Recent Sermons by Fr. Rodríguez

Reflect Upon the Gravity of Your Sin View description ▼ Fix your gaze on Jesus. Behold Him that you may love and imitate Him. Lent is a time to leave the world behind and contemplate divine things. Embrace the cross (sufferings, trials and difficulties) for love of God, in reparation for sin, and in preparation for a happy eternity. Lent is a time to seriously reflect on your sin from a heavenly perspective. Sin is the source of ALL the evils and misfortunes that cover the earth. Recognize the gravity of sin and do not think, "Well everybody does it." Receive not the grace of God in vain! He is even now giving you yet another opportunity. February 25, 2024 by Fr. Michael Rodríguez
Special Lenten Graces View description ▼ Lent [1] makes us aware of our obligation to do penance throughout our lives, [2] calls us to imitate Our Lord's fast, and [3] prepares us to celebrate Easter in a holy and worthy manner. God makes special graces available during Lent, including the grace of conversion. So do not live this season as it were just any other time. Look to the example of St. Francis of Assisi and contemplate divine realities. During Lent – by means of prayer, fasting and almsgiving – focus on the importance of grace, sin, and eternity. If you do not use these means to fight against your spiritual enemies, you will surely be defeated. February 18, 2024 by Fr. Michael Rodríguez
Purpose of Lent and Ashes View description ▼ Four Short Daily Sermons from the Start of Lent Ashes remind us that we will die. Lent is a time to do penance that purifies us and brings us into closer union with God. It is a privileged time of grace when we must hear and heed the divine call to works of mercy. February 14, 2024 by Fr. Michael Rodríguez
Lux de Caelo View description ▼ In my affliction, I called upon the Lord. God responds, again and again, by sending light from Heaven. Search for God like the Three Kings. He is always offering us His grace. We see this in the parable of the Owner of the Vineyard. Why do stand idle? Why do you waste time and not work harder to serve God and to save our soul? Ask God in prayer, "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" And then respond generously by offering Him the gifts of your money, time, and talent - of your very self. January 28, 2024 by Fr. Michael Rodríguez
Martyrs of Christmastide View description ▼
At the center of Christmas we see Jesus willing to take on a human nature so that we may be conformed to His likeness. Another "epiphany" is the Divine Child revealing Himself by shedding His Precious Blood and giving us the grace to live and die for Him. As Christ's disciples, we are called to believe in Him and to be faithful to His teaching (which is the teaching of the Church). Every single martyr gave his blood for the truth; we must be willing to suffer for the truth. The Church honors many martyrs in this season: SS. Peter and Paul, St. Sebastian St. Agnes, St. Prisca, St. Vincent, and more. Frequently pray these aspirations, which are best fulfilled by the martyrs: "Jesus, save me. Jesus, I love Thee. Jesus, I live for Thee. Jesus, I suffer for Thee. Jesus, I die for Thee."
January 21, 2024 by Fr. Michael Rodríguez
A Bishop Opposes Error View description ▼ In the Epiphany mysteries, Jesus manifests His glory. He reveals the Truth about Himself. Yet man is always tempted to believe in Jesus how he sees fit. No! Focus on the Lord and do not engage in your own projects or ecclesial ideologies (this phrase is a recent gaslighting effort by Francis). Too many Catholics live their marriage based on their own ideas, preferences, and projects. No! Base it upon Christ's teachings and example. Bishops must faithfully transmit the teachings which come from Christ and the Apostles. Let us be grateful that a Peruvian Bishop has resisted Francis' grave error regarding blessings of sinful unions. These false blessings are grave abuses against the most Holy Name of God. God never blesses sin, but calls the sinner to repentance that he may receive eternal life. January 14, 2024 by Fr. Michael Rodríguez
My Heart Remains in Bethlehem View description ▼ Epiphany is truly a feast of the Nativity of Our Savior, Jesus Christ. The Three Kings are central to Christmas. They teach us that every single person (ALL!) is called to know, love, serve and adore Jesus Christ. And we are to do this with our entire being. January 6, 2024 by Fr. Michael Rodríguez
Present a Loving Heart to the Divine Child View description ▼ Let us present a loving heart to the Divine Child and be willing to suffer for Christ; for the Faith. Already as a newborn, Jesus shed His Precious Blood to save us. Keep Jesus in your mind and heart, so that you will never deliberately offend Him. Don't forget the great truths of His four comings and continue to ponder them all year. Consider the link between Our Lord's coming at Christmas and His coming at Holy Mass. Meditate upon the moment of your death when you must render a definitive account of your time on this earth. How loving and contrite is the heart you have to offer? January 1, 2024 by Fr. Michael Rodríguez
Tollite Hostias View description ▼ A beautiful Christmas hymn is tollite hostias et adorate dominum, "Offer your gifts to the Divine Child and Adore Him"  (Psalm 95:8-9). What will you offer Him? The most acceptable gift is a contrite and loving heart. Do you pray every day? Spend time before the manger and think about the incredible love of the Divine Child for you! Make an effort to think about and reject [hate] your sins, for your sins are what most offend Baby Jesus. Ask the Blessed Virgin to adore the Divine Child on your behalf. To truly love Him, seek to please Him in all things, keep His commandments, and be willing to suffer for Him.   December 31, 2023 by Fr. Michael Rodríguez
True Stories About Guardian Angels View description ▼ Scripture frequently mentions the angels. They are beings of pure spirit who have great wisdom, power and holiness. First and foremost, the angels exist to give glory to God. In addition, they assist in the salvation of souls. The angels are grouped into three hierarchies and nine choirs. They reflect God's perfections and it behooves us to pray to the different angels according to their mission. Know the seven ways in which your guardian angel assists you. Acknowledge the valuable work he does on your behalf and engage your guardian angel in conversation. October 2, 2022 by Fr. Michael Rodríguez
Are Our Customs and Habits Too Secular? View description ▼ 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. It is about Jesus coming to save us because He loves us. If we prepare well for His coming then we love Him in return. Body of Christ, save me! December 17, 2023 by Fr. Michael Rodríguez
Day of Joy and Pardon View description ▼ Christ was born to save sinners [us!] at midnight in Bethlehem in piercing cold. What a wondrous night of joy, of salvation, and of of pardon. Yet we must acknowledge sin as sin and not dismiss it under a pretext of focusing on the "positive." Otherwise, Christmas loses its true meaning. Let us not fail to ask Him for the great spiritual graces He wishes to grant this day. The shepherds brought their gifts; you must also bring your gifts to Him. What will you bring to Him? December 25, 2023 by Fr. Michael Rodríguez
New Scandalous Vatican Document View description ▼ Fiducia Supplicans, the latest scandalous document from the Vatican, is a direct contradiction of the truths of the four great comings of Christ. Only one without faith in Christ could author or support this document. It is truly diabolical and the height of sinister modernism, attempting to create a new kind of "pastoral" blessing. The truth is that God calls us to repent, to convert, and turn away from sin. Christ came to give us the grace and strength to overcome sin and to be able to make heroic sacrifices. Sadly, only a few Catholic bishops have given faithful public responses. Let us turn to Our Lady, for it is her love that brought God down from Heaven. December 24, 2023 by Fr. Michael Rodríguez
Three Marian Advent Feasts of Salvation View description ▼ The very name "Jesus" means "God saves." All His comings (advents) have to do with the salvation of souls. We pray: O Lord show us Thy mercy and grant us Thy salvation. Can there be a more important prayer? And this God answers through the Blessed Virgin Mary. Consider the Church's three feasts of December 8, 10, and 12. They emphasize: the glory and power of God, the purity we require, true faith, true worship, and our duty to form homes where we work out our salvation. God created Our Lady and made her our Mother to show us His mercy and grant us His salvation. December 10, 2023 by Fr. Michael Rodríguez
The Advent Wreath View description ▼ The Advent Wreath is full of rich symbolism. The circular shape evokes eternity and the evergreen represents hope and renewal. Purple stands for penance and rose for joy. Each colored candle represents a millennia and a person(s). A blessed and lighted candle always symbolizes Christ. Each candle also represents a great truth about Christ: [1] He will come again in power to judge all. [2] He will judge me at the moment of my death. [3] Jesus comes to me with His grace, now, especially at Mass. [4] Jesus came in the flesh to save us - to save me. Hope for eternal life and pray that Christ increase your hope! December 3, 2023 by Fr. Michael Rodríguez
Eternity Always in View View description ▼ Nothing impure can enter Heaven. Thinking about Purgatory inspires penance and self denial (which we all struggle with). Here are five important means to avoid Purgatory. Our Lady is the Mother of everyone in Purgatory and there is no soul there whose pain is not alleviated by her. Happy is the he who loves with eternity always in view; with a lively faith that he must shortly die and enter into eternity. November 26, 2023 by Fr. Michael Rodríguez
The Saints on Purgatory View description ▼ You will be judged by God at your death, the moment your soul leaves your body, at the very spot where you breathe your last. All you ever said, thought or did shall come under God's judgment. Consider your end and the Last Things. Can the souls in Purgatory help us? When can our normal prayers not aid a soul in Purgatory? What grace is there in a mother who forgives even murder for the love of God? May the teaching and example of saints help motivate us. November 19, 2023 by Fr. Michael Rodríguez
The Great Thought View description ▼ For Christ to truly be King, He must reign in men's minds. This means man assents – with perfect submission and firm belief – to the doctrines taught by Christ and His Church. How terrible that many occupying high places in the Church are instead seeking to undermine His teachings. We instead must remain steadfast and faithful to the Great Truth. As an example, consider the Church's teachings on the Four Last Things. Review a 'Short Catechism on Eternity.' Heed the example of St. Anthony Mary Claret. And in all thy works, remember thy last end, and thou shall never sin (Ecclesiasticus 7:40). November 12, 2023 by Fr. Michael Rodríguez
The World Beyond View description ▼ The Church's feasts at the end of the liturgical year lead us to contemplate the Four Last Things. The enemies of Christ mind earthly things but those who seek to follow Christ contemplate the world beyond us. Tell yourself often, "I am going to die and I will be judged." This judgment shall be rigorous; are you prepared? Man must perfectly submit his mind to the truths of Christ, which always flow from the truth about who God is. And man must live in accordance with truth. As an example, consider the Church's teaching on Purgatory. It must be true for it is based upon the perfections of God. November 5, 2023 by Fr. Michael Rodríguez
Viva Cristo Rey View description ▼ Jesus Christ is God. Jesus Christ is Lord. Jesus Christ is King. We were born to profess this Faith. A major problem is how many claim to know and feel Jesus, but it is not about believing in Jesus "in our own way" but according to His way. Everything must be subject to Him: governments, schools, media, entertainment, sciences, arts, families, marriages, and each individual. Consider these examples of how He must reign in every person's mind, will, heart and body. [Father José María Robles was killed for Christ on June 26, 1927. He helped build a huge statue of Christ the King that stands near León, Guanjuato.] October 29, 2023 by Fr. Michael Rodríguez

Recent Sermons by Fr. Iacomus Paulus

Hope and Daring View description ▼ When you rise and when yo go to bed, ask yourself these two questions: [1] What drives you or fuels your desire? [2] What are you afraid of? We often know what we have to do but fail to do it because of something we fear. What keeps us from giving ourselves to God, and neighbor, as we are meant to do? During Advent, the Church calls to mind the example of St. John the Baptist and the Immaculate Conception. Saints change the world because they do what what others dare not. They achieve great virtue by their hope (the virtue that is born by the desire for difficult but possible things). December 17, 2023 by Fr. Iacomus Paulus
Mystery is Essential to Christmas View description ▼ Christ subverts the expectations of the worldly. Yet we are still in love with the things of this world – and our vice – because we have yet to see the true worth in tossing them aside. Christ changes the way we value things. The element of mystery, which surrounds Christmas, compels us to acts of greater virtue. (Note: Father's considerations of the Holy Family in Bethlehem touch upon matters not defined by Scripture or Tradition. Faithful Catholics are free to disagree on such details.) December 3, 2023 by Fr. Iacomus Paulus
Be a Master of Your Craft View description ▼ Here are three means to progress and excel in the spiritual life. [1] An ability to identify defects. We usually don't want to hear any critique of ourselves. Yet seeing our [minor] defects, which aren't easy to self detect, is the only way to make progress. [2] Humility in the spirit of collaboration. Every criticism has an element of truth, so be hungry for criticism (not paranoid or angry). [3] Love what you do and study your craft. Be obsessed with being Catholic. If you love your state in life, then at every moment you will try to learn how to be better at what you do. November 12, 2023 by Fr. Iacomus Paulus
The One Thing That Prevents Your Sanctity View description ▼ 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. November 5, 2023 by Fr. Iacomus Paulus
Silent Killers View description ▼ The dramatic rise in our use of technology is severely handicapping us. Everything we consume is immediate, fleeting and has to entertain. God is not this way. Yet each day we expend much effort habituating ourselves to prompt gratification. We are looking for a God that is easily packaged. This makes it extremely difficult to be in a relationship with God. Even worse, technology induces us to look at obstacles as impossibilities instead of as an invitation from God to do something greater. No one of us is dealing with technology correctly. We see its terrible effect upon vocations. Limit your technology use to only what is absolutely necessary – this will help save your soul and foster vocations. October 22, 2023 by Fr. Iacomus Paulus
Three Classes of Men View description ▼ In his Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius provides a powerful meditation on three classes of men. Which one are you? Do you strive to eliminate sin from your life? Do attachments prevent you from attaining your heavenly goal? Do you implement the means necessary to get rid of attachments? Or do you want both: God and your earthly goods. If so, you constantly rationalize your self-indulgence. Yet sanctity is radical. It is complete indifference. Nothing matters but God. This is the challenge before you. How do you respond to Christ the King? He calls you to follow Him in everything! Have you forgotten Him or are you obsessed with knowing and loving Him? July 2, 2023 by Fr. Iacomus Paulus

Recent Sermons by Fr. Simplicius

The Doctrine of Predestination View description ▼ God by the eternal resolve of His will has predetermined certain men to eternal blessedness. The number of the elect is predetermined and can not change (none added, none taken away). While God wills all men to be saved, not all men are saved. This is based not on God's providence but on a man's sin and lack of contrition. The heresy of "double predestination" holds that men are like brute beasts with God leading some to salvation and others to damnation by His (predetermined) divine will. For men how are saved, it is a gift from God; from men who are damned, it is their own fault. November 26, 2023 by Fr. Simplicius
Great Pearl and Irrelevance of Novelty View description ▼ False religions deny Christ and thus have the spirit of anitchrist. Modern Jews are defined by their rejection of Christ. Protestants identify themselves by their denial of the Church. This same pattern, of finding one's identity by denial or rejection, is found in the novus ordo liturgy. Many of its advocates harbor a virulent animus against Tradition, wishing to sentence the traditional liturgy to death.  Revolutionaries long for the complete destruction of the old order, otherwise their revolution can't fully succeed. Traditional Catholics should not fall prey to identification by being against the new order for they have the most beautiful thing this side of Heaven. Why waste time and energy focusing on the irrelevance of passing novelties when one has the Pearl of Great Price. November 12, 2023 by Fr. Simplicius
Decline of Public Authority View description ▼ Obedience is a moral virtue that inclines the human will to comply with the will of another who has the right to command. We must obey the just commands of superiors because they represent the authority that comes from God. A grave error is to think men ("the people") are the source of public authority. Our nation is founded upon this false principle. When those in authority do not acknowledge the divine source of their authority, they abuse their power, becoming despotic. Subjects in turn mock rulers and only comply out of fear. The result is social dysfunction. Having cast Christ from His throne, the only solution is to acknowledge the kingship of Christ and submit to His Law. October 29, 2023 by Fr. Simplicius
St Teresa and Mental Prayer View description ▼ Church tradition honors St. Teresa of Avila as the virgo seraphica, doctrix mystica, and reformer of the Carmelite Order. Her life was marked by such miracles as a 'resurrection' and the transverbration. She can teach us much about mental prayer, including overcoming failures. Prayer is essential for salvation and meditation is necessary for growth in virtue. Mental prayer is nothing else than an intimate friendship, a frequent heart to heart conversation, with God. [This sermon includes a brief, yet excellent, explanation of how to do mental prayer.] October 15, 2023 by Fr. Simplicius
Can Dogma Change? View description ▼ Five cardinals sent dubias to the Vatican. Francis' answers increase doubt and raise greater concerns. Much is being said at the synodabout the theory of the 'development of doctrine.' Modernists are using this notion, first expounded by St. Vincent of Lerins, to undermine the Church. We must understand it correctly and not fall into their snares of deceit. Our understanding of a doctrine may deepen, but the meaning can never change to something contrary. Authentic development establishes identity with the past, not difference. It make us more, not less, Catholic. A reversal in doctrine is a clear sign of heresy. The Church never changes her doctrine. October 1, 2023 by Fr. Simplicius
Is it Catholic to Support Illegal Immigration? View description ▼ We are witnessing a Great Replacement via mass immigration. This is not a conspiracy theory merely a factual observation. A mass population influx can destabilize a country similar to a military invasion. Nations in Europe and North America are experiencing such tremendous ethnic and civilizational substitution that one wonders if traditional Western cultures will be lost. Mass migration is a new form of slavery, hurting the immigrant and inflicting terrible damage on his homeland. Thomas Aquinas and our Popes have provided sound teaching regarding immigration but few Catholics know it. It is part of the Natural Law that we love and defend our homeland. Yet de-culturation leads to a loss of unity and a weaker country which none are willing to defend. On the other hand, a common identity unites one to his neighbor and makes a people stronger. September 24, 2023 by Fr. Simplicius

Recent Sermons by Fr. Ioannes Petrus

The Conscience of Man View description ▼ God gave man a connection to Him - an interior voice, a conscience. St. John the Baptist is a symbol of that voice. We can chose to heed or suppress our conscience; yet, man only finds peace when he listens to it. The conscience is a proof of the soul's immortality. It witnesses, bonds and incites; it also accuses, torments, and rebukes. It incites a holy anger (hatred) against sin, so that man roots out faults instead of justifying them. Make friends with your adversary (conscience) before you are handed over to the Judge. December 17, 2023 by Fr. Ioannes Petrus
Thou Shall Not Make a False Peace View description ▼ Why is the Synod discussing so many un-Catholic things? Why is the Latin Mass being suppressed? Why is Russia once again at war? We must seek the cause. And we shall find an all encompassing answer to these problems. Christ's truth requires that man first conquer in the interior life; then he can conquer on the outside. Yet modern man has sought new avenues according to his own wisdom. He seeks an easy way apart from the cross. He chooses compromise with the world to accomplish only an external peace. Yet false peace brings perpetual war. As we ignore Our Lady of Fatima, the errors of Russia proliferate within the Church. We need instead devotion to the Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart. November 12, 2023 by Fr. Ioannes Petrus
Prisoners of War and Purgatory View description ▼ The saints see the connectivity of all history by typology. Yet this connectivity extends even beyond the confines of this world. A type for the poor souls in Purgatory can be noted in the true story of Robert Trimble. He was an American Air Force captain striving to rescue prisoners of war in WW2. Our hearts should be moved to do all we can to help the holy souls arrive at their heavenly homeland. November 2, 2023 by Fr. Ioannes Petrus
What Is a Woman? View description ▼ The world is being plagued by a more wicked and perverse society than Sodom of old. There is no logic upon which it can be based. Its confusion is an effect of communism, which attacks womanhood. A woman is a copy of the great original, the Blessed Virgin Mary. She is the indispensable helpmate of man; his complement not replacement. She is his beloved and treasured heart. She is captivatingly mysterious and intuitive. She strives for modesty and self-effacement. She suffers the same wounds as her man, but inwardly and quietly. She saves by supporing her man and by bearing and nourishing life.   July 16, 2023 by Fr. Ioannes Petrus
What Is a Man? View description ▼ A man is essentially a copy of Jesus Christ. The more a man conforms to his original, the more truly a man he becomes. The devil, father of all lies, seeks to pervert the truth, telling us the exemplar is an ape or single cell amoeba. (How crazy is that!) Man is a thinker. He loves truth. He uses reason and proper moderation to bring order. He remains calm and modest. He is just and religious, giving each man his due and his first fruits to God. Man looks for obstacles to overcome and rewards to gain. He needs someone to save. Man is courageous, suffers for the truth, and is willing to sacrifice his life for the greater good. July 9, 2023 by Fr. Ioannes Petrus
Early in the Morning View description ▼ Throughout history, God likes to work early in the morning. This is typological. It reflects the Resurrection. The psalms teach that at this time He hears prayers, grants mercy, and destroys His enemies. Consider Sennacherib's Assyrian siege of Jerusalem under good King Hezekiah (~701 BC). Consider the prophecy of Isaias 28:14-19 and let us avoid entering a league with falsehood, hell and death. Hold fast to the Faith and the Mass, which remain immovable – even in this dark time. Let us rise early and be about the duties of our state, for the glory of God and salvation of our soul. April 9, 2023 by Fr. Ioannes Petrus