Virtue

Faith and Charity of the Blind

DVRodriguez2026-02-17T16:19:12-05:00

In calling ‘Son of David!” the blind man acknowledges Jesus is the Messiah. In begging for mercy, he professes Jesus is God. The crowd -symbolic of our sins– rebukes the blind man because it lacks faith. The crowd is just a noisy gong; a tactic of the devil. The blind man calls out because he has hope. His desire for the Messiah proves his charity. Jesus hears him above the tumult and works a miracle. The healed man now follows Jesus. Pray, that you too will have faith by hearing, cry for mercy above your sins, and then follow Christ in [...]

Faith and Charity of the BlindDVRodriguez2026-02-17T16:19:12-05:00

Mystery of Obedience

DVRodriguez2026-02-10T00:46:07-05:00

By one man's disobedience, many die. But one Man's obedience saves many. Jesus and Mary obey the Law, even though they are not obligated to do so. By obeying the law, they submit to the Law Giver, God Himself. Obedience means "to listen and to do." Pray for the virtue of obedience, for it is by this vritue that one grows in wisdom and grace before God and men.

Mystery of ObedienceDVRodriguez2026-02-10T00:46:07-05:00

Be Not Wise in Your Conceits

DVRodriguez2026-01-30T10:51:49-05:00

We humans are weak, think our way of seeing things is always right, don’t want to own up to our own faults, and seek to force our plan for life upon others. We resort to evil means to reach a sought after good, then justify our actions that are not right. We do this in small things and it becomes a habit in our soul. We are blinded to our own faults and can’t see how our way of acting destroys the peace in our family, parish, and society. This pride of man also prevents God from speaking to our souls. [...]

Be Not Wise in Your ConceitsDVRodriguez2026-01-30T10:51:49-05:00

Noise and Silence of Advent

DVRodriguez2025-12-05T11:02:16-05:00

It is the first day of the new [liturgical] year and time for a fresh start – to put things in the right order. We commemorate Christ’s coming in the flesh and prepare for when He will come again. So we must “look up” with our minds. We often fail to do this on account of the noise all around us: from the world which we can’t avoid, from technology that is self-inflicted, and from our own lips. Strive to have a spirit of silence this Advent that you may hear and love God more than you did the past year.

Noise and Silence of AdventDVRodriguez2025-12-05T11:02:16-05:00

Bear One Another’s Burdens

DVRodriguez2025-10-23T16:14:38-04:00

Faith has to show forth in actions. Exercise charity by bearing one another’s burdens, especially those in our household [of faith]. This is our duty and it is also very fatiguing. Prudently give others the benefit of the doubt. Wisely know when to bear a wrong in silence. This is more challenging when we have the same defect, as seeing it another pricks our conscience. It is also harder when dealing with those who are close to us and whom we love. But carrying a heavier cross brings greater graces. Let us not tire in doing good. May those who encounter [...]

Bear One Another’s BurdensDVRodriguez2025-10-23T16:14:38-04:00

The Pharisee and the Publican

DVRodriguez2025-09-08T12:25:28-04:00

More people go to hell for their ‘good qualities’ than their weaknesses because they rely on themselves and forget God. 'Perfection' is the enemy of the good. And mercy is removing an evil by giving a good. The pharisee followed the law and did good. Yet he did not thank God, or ask anything of God, content in his pride and self-righteousness. That is why he judges others and considers himself above them. The publican, however, has humility. Humility is true knowledge of self. It is a foundational virtue, necessary to acquire all the others. Humility always stands in the truth. [...]

The Pharisee and the PublicanDVRodriguez2025-09-08T12:25:28-04:00

The Mammon of Iniquity

DVRodriguez2025-08-07T12:38:55-04:00

Our Lord praises the unjust steward’s shrewdness: he saw himself as he is and did what it took to survive. All created goods (mammon) are given to us by God to be used moderately and prudently. In this way we are “friends” to them and they help us reach God. But when we misuse them they turn to evil (iniquity). What created things are you misusing? Some common ones are technology, alcohol, debt, friends, and clothing. A basic Catholic life, with the penance of prayer and sacrifice, will help us use all created goods as God intended.

The Mammon of IniquityDVRodriguez2025-08-07T12:38:55-04:00

Sins of the Tongue Destroy Charity

DVRodriguez2025-06-05T10:13:21-04:00

Christians are made perfect in the bond of charity. We ought to have a constant mutual charity for one another. This comes about through grace in our souls and it unites us in the one Faith. Now charity for our neighbor must be based in God. It means desiring the best for another. It means we comfort and support one another. It necessarily involves prayer and sacrifice. Spouses, families, and parishes must be built upon this charity. We must strive hard against sins of the tongue - like complaining, criticizing, and murmuring - which destroy charity.

Sins of the Tongue Destroy CharityDVRodriguez2025-06-05T10:13:21-04:00

The Family Needs Purity of Intent

DVRodriguez2025-02-11T09:03:13-05:00

Our Lady provides a great model for what it means to be pure, which is far more than just purity in body. Purity begins in the mind. A family can't be happy unless it is a pure family. Purity helps us resist pride, selfishness, and the world. It means not judging things by our feelings but according to what God wills. Parents, practice purity and form your children accordingly. Children should not face these things alone. It is far easier to shun vice when we know the truth. Marriage is not for pleasure or self, it is to die; to die [...]

The Family Needs Purity of IntentDVRodriguez2025-02-11T09:03:13-05:00

Put Ye On the Lord Jesus Christ

DVRodriguez2024-12-08T21:14:44-05:00

In giving us His Son, God could give us nothing more. And He gives us everything. God provides this season of Advent so that we will change! Strive to make it a holy season. Father lists numerous ways to grow in Advent. Do not displease Christ. Conform your will to His. May He reign over you. Behold His Heart which has loved so much that It has given itself completely and spared nothing. How do I respond? By Christmas, we must be clothed more with Christ and less with our own self will. Unite my heart with Thine and my will with [...]

Put Ye On the Lord Jesus ChristDVRodriguez2024-12-08T21:14:44-05:00