The Words of Eternal Life
Posted on
In the first reading today from Acts 9, we see a blossoming Church. It is growing rapidly, even with the great persecution she was suffering. Peter raises a woman from the dead, and because of that, many came to believe. In the Gospel reading today, we finish up in John 6. After Jesus talked about […]
Friday, May 9, 2014
Posted on
It’s finally Friday on Seize the Day! Gus talks to listeners about their particular church and asks them what makes them go there each Sunday, other than the obvious. Is it the ambiance, the architecture, the priest, or for some other reason? Gus also welcomes Whitney Belprez to the Conversion Corner. She is a convert […]
Friday, May 9, 2014
Posted on
It’s finally Friday on Seize the Day! Gus talks to listeners about their particular church and asks them what makes them go there each Sunday, other than the obvious. Is it the ambiance, the architecture, the priest, or for some other reason? Gus also welcomes Whitney Belprez to the Conversion Corner. She is a convert […]
The Eucharistic Puzzle
Posted on
The readings today are a cornucopia of awesomeness! The first reading today is the story of the conversion of St. Paul. Saul has a close encounter with Jesus, and it rocks his world. Many of us have had radical conversion experiences. But God calls us to conversion daily, and most often uses much more subtle […]
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Posted on
On today’s edition of Seize the Day, Gus asks his listeners how far they commute is to their church on Sunday. Is it near or far? Do you commute to a parish that’s far away even though there’s one closer to you? Gus also takes another question to the listeners: Do you have a relative or […]
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Posted on
On today’s edition of Seize the Day, Gus asks his listeners how far they commute is to their church on Sunday. Is it near or far? Do you commute to a parish that’s far away even though there’s one closer to you? Gus also takes another question to the listeners: Do you have a relative or […]
When Bread is Flesh
Posted on
A very interesting story in our first reading today from Acts 8. The Holy Spirit sends Philip, one of the newly ordained deacons, to interpret the Scriptures for an Ethiopian eunuch. After this, the eunuch says, “Look, there is water. What is to prevent my being baptized?” Philip baptizes him, then disappears. This passage always […]
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Posted on
Over the past few months, Gus has made it known that he’s been taking care of his sister, who has cancer, in his home. There are good days and bad days in the care-taking of a loved one day to day and Gus asks listeners who are in the same situation how they deal with […]
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Posted on
Over the past few months, Gus has made it known that he’s been taking care of his sister, who has cancer, in his home. There are good days and bad days in the care-taking of a loved one day to day and Gus asks listeners who are in the same situation how they deal with […]
Hope in the Resurrection
Posted on
In the first reading from Acts 8 today, we read about Saul persecuting the Church. Because of the persecution happening in Jerusalem, all but the Apostles left there. We read about the bold preaching and healing ministry of Philip. We’re back in John 6 for the Gospel reading today. Jesus says, “Everyone who sees the […]
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Posted on
Gus plays a portion of Dr. James Dobson’s speech from the National Prayer Breakfast where he calls President Obama the “abortion president.” When he addressed the president’s desire that a certain portion of each citizen’s insurance payment should go to funding abortions, Dr. Dobson said that he will not yield to the president’s wicked regulations. […]
Bread of Life
Posted on
In today’s first reading from Acts 7, we read about the martyrdom of St. Stephen. He met a brutal end. Can you imagine being stoned to death? How painful that must have been. And yet, he echoes the sentiment of Jesus as He hung on the cross, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” […]
Monday, May 5, 2014
Posted on
Gus kicks off the week by recounting his Sunday mass experience. Gus sat next to “loud talkers” during mass, which made it a little less than pleasurable. So, Gus asks his listeners how they handle it when they’re in that situation. Also, Jenni Groft joins Gus in the Conversion Corner. Jenni is a convert from […]
What are You Working For?
Posted on
St. Stephen is considered the “proto-martyr” or first martyr. In today’s first reading from Acts 6, we see St. Stephen being put on trial, with many false witnesses coming to testify against him. In the Gospel, we continue with John 6. We hear Jesus say to the people, “Do not work for food that perishes […]
The Beauty of Scripture
Posted on
In the Gospel reading for today, the Third Sunday of Easter, we see the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24. When the disciples didn’t understand what was going on, Jesus, “interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures.” This always reminds me of the importance of […]
Show Us the Father
Posted on
Today is the Feast of Saints Philip and James. Philip and James were two the the Apostles. The first reading today is from 1 Corinthians 15, where St. Paul mentions that Jesus appeared to James. The Gospel reading today is from John 14, where Philip says to Jesus, “Master, show us the Father, and that […]
Friday, May 2, 2014
Posted on
Gus kicks off today’s show with Prayer Time. Gus takes prayer requests from listeners across the country. In the spirit of Prayer Time, Gus follows that up by asking his listeners if they’ve ever experienced an answer to a prayer request. Also, Gus welcomes Catholic Family & Human Rights Institute President Austin Ruse to the program […]
Closed Doors, Open Windows
Posted on
In our Gospel reading today, we begin a journey through John 6. Later in the chapter we will be reading and reflecting on the Bread of Life discourse, Jesus’ principle teaching on the Eucharist. But at the beginning of John 6, we read today about a miraculous feeding of the multitudes. Coincidence? I think not. […]
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Posted on
Today, Gus revisits the discussion brought forth yesterday by Fr. Dwight Longenecker about a married priesthood. Would you, as a parishioner, be willing to contribute more to your parish collection in order to fund a married priest’s family? Catholic documentary producer Jeffrey Robb calls in to talk about how his latest project was removed from […]
Obedience
Posted on
There is a theme today in the readings: obedience. We hear Peter and the Apostles talk about it in the first reading from Acts 5. And in the Gospel reading from John 3 we read, “Whoever disobeys the Son will not see life.” Peter and the Apostles are dragged before the Sanhedrin, the high court […]
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Posted on
Today, Gus talks about traditional clerical garb, i.e., nun’s habits, priest cassocks, etc., and he asks his listeners what they think when they see that in public. Gus also welcomes Fr. Dwight Longenecker, National Review contributor, to talk about his recent blog post about the cost of the married priesthood. To read Fr. Longenecker’s post, […]
The Good News
Posted on
In today’s first reading from Acts 5, we see the first of numerous jail breaks in the Acts of the Apostles. Seems that the authorities wanted to keep the Apostles silent, to stop them from preaching Jesus. So they kept throwing them in the pokey. But God would have none of it. So He sent […]
Tuesday, April 29, 2013
Posted on
Today, Gus talks Catholic statistics…particularly emerging Catholic adults ages 18-23, which prompts him to ask his listeners what their experience was following confirmation. Did they grow in faith or did they fall away for a time? To check out the statistics Gus quoted on today’s Seize the Day, click here. Also, Gus welcomes Devin Rose […]
Born of the Spirit
Posted on
We see in our first reading today from Acts 4 that the first community of believers was “of one heart and mind.” Jesus prayed for unity among His disciples. The Church still prays for unity today. May all of us who believe in Jesus be of one heart and mind. In the Gospel reading today […]
Monday, April 28, 2014
Posted on
It’s the day after the canonizations of Pope St. John XXIII and Pope St. John Paul II. Now, there’s talk that Pope Paul VI (pope from 1963-1978) may possibly be canonized this October. Gus asks if it’s possible to canonize someone too quickly. Should a certain amount of time pass or are you OK with […]
Monday, April 28, 2014
Posted on
It’s the day after the canonizations of Pope St. John XXIII and Pope St. John Paul II. Now, there’s talk that Pope Paul VI (pope from 1963-1978) may possibly be canonized this October. Gus asks if it’s possible to canonize someone too quickly. Should a certain amount of time pass or are you OK with […]
Are You Born Again?
Posted on
Another awesome first reading today from Acts 4. After Peter and John were released, the disciples all got together and prayed, “And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness.” The Scripture says “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak […]
God’s Mercy
Posted on
Today, the second Sunday of Easter, is Divine Mercy Sunday. So, rather than do a reflection on the daily Scriptures, I thought we could take just a moment to reflect on God’s mercy. If you do a search of the Scriptures, you will find hundreds of references to the mercy of God. Think about it…if […]
God’s Mercy
Posted on
Today, the second Sunday of Easter, is Divine Mercy Sunday. So, rather than do a reflection on the daily Scriptures, I thought we could take just a moment to reflect on God’s mercy. If you do a search of the Scriptures, you will find hundreds of references to the mercy of God. Think about it…if […]
The Gift to Proclaim
Posted on
Today in Acts 4, the Sanhedrin comes to the conclusion that something astonishing happened through Peter and John. But just to be safe, they tell them not to ever again speak of the name of Jesus. Peter responds with, “It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.” Of […]
Friday, April 25, 2014
Posted on
This Sunday, Blesseds John XXIII and John Paul II officially become saints in the Catholic Church. Gus asks his listeners just what the pope means to them? Do you closely follow or study popes or don’t you? Is it something that you have strong feelings about or no feelings at all? Also, it’s Friday so […]
Following God’s Instructions
Posted on
Our salvation has a name. That name is Jesus. In today’s first reading from Acts 4, St. Peter makes that message very clear to the authorities who were questioning him. “There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to […]
Thursday, April 24, 2013
Posted on
In light of this past weekend’s Easter mass, Gus asks his listeners if they’ve ever been to mass with family or friends who are Catholics, but not practicing. If they get in the communion line, do you say anything or do you just let it pass? Also, Gus welcomes Caroline Brennan, regional information officer for […]
Our Ignorance
Posted on
You’ve heard the old expression “Ignorance is bliss.” In the first reading today from Acts 3, St. Peter refers to the people’s ignorance. More on that in a moment. In the Gospel reading from Luke 24, we read about what happened right after the experience of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Jesus makes […]
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Posted on
Today, Gus plays an encore broadcast of Canonization 101: The Making of a Saint, which focuses on the Catholic Church’s two newest saints, Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II. Their canonization date is this Sunday, April 27th. Also, Gus welcomes Edward Clancy, director of evangelization and outreach for Aid to the Church in […]
A Greater Gift
Posted on
Another great story from Acts 3 for our first reading today. We’ll talk about that in a moment. The Gospel reading from Luke 24 is one of the most interesting stories in the New Testament. It is the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. After spending time with Jesus and not […]
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Posted on
On this Tuesday after Easter, Gus opens up the phone lines to “newly minted” Catholics; that is, those who were welcomed into the Church this past weekend on the Easter Vigil. Gus even hears from a caller who was so moved by the Easter Vigil mass he attended, that he’s seriously considering going into the […]
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Posted on
On this Tuesday after Easter, Gus opens up the phone lines to “newly minted” Catholics; that is, those who were welcomed into the Church this past weekend on the Easter Vigil. Gus even hears from a caller who was so moved by the Easter Vigil mass he attended, that he’s seriously considering going into the […]
Our Daily Decisions
Posted on
Back we go to the day of Pentecost in Acts 2 today. When the people heard about salvation through Christ Jesus, they asked Peter and the other Apostles, “What are we to do, my brothers?” More on that in a moment. In the Gospel reading today, we’re in John 20, reading about St. John’s post-resurrection […]
Jesus’ Tomb: Empty!
Posted on
Happy Easter Monday! Liturgically, the Easter season will be around for quite some time. How appropriate! We have forty days of Lent, but fifty days of Easter. So up until Pentecost, we will be taking a trip through the Acts of the Apostles in our first readings. Acts is like a real-life adventure story, so […]
An Easter Prayer
Posted on
Well, we made it! All the way through Lent, through the cross and now onto the celebration of the Resurrection of the Lord. Praise God! Every year on Easter one of my most fervent prayers is for the people who only go to church once or twice a year. As I have said before, I […]
An Easter Prayer
Posted on
Well, we made it! All the way through Lent, through the cross and now onto the celebration of the Resurrection of the Lord. Praise God! Every year on Easter one of my most fervent prayers is for the people who only go to church once or twice a year. As I have said before, I […]
Newly Minted
Posted on
Another long Lenten journey has come to a close. Tonight we celebrate the great Easter Vigil. Over 100,000 people will be welcomed into the Catholic Church around America. Wow! What an exciting moment. I know it is one that will never be forgotten for the many catechumens and candidates who will be welcomed into full […]
You Were There
Posted on
Today is the one day of the year when there is no Mass celebrated. The commemoration of Good Friday is the most solemn day of the year. The readings for the Good Friday liturgy are so moving. In the first reading from Isaiah 52, we see prophesied that which Jesus would endure on this day. […]
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Posted on
It’s Holy Thursday on Seize the Day and the start of the Triduum. Gus welcomes Duncan Stroik, professor of architecture at the University of Notre Dame, to talk about the unique responsibility Catholic architecture plays in our faith life. Also, author Stephen Mansfield joins Gus to talk about his book “Killing Jesus,” which provides an […]
A Life of Service
Posted on
Lent is over today. We begin tonight the Sacred Triduum. It is one long liturgical celebration that encompasses Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. I hope you will make it to church for all of the services. Tonight’s Mass of the Lord’s Supper is one of the most moving liturgies of the Church year. […]
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Posted on
We’re halfway through Holy Week and on today’s Seize the Day Gus welcomes Ryan McLaughlin to the Conversion Corner. Ryan is a evangelical convert who talks with Gus at length about his conversion to the Catholic Church. You can learn more about him and his faith journey by checking out his blog here. Also, Jenny Kraska […]
Be Mindful of Me, Lord
Posted on
When we think of the brutality that Jesus suffered for us, we can see that this was all foretold in today’s first reading from Isaiah 50. “I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting.” He did […]
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Posted on
On this Tuesday in Holy Week, Gus speaks to David Adams, vice president for missions, Cross Catholic Outreach, to talk about the latest on the Shroud of Turin. In addition to all the carbon dating, which places the Shroud in first-century Jerusalem, the markings seen on the man in the cloth reveal those left by […]
Peter and Me
Posted on
Our first reading today is from Isaiah 49, more from the prophesies of the Servant of the Lord. “I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” Our Gospel reading is from John 13. Here we see Peter at his finest, just moments before […]