5] Veneration and love for the Cross. How very unlike her heart is our heart. Who amongst us desires to be humiliated? A hatred for sin will lead to greater contrition and a better confession. Meditating upon the Stations of the Cross will also increase our horror for sin and our contrition.

Horror for Every Kind of SinDVRodriguez2022-11-19T08:28:09-05:00