Spiritual Battle

Are Our Customs and Habits Too Secular?

DVRodriguez2024-01-04T09:12:57-05:00

We form our ideas, habits and custom from our childhood and if that is reinforced over time, it becomes who we are and how we live. At the root of the grave crisis in the Church is secularization. Too many Catholics have allowed the secular world to completely overrun our customs. We must begin to change this. It will not happen overnight. Take small steps in the right direction. How can you include more silence, prayer, recollection, and detachment from the world in your daily routine and celebration of Advent and Christmas? Because Christmas is not about cookies, eggnog and parties. [...]

Are Our Customs and Habits Too Secular?DVRodriguez2024-01-04T09:12:57-05:00

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

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

The Great Fast

DVRodriguez2023-03-13T07:50:24-04:00

Consider the Transfiguration from the Apostles' point of the view. They perceive a coming struggle and prefer to stay where its comfortable. So Christ immediately ends the consolation. We want to be saints; we want great results; but, we flee from the struggle it requires. This is a natural problem, not just a spiritual one. We want everything to be fine and everyone to be nice. But there is no "ok" or "nice" when it comes to the Catholic soul. It takes hard men and women to break the Gates of Heaven. Lent is not so much a time to 'suffer' [...]

The Great FastDVRodriguez2023-03-13T07:50:24-04:00

Will You Win the Battle Today?

DVRodriguez2023-02-05T12:43:15-05:00

Preparation is the focal point of the Blessed Trinity's message to man. Christ first prepares His Apostles (come see where I live) and only afterwards does He send them out. The war is upon us (Islamic sword, the world, the devil). Yet wars are won in preparation. While you sit idle, the enemy prepares every day. You must have a relentless aggressive push against the world. Rest is not an option. Prepare and work continually. Only then will you be prepared to fight the battle.

Will You Win the Battle Today?DVRodriguez2023-02-05T12:43:15-05:00

The Divine Child as Teacher

DVRodriguez2023-02-05T11:24:38-05:00

The Magi saw the Christ Child carrying His cross in the light of the star. The manger is Jesus' cathedra (teaching chair of authority) from which He confounds the spirit of the world. Christ teaches us by the very mysteries He chose to live in His infancy. He teaches us to overcome our inordinate inclinations (concupiscence). These Mysteries testify to His love and desire to save us.

The Divine Child as TeacherDVRodriguez2023-02-05T11:24:38-05:00

Concrete Spiritual Goals and Focus

DVRodriguez2022-11-07T12:39:23-05:00

In the spiritual life, how clear are our goals and vision? These things define us; yet they require careful examination and determination. So often we are misdirected. We accept the devil’s lies that sanctity is not for me, that life is too unmanageable, and I can’t overcome my problems. What we need is passion: to love our vocation – even to the point of obsession.

Concrete Spiritual Goals and FocusDVRodriguez2022-11-07T12:39:23-05:00

Jesus Deliver Us

DVRodriguez2021-02-11T08:05:32-05:00

God often exercises His power in hidden and mysteries ways that we do not expect. An example of this is His Holy Name. The Holy Name of Jesus inflames us with love for Jesus and protects us from evil. The devil is strong and cunning, so we must specifically invoke Jesus’ Name to deliver us from spiritual evils. To love Jesus is to imitate His love. Our love suffers from many defects and it must be purified and strengthened. That will only happen by God’s grace. Pray the Litany of the Most Holy Name, the Divine Praises, and brief aspirations devoutly [...]

Jesus Deliver UsDVRodriguez2021-02-11T08:05:32-05:00

Two Kinds of Levitation

DVRodriguez2020-11-13T21:49:50-05:00

Once in speaking on the Holy Trinity, St. John of the Cross levitated up into the air before St. Teresa of Avila. On another occasion, this same saintly friar was called to exorcize a possessed nun. As the community prayed the Gloria Patri, the nun leaped into the air and remained suspended upside down. She was completely inverted. These two levitations, each facing opposite directions, symbolize much of what is possible for man in this life. If we orient ourselves towards God, we perceive His beauty and order in all things -- even our trials and crosses. Yet if we make unto ourselves [...]

Two Kinds of LevitationDVRodriguez2020-11-13T21:49:50-05:00

Extinguish Not the Spirit

DVRodriguez2020-11-13T21:49:50-05:00

Frequently invoke the Holy Ghost, imploring Him to enlighten your mind, inflame your heart, and strengthen your will. He is the never ceasing font of truth, love and grace. He is the Author of all supernatural gifts and nothing good begins without His help. Now there is a tremendous battle going on between the Spirit of God and the spirit of the world, of the flesh, and of the devil. The spirits contrary to God must be cast out if the Holy Ghost is to abide in us. One who saturates himself with these evil spirits extinguishes the Holy Ghost from his [...]

Extinguish Not the SpiritDVRodriguez2020-11-13T21:49:50-05:00