Wednesday, July 9, 2014
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Gus starts off today by talking about a court case in Louisiana that seems to be headed down a path to the Supreme Court. Fr. Jeff Bayhi, a priest in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, is being ordered by a judge to reveal what was said to him in confession regarding the alleged abuse of […]
It is Time
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Hosea, like all the other prophets, lays it on the line in today’s first reading. The bigger and more prosperous Israel got, the further they fell away from God. More on Hosea’s message in a moment. In Matthew 10, we see the list of the Twelve, and Jesus’ command for them to proclaim, “The Kingdom […]
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
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Today, Gus spends the better part of an hour talking with Fr. Lawrence Love about late-in-life vocations. Fr. Love was ordained a priest two weeks ago at the age of 68, following a long career as a doctor. He’s also a widower and father of two. Also, Catholic News Service’s Rome bureau chief Frank Rocca […]
An Abundant Harvest
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In the first reading today from Hosea 8, we see another long list of Israel’s offenses, including the making of golden calves and worshiping them. When there is confession and repentance, God no longer remembers our sins. But where there is neither, “He shall still remember their guilt and pusish their sins.” In our Gospel […]
Monday, July 7, 2014
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Gus returns from a long holiday weekend with Tell Me Something Good. Listeners share their good news with our host in an effort to beat the post-holiday blues. Also, Gus recounts the story of his firstborn daughter nearly drowning, which lead to his reversion, and asks listeners if God has ever used a tragedy or […]
Monday, July 7, 2014
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Gus returns from a long holiday weekend with Tell Me Something Good. Listeners share their good news with our host in an effort to beat the post-holiday blues. Also, Gus recounts the story of his firstborn daughter nearly drowning, which lead to his reversion, and asks listeners if God has ever used a tragedy or […]
A Match Made in Heaven
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For our first reading today, we are in the book of Hosea. If you’re not familiar with Hosea’s story, take a few moments to read the book. This was one hard-luck prophet. But a very compelling story. In today’s reading from chapter 2, we see the Lord using the language of marriage. More on that […]
God Reveals
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In today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 11, Jesus says, “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to little ones.” Jesus spoke on numerous occasions about being childlike in our relationship with God. This is […]
The New Wine of the Spirit
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In today’s first reading, the Lord tells of the restoration of Israel that He will bring about. In the Gospel reading from Matthew 9, Jesus talks about putting new wine into old wineskins. Doesn’t work so well. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never used a wineskin. It took me a while and a […]
America the Beautiful
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Happy 4th of July! I hope you’ll be spending the day with family and, if you’re one of my American readers, reflecting on the founding of this great nation. While I’ve included a link to today’s readings, I want to share something very special today. Last Sunday when I went to Mass, our closing hymn […]
Taking It on Faith
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Today the Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle. In the first reading from Ephesians 2, St. Paul tells us that the household of God, the Church, is built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. And the Gospel reading from John 20 is the […]
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
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It’s just a day after the monumental Hobby Lobby Supreme Court decision and Gus is still processing the information. The SCOTUS decision ruled that the company owners will not be required to violate their faith by including four potentially life-terminating drugs and devices in the company’s health insurance plan or pay severe fines. David Nammo, president […]
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
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It’s just a day after the monumental Hobby Lobby Supreme Court decision and Gus is still processing the information. The SCOTUS decision ruled that the company owners will not be required to violate their faith by including four potentially life-terminating drugs and devices in the company’s health insurance plan or pay severe fines. David Nammo, president […]
Battling Demons
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What a great message the Lord gives to the people through the prophet Amos in our first reading today from Amos 5: “Seek good and not evil, that you may live. Hate evil and love good, and let justice prevail at the gate.” God then lets the people know that it is not noisy songs […]
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
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Following yesterday’s 5-4 Supreme Court decision in favor of Hobby Lobby, Gus dedicates the entire show to reaction from the landmark ruling. The court ruled the federal government had failed to prove that the mandate was the least restrictive means of advancing it’s desire to provide free birth control to women. You can read more […]
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
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Following yesterday’s 5-4 Supreme Court decision in favor of Hobby Lobby, Gus dedicates the entire show to reaction from the landmark ruling. The court ruled the federal government had failed to prove that the mandate was the least restrictive means of advancing it’s desire to provide free birth control to women. You can read more […]
O You of Little Faith
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We know that God is a loving Father. Jesus came to show us that. But even loving fathers punish their children when punishment is merited. In today’s first reading from Amos 3 and 4, we read that the punishment for Israel would not be easy. In the Gospel reading from Matthew 8, Jesus is asleep […]
Monday, June 30, 2014
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Gus introduces a new segment on Seize the Day called “5 Questions,” where, in an attempt to get to know his listeners better, he asks the caller on the line five questions about their life and faith. Afterwards, Gus awards them with a prize. Also, Catholic author, speaker and apologist Patrick Madrid calls in to […]
Monday, June 30, 2014
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Gus introduces a new segment on Seize the Day called “5 Questions,” where, in an attempt to get to know his listeners better, he asks the caller on the line five questions about their life and faith. Afterwards, Gus awards them with a prize. Also, Catholic author, speaker and apologist Patrick Madrid calls in to […]
Following Jesus
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The first reading today from Amos 2 has to do with crime and punishment. God lets it be known that acts of wickedness will not go unpunished. He issues a warning to those who profess to be part of the covenant and yet do evil in the sight of the Lord. The Gospel reading today […]
Greats of the Faith
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Today the Church celebrates two greats of the faith. It is the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul. Interesting, isn’t it? You would think that, given the importance of each, they would both have their own feast day. I mean, after all, Peter was the first Pope, the one who got the keys to the […]
A Mother’s Heart
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Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Yesterday was the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is appropriate that we celebrate the heart of His mother the following day. Our Gospel reading today is from Luke 2, the story of the finding of the child Jesus in the […]
Friday, June 27, 2014
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Gus devotes some time this morning to some recent news, particularly the recent Supreme Court decision, which prohibited abortion clinic “buffer zones.” An abortion clinic in Massachusetts sought to install a 35-foot buffer zone that pro-life advocates, praying in front of them, couldn’t cross. To read more about the decision, click here. Also, Gus welcomes […]
A Heart for You
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Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Jesus speaks of His heart in the Gospel reading from Matthew 11: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and […]
Thursday, June 26, 2014
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Gus welcomes Dr. Tim Muldoon from Boston College on today’s Seize the Day. The resident scholar recently published a report that examines the influence of college experiences on vocations to the priesthood in the United States. To check out the full report, click here. In light of that interview, Gus asks listeners if they know […]
Lip Service Won’t Cut It
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In the first reading today from 2 Kings, we see a story of evil, sin, defeat and surrender. The Babylonians took over Jerusalem. It was yet another blow to God’s chosen people; defeat visited upon them because of their sinfulness. In our Gospel reading today from Matthew 7, Jesus says, “Not everyone who says to […]
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
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Gus talks about how we as Catholics need to be aware of wolves in sheep’s clothing in today’s society, especially fellow Catholics who are pro-choice or espouse other theologies that go against Catholic teaching. Joe Espinueva calls in to the show to talk about Operation “I Do,” which is an event he helped organize for the Archdiocese […]
False Prophets
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Today we have a very interesting first reading from 2 Kings. The book of the law had been lost, and was found. The king summoned all the people and the book of the law was read aloud to them all. The king then renews the covenant with the LORD. In the Gospel reading today from […]
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
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Gus kicks off the show today with a Conversion Corner. Anthony Baratta calls in to talk about his faith journey from evangelical Christianity to the Catholic faith. To read Anthony’s conversion story, click here. And today is the feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist who just so happens the saint from who […]
John the Baptist
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Today the Church celebrates the birth of John the Baptist. Jesus proclaimed that John was Elijah, come to prepare the way for the Messiah. There are so many traits of John the Baptist that we should imitate. I’ve always felt a very special connection with John. In fact, I chose him as my confirmation saint […]
Monday, June 23, 2014
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Gus talks about Pope Francis’ recent comments on the legalization of drugs. He came out against the measure, saying “drug addition is an evil, and with evil there can be no yielding or compromise.” People are very split on the legalization of certain drugs and Gus asks his listeners to call in and say whether they […]
Monday, June 23, 2014
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Gus talks about Pope Francis’ recent comments on the legalization of drugs. He came out against the measure, saying “drug addition is an evil, and with evil there can be no yielding or compromise.” People are very split on the legalization of certain drugs and Gus asks his listeners to call in and say whether they […]
Of Splinters and Beams
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Today’s first reading shows us the beginning of the diaspora, where the tribes of Israel are scattered, leaving only the tribe of Judah. God allowed them to be tossed out of the land He had given them because of their continual turning away from Him. Once again…actions have consequences! In our Gospel reading from Matthew […]
Christ’s Flesh and Blood
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Today the Church celebrates the Feast of Corpus Christi, the Body and Blood of Christ. The readings for today all point toward the Eucharist in an interesting way. The first reading from Deuteronomy 8 speaks of the manna, the bread that came down from heaven. In the second reading, St. Paul asks two poignant questions […]
Control and Worry
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Today’s first reading from 2 Chronicles is a story of what happens when we abandon God. Read the story and you’ll see that it is not good. In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus talks about worry, and how we need to live for today. Have you ever met a worry-wart? Someone who worries about everything? They […]
Friday, June 20, 2014
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We are about family today on Seize the Day today. Gus asks listeners about their siblings. We you raised in a Catholic family, did you go to mass growing up and how many of your brothers and sisters still attend mass regularly? In that spirit, Gus feels a little brotherly love with identical twin priests […]
Where Your Treasure Is
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Today’s first reading is one of those stories that they make movies from. A wicked queen kills off the royal family, but they secret away young Joash, the rightful heir to the throne. Years later they bring out the rightful king, and the wicked queen gets hers. Check it out! In today’s Gospel reading from […]
Thursday, June 19, 2014
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Catholic blogger Matthew Tyson calls in to talk with Gus about his most recent article entitled “Who Died and Made You Pope?” So often, we see public figures who identify themselves as Catholic set a bad example of their faith and we say, or may hear others say, that their bishop should publicly excommunicate them. […]
Thursday, June 19, 2014
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Catholic blogger Matthew Tyson calls in to talk with Gus about his most recent article entitled “Who Died and Made You Pope?” So often, we see public figures who identify themselves as Catholic set a bad example of their faith and we say, or may hear others say, that their bishop should publicly excommunicate them. […]
How to Pray
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Yesterday we finished the story of Elijah from 1 and 2 Kings. Today in our first reading from Sirach 48, we get a recap of Elijah’s life and ministry. In the Gospel reading today from Matthew 6, Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray. “This is how you are to pray…” He then teaches them […]
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
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Today, Gus asked listeners if they’ve ever experienced God’s divine intervention, i.e., the actual undeniable presence of God in their lives at a particular moment or direct answers to prayers. Gus also addressed Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s letter to her Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, urging him not to speak at the March for Marriage in Washington D.C. […]
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
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Today, Gus asked listeners if they’ve ever experienced God’s divine intervention, i.e., the actual undeniable presence of God in their lives at a particular moment or direct answers to prayers. Gus also addressed Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s letter to her Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, urging him not to speak at the March for Marriage in Washington D.C. […]
Double the Blessing
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Today’s first reading is one that has stuck with me since the first time I ever heard it. Elijah is about to hand the office of prophet over to Elisha. Elijah says to Elisha, “Ask for whatever I may do for you.” So what does Elisha ask for? I’ll tell you in a sec. (But […]
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
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Late last week, a priest in Phoenix, Arizona was shot to death and another brutally beaten in what police theorized was a robbery attempt. Yesterday, a suspect, Gary Moran, was apprehended. Gus spoke a lot about his feelings on this and confessed that he is having trouble forgiving this man for these heinous crimes, but trusts […]
A Difficult Proposition
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Jezebel and her husband Ahab were a wicked pair. After Jezebel had Naboth killed, Ahab went ahead to take possession of Naboth’s vineyard. This did not sit well with God. The pair would pay a steep price, indeed. Upon hearing of his punishment, Ahab repented. Read what happens to this couple. In the Gospel reading […]
Monday, June 16, 2014
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Gus gets the ball rolling quickly today with Tell Me Something Good in an effort to beat back the Monday morning blahs. He also welcomes Andrew McNutt to the Conversion Corner. Andrew is a convert to Catholicism from evangelical Christianity and a former Baptist minister. To learn more about Andrew and read his conversion story, […]
Turning the Other Cheek
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Jezebel was one of the most wicked women in all of Scripture. She may well hold the top spot. Why? Read today’s first reading from 1 Kings 21 and you’ll find out. She was a master of deception – a real black-hearted beast of a human being. We’re back in the Sermon on the Mount […]
The Most Holy Trinity
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Today we celebrate the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity; three Persons, one God. We see this idea fleshed out at the end of the second reading from 2 Corinthians 13. Check it out. It should sound very familiar to you. Did you know that the word “Trinity” is found nowhere in the Scriptures? It took […]
No Spin
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In today’s first reading from 1 Kings 19, Elijah selects Elisha to be his understudy, his eventual successor. Read about the interesting exchange between the two. In our Gospel reading today from Matthew 5, Jesus talks about swearing oaths. In fact, He says we should not swear oaths at all. Why? Jesus said, “Let your […]
No Spin
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In today’s first reading from 1 Kings 19, Elijah selects Elisha to be his understudy, his eventual successor. Read about the interesting exchange between the two. In our Gospel reading today from Matthew 5, Jesus talks about swearing oaths. In fact, He says we should not swear oaths at all. Why? Jesus said, “Let your […]