60 Second Reflections » Seize the Day
Monday, December 18, 2017
Posted on
As we head into Seize the Day’s Christmas/New Year’s break, Gus opens up the lines today to Tell Me Something Good. In an effort to beat back the Monday blues, Gus invites listeners to call in and share their recent blessings and answers to prayer.
Friday, December 15, 2017
Posted on
Gus talks about what Pope Francis said in his Wednesday General Audience about Catholics who don’t attend mass regularly. He said being a good person isn’t enough. He said mass is where we, as Catholics, receive our strength. Gus asks listeners who’ve stopped going to mass at some point in their lives to call in […]
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Posted on
We lost a great priest last night, Fr. Andrew Joseph Apostoli, co-founder of the Franciscan Fathers of the Renewal, who died at the age of 75. For nearly 25 years, Fr. Apostoli hosted Sunday Night Prime on EWTN and was a prolific author and one of the foremost experts on the Fatima apparitions. In his […]
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Posted on
Today, we had Phase III of Project Christmas. This time, we raised over $17,000 for SBPUSA, a charity based out of New Orleans that is helping rebuild homes in the greater Houston area in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, which ravaged the area in late August. If you were unable to call in but would still […]
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Posted on
Gus talks about the news that came out of the Vatican last week that Pope Francis was contemplating changing the English translation of the line in the Our Father that says “lead us not into temptation” to “let us not enter into temptation.” The story is mostly false. The pope is not seeking to change the […]
Monday, December 11, 2017
Posted on
Gus plays a contemporary Christian song, played often around this time of year, called “Mary Did You Know.” Some controversy has arisen of late, from many Catholics, who call the song heretical because of its implication that Mary did not know the baby is her womb was the Messiah. Gus reads a few excerpts from […]
Friday, December 8, 2017
Posted on
Today is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a holy day of obligation in the Catholic Church. Gus explains that this feast day doesn’t celebrate the Immaculate Conception of Jesus, rather the Immaculate Conception of Mary and explains the Church teaching on why the Catholic Church believes, undeniably, that Mary was conceived immaculately. Later, in […]
Thursday, December 7, 2017
Posted on
Today is Phase 2 of Project Christmas and, once again, we’re joined by Operation Once-in-a-Lifetime and its founder Patrick Sowers. We raised over $11,000 for two needy families If you were unable to call in and donate and still wish to, you can do so by clicking here. Also, Gus goes over a recent article […]
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
Posted on
Jim Campbell, senior counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom, calls in to give Gus the details of yesterday’s Supreme Court oral arguments between the attorneys for Jack Phillips and the Masterpiece Cakeshop, who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple, and the attorneys for the plaintiffs. Jim also gives us the history of how […]
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
Posted on
Gus concluded a parish mission the other night and spoke with a couple whose teenage children have told them they no longer wish to go to mass. Gus speaks to how heartbroken they were and that all he could tell them was that he’d pray for them. Gus asks listeners to call in and share their […]
Friday, December 1, 2017
Posted on
Gus talks with listeners again about church weddings and how some of the fees can be off-putting to some people. He asks listeners how they feel about it and whether or not they had to pay a fee for use of the church at their wedding. And it’s Friday, so that means we dedicate some […]
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Posted on
In light of today’s feast day, the Feast of St. Andrew (aka St. Peter’s brother), Gus talks with listeners about siblings. They talk about how many they have and how many practice the faith. Also, Gus talks about how our churches will be filled this Christmas with CEO Catholics, that is, Christmas and Easter Only. Gus […]
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Posted on
Gus talks about a situation in Washington D.C. where the Archdiocese of Washington D.C. is trying to purchase ads for display in D.C. Metro stations encouraging people go to church on Christmas but the Metro is refusing to allow them because of their religious nature (see below), which has led to a lawsuit. Gus talks with […]
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Posted on
Project Christmas begins today! Each year, in the four weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, we invite one charity on per week to raise money for those in need. Today, was Phase 1: Food for the Poor. Executive Director Angel Aloma gets things started once again for Project Christmas and we raise $11,000 in one hour […]
Monday, November 27, 2017
Posted on
Gus is back live following the Thanksgiving holiday and asks listeners to call in and share their Christmas decorating habits as we head into the Advent/Christmas season. And, it wouldn’t be Monday morning on Seize the Day if Gus didn’t engage in a little good news talk with listeners with Tell Me Something Good!
Friday, November 17, 2017
Posted on
In honor of Thanksgiving next week, Gus asks listeners to call in and share what they’re thankful for and/or a Thanksgiving tradition unique to their families. Also, Gus engage’s in that Friday tradition of Prayer Time and also gives away some copies of A Minute in the Church to listeners who promise to give it […]
Thursday, November 16, 2017
Posted on
At Pope Francis’ General Audience yesterday, the holy father told those gathered that the time before mass should be dedicated to prayer and getting us prepared for the Eucharist and not for chit chat. Gus asks listeners if they encounter chit-chatters before mass and how they handle them. Do they shoosh? Give a look? Do […]
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Posted on
We talk again today with people who’ve struggled with infertility. On his recent trip to the Holy Land, Gus visited the Chapel of the Milk Grotto in Bethlehem (pictured below) where Catholic tradition says is the place where the Holy Family found refuge during the “slaughter of the innocents”, before they could flee to Egypt. The name, […]
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Posted on
Gus starts off the program with a bang this morning, sharing the news that his daughter Carly got engaged over the weekend to her boyfriend Jose, but before popping the question Jose approached Gus a couple of weeks before and asked him for his daughter’s hand in marriage. Gus invites listeners to call in and share […]
Monday, November 13, 2017
Posted on
When Gus was in the Holy Land, he ended up buying a new wedding band, He’s been wearing the same one since he got married in 1979 so he asks listeners about their wedding band. Are they still wearing the same one or have they upgraded? And, after Tell Me Something Good, Gus asks listeners to call […]
Friday, November 10, 2017
Posted on
Gus talks again about the story of Cady Mansell, or more accurately, her parents. She was denied first holy communion with her class because her parents insisted she wear a white suit rather than a white dress, which went against the standard dress code. In an attempt to cast their Catholic parish in a bad […]
Thursday, November 9, 2017
Posted on
Gus is back live from his pilgrimage in the Holy Land and reminisces about something the things he witnessed and felt this time around. He highly recommends people make the pilgrimage sometime in their lives and asks listeners to call in and share their dream pilgrimage. Later, Gus talks about a first communicant in Indiana who […]
Monday, October 30th to Wednesday November 8th
Posted on
Gus is on pilgrimage in the Holy Land from October 30th to November 8th so there’ll be no live shows featuring Gus. We’ll be reliving some great moments from over the past few months so be sure to tune in weekdays beginning at 7:30 am ET!
Friday, October 27, 2017
Posted on
Have you ever felt unwelcome at a parish and did it affect your faith life? Gus talks with callers who’ve experienced that lonely feeling and what their parish does or can do to make people feel welcome. Also, noted convert, and former Protestant theologian, Dr. Francis Beckwith, returns to the Conversion Corner to share his […]
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Posted on
Since Gus spoke to listeners who’ve converted to Catholicism from a Protestant denomination, after telling his own “reversion” story, he invites Catholic reverts to call in and share their story of leaving the Catholic faith and coming back. We also have the Protestant Hour. In lieu of the upcoming 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, Gus […]
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Posted on
“Let me tell you ’bout the birds and the bees and the flowers and the trees and the moon up above….and a thing called love.” Gus talks about human sexuality with listeners. No, he doesn’t go into graphic details, but, rather, asks listeners if their parents gave them “the talk” when they were kids and if […]
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Posted on
Gus talks about an article on a recent Pew Research Study that says most U.S. Protestants are not united about or, in some cases, unaware of some of the controversies that were central to the historical schism between Protestantism and Catholicism. Gus goes over the importance of our Catholic theology and some of the difference between […]
Monday, October 23, 2017
Posted on
Gus got the old “stewardship” homily at mass, also known as the asking for money homily. But, it also means being active on the parish council, parish finance committee, and offering your time, talent or treasure. Gus asks listeners how often stewardship is talked about at their parish and how they react to it. Also, Gus […]
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Posted on
Gus talks about Colorado-based Christian baker Jack Phillips (pictured below) who received an email cake request from a Satanist who wanted it for a celebration of Lucifer’s birthday. Phillips refused the request and now it’s headed to the Supreme Court. He asks listeners what they’d do if they were a baker and got this request. Later, Bob Dunning […]
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Posted on
Gus reads an Aleteia article entitled “10 Ways to Crush the Morale of Priests,” emphasizing the Church’s need for better catechization and gives away copies of “A Minute in the Church: The Mass.” Also, Christopher Zehnder, general editor of the Catholic Textbook Project, sits down with Gus in the Conversion Corner to talk about his faith journey. […]
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Posted on
Gus reads a recent opinion piece by Sofia Feingold, entitled “Why Children’s Liturgies Give Me the Willies,” which appeared earlier this month in the National Catholic Register. In many parishes with lots of young families, many kids are escorted to a separate room to be taught the readings and the Gospel in a more instructional […]
Monday, October 16, 2017
Posted on
In today’s Gospel reading from Luke, Jesus says, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign but no sign will be given it,” and recalls the story of Jonah, caught in the belly of the whale for three days, which changed the hearts of the people of Ninevah. Based on this, Gus asks listeners […]
Friday, October 13, 2017
Posted on
Gus talks about sharing our conversion stories, even with all the warts and sordid stories that came along with it. but he asks at what age is it appropriate or inappropriate to share those type of details, i.e. sex, drugs and rock & roll-type details. Also, today marks the centennial of the Miracle of the Sun […]
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Posted on
Today Gus asked about what you do with items that charities and non-profits send you unsolicited in the mail, like coins, address labels, holy cards, etc. Listeners called in to share what they do. Many donate them to churches for youth groups or confirmations classes. Others put them in “blessing bags” to give to the […]
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Posted on
Can non-Catholics receive holy communion in a Catholic Church? Gus talks about a story he read recently on Aleteia where U2 lead singer Bono was seen receiving communion at a Catholic mass this past Sunday in Colombia. Bono professes to be Christian but it’s unclear whether or not he’s Catholic. Gus asks listeners about times […]
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Posted on
Based on Jesus’ discussion with Martha about Mary, the focus of today’s Gospel, Gus talks about spending time with Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration and talks with listeners about whether they consider their prayer lives active, like Martha, or contemplative, like Mary. For those who attend Eucharistic Adoration, Gus asks how often they do it and […]
Monday, October 9, 2017
Posted on
God, indeed, has a sense of humor and it shows today. Gus talks with listeners about mass antics. What is the funniest or most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you at mass? Also, it’s Monday so Gus engages in a little Tell Me Something Good. And, today is Columbus Day so @ 9:30, Gus tosses […]
Friday, October 6, 2017
Posted on
Gus talks about the Rosary and what it means to him. The month of October, after all, is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary so Gus opens up the phone lines and gives away copies of A Minute in the Church: Life in Christ to listeners who call in and talk about what the […]
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Posted on
Gus talks again with listeners about hoarding topic and asks whether or not it’s OK to hoard or if you should purge more often. Also, inspired by the hoarding topic, Gus asks listeners what was the coolest, or strangest, item, or family heirloom, they found going through somebody’s stuff. And, Bob Dunning calls in to talk […]
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Posted on
Gus commemorates St. Francis of Assisi’s Feast Day by playing a version of the popular hymn based on his prayer, often called “Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace.” Afterwards, Gus talks with listeners whose lives have been touched by St. Francis and/or his order in some way. Then, Catholic author Jon Sweeney calls in to […]
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Posted on
After going over his 60 Second Reflection, “Calling Down Fire from Heaven,” Gus talks about the mass shooting that took place in Las Vegas and asks, how do we deal with the aftermath and to what we can attribute this? Gus talks with listeners about the role the devil, and pure evil, took in these […]
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Posted on
So whaddya want, a medal? Gus has a boatload of random Catholic medals he got in the Holy Land earlier this year and decides to give some away to listeners on the condition they learn about the medal they’re given and then gift it to someone they feel would benefit from it. Also, two former […]
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Posted on
Today is the Feast of St. Vincent de Paul, whose name graces one of the largest and oldest Catholic charitable organizations. Inspired by that, Gus asks listeners about works of charity with which they’ve been involved. St. Vincent de Paul, pray for us.
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Posted on
Gus spent the day talking about Filial Correction recently sent to Pope Francis from some Catholic scholars and theologians around the world. You can read the actual document here. Listener comment followed throughout the morning.
Monday, September 25, 2017
Posted on
After going over his 60 Second Reflection, “A Response to Faith,” Gus talked about the myriad of NFL protests this past weekend during the National Anthem. Gus gives his take on it and opens up the lines to listeners. Later, Beth Leonard, author of two Catholic Bible study books, “Blood of the Lamb Catholic Bible Study: […]
Friday, September 22, 2017
Posted on
Gus talks about healing masses, which is specialty mass typically offered by charismatic Catholics, that is catered specifically to those who are suffering some kind of deep emotional, spiritual and/or, sometimes, physical wounds. Gus invites listeners to call in who’ve had experiences in the healing mass. Also, Gus talks with listeners about common objections they hear […]
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Posted on
After the show today, Gus will be heading to the hospital to visit a sick niece. He’s never been a big fan of hospitals, so he asks listeners to call in and talk about their experiences at hospitals. Later, Abby Johnson, founder and president of And Then There Were None, joins Gus to talk about what […]
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Posted on
After going over Catholic apologetics, Gus talks with listeners about the most common objections they’ve heard involving the Catholic faith. Also, Gus revisits yesterday’s discussion with widows and widowers and what challenges and blessings they experienced through that ordeal. Also, Elizabeth Disco-Shearer, CEO of the Society of St Vincent de Paul’s Disaster Services Division in Washington […]
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Posted on
Gus talks about an observation he posted to his Facebook page on Sunday where another hymn was scrubbed of its Catholic identity. The word “temple” was substituted for “altar” in “Praise To The Lord, The Almighty.” Gus called it the “Protestantization” of uniquely Catholic things. He caught a little backlash for the use of that […]
Monday, September 18, 2017
Posted on
After going over his 60 Second Reflection, Gus honors catechists, as yesterday was Cathechetical Sunday. Gus invites past and present catechists to call in and talk about their ministry. Those who get on the air get a copy of A Minute in the Church. And, it’s Monday so we roll with a little Tell Me […]