Friday, September 22, 2017
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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 […]
A Response to Faith
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King Cyrus of Persia was a magnanimous guy. He did something very special for the children of Israel, even though he was not one and had no duty to do so. What did he do? Read about it in today’s first reading from Ezra 1. The last line of today’s Gospel reading from Luke 8 […]
Never Too Late
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God is always calling us to himself. How will we respond? This is a theme in today’s readings. IN the first reading from Isaiah 55, we read, “Seek the LORD while he may be found.” In the Gospel reading today from Matthew 20, Jesus tells a parable about a landowner who goes into town to […]
Sow and Pray
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In the Gospel reading today from Matthew 13, Jesus tells the parable of the sower of the seeds. After telling his parable, the disciples didn’t understand. Jesus seems a bit perturbed. But He explains the parable to them. He starts out, “The sower sows the word.” Then He goes on to explain about the different […]
MoneyMoneyMoneyMoney
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St. Paul gives some very sound advice to Timothy in today’s first reading from 1 Timothy 6. More on that in a moment. Our Gospel reading today is short, but important. Luke tells us that Jesus was accompanied by the Twelve, and a number of women. Why would he mention this? Because Luke wanted all […]
Thursday, September 21, 2017
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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 […]
Wait…What? Who?
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Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Matthew. His Jewish name was Levi. He is the author of the first Gospel. In his own Gospel account, he refers to himself as Matthew. In the first reading today from Ephesians 4, St. Paul talks about the different “jobs” that some are called to in the Church. […]
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
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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
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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 […]
Not Trivial Trivia
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In our first reading today from 1 Timothy 3, St. Paul mentions “the pillar and foundation of truth.” Care to take a guess at what St. Paul said that was? We’ll talk about it in a moment. Our Gospel reading is from Luke 7. Here Jesus talks about how mixed up that generation was. They […]
A Left Field Miracle
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In the first reading today from 1 Timothy 3, we read about St. Paul’s requirements for the office of bishop and deacon. These passages always remind me to pray for our clergy. I often speak about how difficult it would be to be a bishop in today’s world. They have to have so many skills. […]
Monday, September 18, 2017
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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 […]
Friday, September 15, 2017
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Gus talks about how the power of the Rosary helped them get through Hurricane Irma. He shares a story about how he and his wife prayed the Rosary, asking the BVM to turn the storm more inland, not necessarily for it to not hit them and hit other people instead, but because the more a […]
One Mediator
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The Gospel reading today from Luke 7 features a centurion who says something that every Catholic will find very familiar. “Lord…I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof…but say the word and let my servant he healed.” Sound familiar? It should! We say it every time we go to Mass. The first […]
Forgiveness
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The theme of today’s readings is forgiveness. In the first reading from Sirach 27 and 28, the mandate to forgive is very clear. “Could anyone refuse mercy to another like himself, can he seek pardon for his own sins?” In the Gospel reading from Matthew 18, we hear a familiar story from Jesus about forgiveness. […]
The Heart and the Mouth
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Aren’t you glad that God is patient? I sure am. And so is St. Paul. In today’s first reading he says, “But for that reason I was mercifully treated, so that in me, as the foremost, Christ Jesus might display all his patience as an example for those who would come to believe him for […]
Thursday, September 14, 2017
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Gus talks divorce and the negative effects it can have on good, church-going people. He talks with listeners who’ve gotten divorced and were able to have a good relationship with their ex. Later on, Bob Dunning calls in to give his predictions on some of the biggest college football games this weekend. And, Gus gives some […]
Our Lady of Sorrows
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Today the Church celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. If you attend Mass today, you may sing or chant the Stabat Mater, a beautiful reflection of the sorrows of Mary. You’ll find it if you click the link for today’s readings. The Church gives parishes an option of two different readings for the […]
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
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Gus returns LIVE after being off a couple of days because of damage caused by Hurricane Irma, which blazed through the state of Florida over the weekend. Fortunately, Gus and his family came through it fairly unscathed but many others didn’t so we keep them in our prayers. Through Tell Me Something Good, Gus talks […]
Carrying Our Cross
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Today is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. In the first reading today from Numbers 21, we see a bit of typology. God told Moses to make a bronze serpent and mount it on a pole. Whenever someone looked at it, they would be healed of their bite from a serpent. This […]
God’s Backward Ways
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I’m a believer that we become what we think about. Apparently so is St. Paul. In today’s first reading from Colossians 3, he says, “…seek what is above” and “Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.” Sound advice. In the Gospel today from Luke 6, we begin the Sermon on the […]
Monday September 11th to Tuesday September 12th
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Because of the damaging effects of Hurricane Irma, Seize the Day will be off Monday and Tuesday, September 11th and 12th. Fortunately, damage to Gus’s house was minimal and WILL RETURN LIVE tomorrow, Wednesday, September 13th.
The Most Holy Name of Mary
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Today the Church celebrates The Most Holy Name of Mary. The readings you will find are for Tuesday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time. In honor of today’s feast, I want to share a quick, and very timely story. This weekend my family and I were hunkered down in my home to ride out […]
Do Good Anyway
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In the first reading today from Colossians 1 and 2, St. Paul says, “I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake…” This tells us two things: suffering can bring joy (rejoicing) and suffering can be offered up for the sake of others. In the Gospel reading from Luke 6, Jesus heals a man with a […]
Correcting in Love
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In today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 18, Jesus gives a “formula” for how to deal with someone who has wronged you, sinned against you. Step 1: talk to them yourself, one to one. If that fails to remedy the situation, move to Step 2: bring one or two others along as witnesses. If they refuse […]
Lord of the Sabbath
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We get a wonderful word about persevering in the faith in our first reading today from Colossians 1. St. Paul says that we will be presented “holy, without blemish, and irreproachable before him, provided that you persevere in the faith…” The New Testament is rife with allusions to perseverance. Yes, my friend…heaven ain’t for quitters. […]
Friday, September 8, 2017
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Gus plays audio from Charlie Rose’s interview with former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon and his criticism of how Catholic bishops have addressed the immigration issue followed by Cardinal Dolan’s response on Jennifer Fulwiler yesterday. Gus gives his reaction, calling Bannon’s comments ridiculous and then gets listener response. Later, in honor of today’s Feast of […]
Celebrating Mary’s Birthday
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Today the Church celebrates the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It’s Mary’s birthday! Happy birthday, Mom! Many non-Catholics have a difficult time with Mary. Well, maybe not with Mary, but with Catholic devotion to Mary. They think that if you honor Mary, you’re taking away honor from Jesus. I like to answer that with […]
Thursday, September 7, 2017
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Gus plays some audio from an exchange yesterday between Sen. Diane Feinstein, Sen. Dick Durbin and Notre Dame Law School Prof. Amy Coney Barrett during the latter’s confirmation hearing for the federal appeals courts based in Cincinnati, Ohio and Chicago, Illinois. Barrett’s Catholic faith was called into question by Feinstein and Durbin. Sen. Durbin challenges […]
Depart From Me
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Are you walking in a manner worthy of the Lord? That’s a phrase we see in our first reading today from Colossians 1. My sense tells me that you would answer no to that question. I know I would. But are you still walking? Are you still trying your best to accomplish God’s will, even […]
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
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Derya Little joins Gus in the Conversion Corner. Derya grew up in Turkey and was raised in the Muslim religion. She talks about her harrowing conversion, which she talks about in detail in her recently published memoir “From Islam to Christ: One Woman’s Path through the Riddles of God.” Later, Gus is joined by Fr. […]
Keeping Jesus to Ourselves
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Yet another treat in store for us! Today we begin a trip through St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians. As in many of his letters, St. Paul begins with an affirmation. He tells them of his prayers for them, and applauds them for their love and faithfulness. I can only hope that, if St. Paul […]
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
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After observing the Labor Day holiday, Gus is back and he starts off talking a little more about the death of Walter Becker, of Steely Dan, which really affected him when he heard about it Sunday afternoon. In fact, he started to tear up. So, he asks listeners about the death of a celebrity that affected […]
Build One Another Up
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Today’s Gospel reading from Luke 4 is the story of Jesus casting out a demon from a man in the synagogue in Capernaum. The people were amazed that Jesus spoke and acted with authority. The first reading from 1 Thessalonians 5 is filled with great positive thoughts and actions. “For all of you are children […]
Happy Labor Day
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Happy Labor Day! I hope you are taking a day of R&R today. The readings that I link to are for Monday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time. But if you attend Mass today, you may hear different readings for Labor Day. The Gospel reading may be from Matthew 6, where Jesus talks about […]
Satan? Ouch!
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Today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 16 picks up right after Jesus had just proclaimed Peter as the rock and given him the keys to the Kingdom. Peter then rebukes Jesus for talking about His impending suffering and death. Jesus then says to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are thinking not as God does, but […]
Investing Your Talents
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In the Gospel from Matthew 25, Jesus tells the story of a man going on a trip and giving his servants some talents (money). When the master returns, he wants an accounting of what each one did with his talents. I think it is interesting that these coins were called talents. Because we have the […]
Our Call to Holiness
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In the Gospel reading today from Matthew 25, Jesus tells a parable about ten virgins who are awaiting a wedding feast. Five of them were foolish, five of them were wise. The foolish ones did not bring enough oil for their lamps and when the bridegroom was delayed, they ran out of oil and did […]
On Complacency
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In the first reading today from 1 Thessalonians 3, St. Paul says he looked forward to coming back to visit to “remedy the deficiencies of your faith.” Something we all could use, no? In our Gospel reading from Matthew 24, Jesus charges His disciples to “Stay awake!” He then goes on to tell the story […]
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
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Gus welcomed Fr. Roger Morgan, pastor of St. Andrew Catholic Church in Myrtle Beach, SC into the Conversion Corner today. Fr. Morgan was an atheist and became Catholic at 30. Shortly after entering the Church, he felt a call to priesthood and was ordained in 2015. Gus also talked with listeners about cameras at Mass. […]
Whitewashed Tombs
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St. Paul led by example. He alludes to that in our first reading today from 1 Thessalonians 2. While he could have insisted that the believers take care of his needs while he preached and taught, he worked “night and day in order not to burden any of you.” He then thanks God that the […]
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
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As we continue to pray for those affected by Hurricane Harvey, Gus asked listeners to share stories of surviving natural disasters. A number of listeners shared their stories of recovering after Hurricane Katrina, which was 12 years ago today. Also, Gus shared the story of San Domenico Catholic School in San Anselmo, CA. They have […]
Monday, August 28, 2017
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Today is the Feast of St. Augustine. Gus keeps a long standing tradition on Seize the Day by sharing with listeners the wisdom of St. Augustine. He uses a daily meditation book, Augustine Day by Day, which his wife gave him in 1991. Here is a link to the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Augustine-Day-Spiritual-Life/dp/1937913481/
The Cost of Obedience
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Today is the Feast of the Passion of St. John the Baptist. The Gospel reading from Mark 6 recounts the story. John called Herod out for marrying the wife of his (Herod’s) brother Philip. Out of anger, Herod had John thrown in jail and, in a moment of foolishness, agreed to give the head of […]
Feast of St. Augustine
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Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Augustine. I want to go outside of our regular format today and talk about this great saint. By the way, we see much of our first reading played out in the life of St. Augustine. Read it and see if you agree. Augustine was a man of […]
The Keys and The Rock
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Today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 16 is a very important one. Jesus asks the disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They give Him varied answers. Then He asks, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter replies, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus says […]
Call No One Father
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In today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 23, we find a verse that many use to try to discredit the Catholic faith. Jesus said, “Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven.” Some people will point to this verse and say, “See, you Catholics call your priests ‘Father!’ Jesus said […]
Friday, August 25, 2017
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Gus reads a Crisis Magazine article by Deacon John Beagan entitled “What’s Missing in the New Evangelization,” which talks about how there’s not enough talk about the prospect of eternal damnation in the message and that we’re kind of preaching a feel-good message to a group of people who already feel pretty good. Gus takes […]
Wherever You Go, I Will Go
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The Book of Ruth is one of the shorter books in the Bible. In today’s first reading, we meet Ruth. Ruth was King David’s great-grandmother. But the story of how that came to be is fascinating, and we see the beginning of it today. In the Gospel reading from Matthew 22, Jesus is asked which […]
Thursday, August 24, 2017
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Gus talks about the case of Bremerton High School football coach Joe Kennedy, in Bremerton, Washington, who was dismissed recently over his refusal to stop privately praying on the field after each game. Over the years, players would come and join him. Gus gets listener reaction. Also, Gus reads a letter from a listener named Bob […]