Seeking Praise
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In today’s first reading from Exodus 32, Moses has a little heart-to-heart with God, asking Him to relent from destroying His people. And God relented. A wonderful statement on the power of prayer. And in the Gospel reading from John 5, Jesus talks about accepting praise. He says, “I do not accept human praise.” And […]
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
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We honor our non-Catholic listeners today when Gus invites those who aren’t Catholic to talk about their current faith denomination, if any, and why they listen to the Catholic Channel. Also, Gus talks about night two at the St. Timothy Parish Mission, including an attendee who approached him and asked him if God would forgive […]
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
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Ed Clancy of Aid to the Church in Need joins Gus for our Lenten 40/40/40 Project. Aid to the Church in Need is an international Catholic charity under the guidance of the Holy Father whose mission is to help suffering and persecuted faithful worldwide. To give to Aid to the Church in Need, click here. […]
Seeking the Father’s Will
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“Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb?” This is a question we see in our first reading today from Isaiah 49. It would seem a ridiculous question. The bond between mother and child is strong. But not nearly as strong as the bond between you and God. […]
Sickness or Health?
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Water is a theme that runs through our two readings today. In the first reading from Ezekiel 47, the Angel of the Lord shows Ezekiel a trickle of water flowing out from the temple. The farther they get from the temple, the greater the flow, until the water becomes a large river, teeming with abundant […]
Monday, March 27, 2017
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Mercy Ships is our Lenten 40/40/40 Project today. We’re joined by Captain John and Angie Fadely, of the global charity Mercy Ships, which is a coalition of hospital ships that travel to poor parts of the world to provide medical care where it’s either rare or non-existent. To support Mercy Ships, click here. Also, Gus […]
Healing of Our Sons and Daughters
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I hear so often from people whose children no longer go to church or practice the faith. I know it is heartbreaking. More in a moment. In today’s first reading from Isaiah 65, we get a beautiful vision of the future. Check it out! A royal official comes to Jesus asking Jesus to heal his […]
Blindness and Sight
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Today’s Gospel reading from John 9 is the story of the healing of the man born blind. It is a story of darkness and light. (St. John was big on the theme of darkness and light.) Jesus and His disciples come upon a man who was born blind. Jesus says, “I am the light of […]
Merry Christmas…Nine Months Early!
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Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. It is exactly nine months before Christmas. Let me be the first to wish you a Merry Christmas this year! In the first reading, we see the prophesy from Isaiah: “The virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel, […]
Friday, March 24, 2017
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For our Lenten 40/40/40 Project, we talk with Lauren Musyka, executive director of Sidewalk Advocates for Life, which trains, equips, and supports local communities across the United States and the world in “sidewalk advocacy” outside abortion clinics. Afterwards, Gus talks with listeners who’ve been engaged in sidewalk advocacy or any other part of the pro-life movement. Later, Gus […]
Do You Get It?
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I know a lot of people who have workaholic tendencies. While the reasons are many, I think for some, the “work of their hands” can become their god. In other words, they put work above everything else in their lives, including family and God. See what God has to say about this in today’s first […]
Being Fully Armed
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In today’s Gospel reading from Luke 11, Jesus is accused of driving out demons by the power of Beelzebul. He then talks about a house divided. I want to concentrate today on something else Jesus says in this passage. “When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe. But when one […]
Our Christian Duties
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The family is the first school for children. Even if we send them off to a school at some age, we as parents are called to be the primary teachers of our children, especially when it comes to the faith. This is job that never ends. How important do you think this is? See what […]
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
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Gus continues his broadcast on location at the White Mule Winery in Owensville, Missouri where he’s conducting a parish mission at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He speaks to the winery’s proprietor, Charles Schlottach, who served in the Missouri State Senate from 2002 to 2010. And, for our Lenten 40/40/40 Project, Gus talks with Adrian Kerrigan and […]
The Importance of the “Unless”
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In the first reading today from Daniel 3, we hear the heartfelt and beautiful prayer of Azariah. He, along with his two companions, is in a fiery furnace offering a prayer to God. Spoiler alert: he walks out of that furnace. The Gospel reading from Matthew 18 is a familiar story about Jesus telling Peter […]
Monday, March 20, 2017
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Gus is broadcasting remotely this week from the site of a parish mission in Owensville, Missouri. Today, he talks about the feast of St. Joseph, which is today and invites listeners to call in and brag on their dads. Also, Jossalyn Larson, professor at Missouri University of Science & Technology, joins Gus today, on site, for Conversion […]
Friday, March 17, 2017
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For today’s Lenten 40/40/40 Project, Gus is joined by Gordy DeMarais, president of St. Paul’s Outreach, which reaches these students around the country, bringing them back to Christ and the fullness of the Catholic faith. We build evangelistic communities that provide a unique quality and depth of formation in the Catholic faith and life. Afterwards, we […]
A Dad-ly Example
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Today the Church celebrates the Feast of St. Joseph. Normally the feast is March 19, but since this year that was a Sunday, the feast is moved to today, because of its importance. In our first reading from 2 Samuel, God says that his Son would spring from the line of David. “I will make […]
The Living Water
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Today’s Gospel reading is from John 4, the story of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus and His disciples come to a Samaritan village when the disciples go off to rustle up some food. Jesus is sitting at Jacob’s well when a woman approaches to draw water. Jesus tells her to […]
Father and Sons
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Some beautiful imagery in today’s first reading from Micah 7. We see that God “delights in clemency…will cast into the depths of the sea all our sins.” Then Psalm 103 reminds us that “The Lord is kind and merciful.” And speaking of kindness and mercy, our Gospel reading is from Luke 15, the story of […]
Producing Fruit
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Today’s first reading from Genesis 37 is the story of Joseph being sold out by his brothers. The brothers were jealous of him because he was the favored son of Israel, their father. Originally the plan was to kill him. But one of the brothers had a fit of conscience and nixed that plan. So […]
Thursday, March 16, 2017
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For our Lenten 40/40/40 Program, Gus talks today with Tom Brinkman, executive director of Capuchin Youth & Family Ministries in Garrison, NY. The ministry, which bases its philosophy on the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi through the Franciscan Capuchin order, caters to young people and their families through retreats, parish ministry and service to […]
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
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Gus talks with listeners about two Catholic news items that go together. First, Cardinal Thomas Collins, of Toronto, Ontario, wrote an open letter criticizing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau‘s $650 million fund for “sexual and reproductive health programs,” which included efforts to legalize abortion in countries where it is currently illegal. Also, the bishops of New […]
Lessons From Lazarus
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In today’s Gospel reading from Luke 16, Jesus tells the Pharisees the story of Lazarus and the rich man. Lazarus is a poor beggar who waits by the rich man’s door each day hoping for just scraps from the table. They both die and end up in opposite places – Lazarus in the bosom of […]
The Fate of a Disciple
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I’m sure you’ve heard the old expression “No good deed goes unpunished.” Ain’t it the truth? Just take a look at the Scriptures. The prophets of old were simply doing what they were told by God to do. It didn’t end well for them. Jeremiah questions God about this in our first reading today from […]
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
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Gus talks about how Pope Francis, last week, said he wasn’t completely opposed to married priests so he asks listeners their thoughts about a married priesthood. Also, Gus shares an email from a listener about how her life is going well, but she’s struggling with believing in God’s existence and asks listeners how they would […]
Monday, March 13, 2017
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As part of our ongoing Lenten 40/40/40 Project, Gus talk with Paula Krenkel of NY Pet Rescue in Westchester, NY. If you’d like to donate to them, click here. Gus also encourages listeners to get involved with their local pet rescue. Afterwards, Gus talks with listeners who’ve adopted a pet or have been involved in […]
Practicing What We Preach
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God is always ready to make things right. We are the ones who mess up, who walk away from God. Yet God is always waiting to welcome us back with open arms. Here is what the Lord says in the first reading today from Isaiah 1: “Come now, let us set things right, says the […]
Of Judgment and Measure
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Confession is so important. In today’s first reading from Daniel 9, Daniel confesses the sins of his people to the LORD. He comes clean, as we must. Today’s Gospel reading from Luke 6 is one of the most difficult in all of Scripture. Not difficult to understand; it is quite simple, really – but difficult […]
Why Wait?
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Today’s Gospel reading is from Matthew 17, the story of Jesus taking Peter, James and John up on Mt. Tabor where He is transfigured. For a brief, shining moment, Peter, James and John get a glimpse of “the other side” of Jesus; in His glory. Without realizing it, they were looking into the future. Not […]
Loving and Praying for Our Enemies
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In today’s first reading from Deuteronomy 26, agreements are made. The people make an agreement with God, to walk in his ways, obey his commandments and hearken to his voice. And God makes an agreement with the people, that they will be “peculiarly his own.” In the Gospel reading from Matthew 5, Jesus says, “But […]
Friday, March 10, 2017
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Gus broadcasts today from Holy Spirit Parish at Geist in Fishers, Indiana to take part in a celebration of the musical “The Cross and the Light.” He starts off talking with ex-NFL player Joe Reitz who played nine years for the Ravens, Dolphins and Colts and later talks with some of the cast members of […]
Thursday, March 9, 2017
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Matt Zerrusen, president and co-founder of Newman Connection, talks with Gus about how they minister to college students and keep them connected to the Catholic Church throughout the tempestuous atmosphere that is college. Matt says that 80% of Catholic college students don’t actively participate in their faith. This is part of our Lenten 40/40/40 Program […]
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
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Shawn Carney of 40 Days for Life joins Gus as part of our Lenten 40/40/40 Program. Shawn talks with Gus about the March for Life last month, gives advice on how to get involved in the pro-life movement and tells listeners how they can support 40 Days for Life. And, Gus talks with Ray Haefele, director of […]
Sometimes Life Ain’t Fair
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I just love the first reading today from Ezekiel 18. The Lord God says, “You say, ‘The Lord’s way is not fair!’ Hear now, house of Israel: Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways unfair?” “It’s not fair!” Sound familiar? If you have children, you’ve probably heard it a […]
Asking for Help
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It’s common knowledge that men don’t like to ask for directions. I guess in the age of the GPS, that problem has been all but eliminated. Asking for help, for men or women, is often a very difficult thing to do. We fancy ourselves strong and independent. I can handle it! In the first reading today […]
Actions and Intentions
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There’s an old saying that “the road to hell is paved with good intentions.” In these days when lots of folks don’t even believe in hell, that probably sounds very harsh. Our Scripture passages today speak to the importance not of intentions, but of actions. In the first reading from Jonah 3, we read about how […]
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
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Dave Barringer of the National Council of the United States Society of St. Vincent de Paul calls in as part of Seize the Day’s Lenten 40/40/40 Program. Dave tells the fascinating history of the legendary charitable organization, which dates back to the 19th century when it was founded by a student at the University of […]
His Will for His Word
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What a beautiful reading today from Isaiah 55. We’ll talk about it in a moment. Our Gospel reading today from Matthew 6 is where Jesus teaches his disciples to pray. He teaches them the “Our Father.” But that’s not the end of the story. Immediately after the prayer, Jesus tells them, “If you forgive men […]
Monday, March 6, 2017
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As part of our Lenten 40/40/40 Program, Gus talks with Joan Rosenhauer, executive director of Catholic Relief Services. She explains the mission of the program and encourages listeners to donate so it can continue. If you wish to donate to Catholic Relief Services, click here. Also, Gus talks about going to see the movie “The […]
Lives of Service
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“The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul.” That is the first line in today’s Responsorial Psalm from Psalm 19. In the first reading from Leviticus, we hear some of these “laws of the LORD.” This reading hearkens us back to the ten commandments. Our Gospel reading today is one that should be […]
Holding Up Under Tempatation
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Today is the First Sunday of Lent. Our Gospel reading is from Matthew 4. St. Matthew recounts the forty days that Jesus spent fasting and praying in the desert before He began His public ministry. While He was in the desert, Satan came to tempt and test him. We must always remember that Jesus, though […]
Our Divine Physician
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We hear more today about things that are pleasing to God in our first reading from Isaiah 58. The Lord also talks about how we should conduct ourselves on the sabbath. “If you honor it by not following your ways, seeking your own interests, or speaking with malice – Then you shall delight in the […]
Friday, March 3, 2017
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As part of our Lenten 40/40/40 Project, Msgr. David Toups, president and rector of St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Florida (pictured below), joins Gus to talk about supporting your local seminary this Lent and why. Msgr. Toups encourages listeners to find the seminaries in their diocese by checking out their diocesan Web […]
A Pleasing Fast
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In our first reading today from Isaiah 58, we hear what is truly an acceptable form of fasting. More on that in a moment. In the Gospel reading, the Pharisees ask Jesus why His disciples don’t fast. Jesus replies, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will […]
Thursday, March 2, 2017
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Gus talks about the Imposition of Ashes yesterday and all the different sayings the priest or layperson administering them uses. Gus asks listeners what they heard. Later, he asks listeners how their overall Ash Wednesday experience was. Gus talks with Ana Stooks in his home studio. She is the executive director of Guiding Star Tampa, […]
Our Daily Cross
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Did you know that God is pro-choice? Don’t go ballistic, I’m not talking about the way that abortion advocates mean that. (In that sense, God is most definitely pro-life!) I mean that God has given us free will, the ability to make choices – good and bad. In the first reading today from Deuteronomy 30, […]
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
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On this first day of Lent, Gus talks with Robert Rogers, founder of Mighty in the Land Ministries. Robert has a unique story in that he lost his wife and four children in a flash flood in 2003. He was the only survivor. He talks about how, in his worst moment in life, God was […]
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
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In honor of Fat Tuesday, Gus talks with listeners about Lenten habits and whether or not they give up the same thing each year or if they mix it up. Also, he talks with some about past Lenten experiences that had a profound effect on them. Also, Gus talks with Kelly Nieto, national speaker, writer […]
Giving Up and Taking On
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Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. I hope you’ve given some consideration about what you will do this Lent. In today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 6, Jesus speaks to how we should conduct ourselves during Lent. He focuses on the three pillars of Lent: almsgiving, prayer and fasting. A lot of people think […]