Monday, February 27, 2017
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Gus talks about running a half marathon with his oldest daughter Emily and all that went into that. Gus has been a runner for 15 years, and regularly runs marathons, while Emily has never been very athletic so it was a real commitment on her part and she reached her A-Goal of actually completing the […]
God Can Handle It
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In the first reading today from Sirach 17, we read “To the penitent God provides a way back.” Notice that it is a two-way street. We must first be penitent for God to provide the way back. Today’s Gospel reading is the Markan version of the rich young man. You know the story. Young guy […]
Seek First
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The Sermon on the Mount is so beautiful, and so challenging. Today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 6 starts off with Jesus saying, “You cannot serve God and mammon.” From there, Jesus talks about worrying. That is something I think most people are pretty darn good at. I believe that worry really springs from fear – […]
Jesus, Children and Us
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In the first reading today from Sirach 17, we get kind of a short history of man. We see that God “put the fear of himself upon their hearts.” In essence, God has set into our DNA the knowledge that there is a God, and that we ain’t Him. Unfortunately, that message seems to get […]
Friday, February 24, 2017
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Gus addresses the Reuters article on Pope Francis with the headline “Pope Francis suggests ‘better to be atheist than hypocritical Catholic.” Gus reads the article twice on the air and can’t find anywhere where Pope Francis suggests that. Gus admits that he’s a hypocritical Catholic and offers his remedy: stop being a hypocrite. Practice your […]
A Faithful Friend
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In the Gospel reading today from Mark 10, Jesus teaches about marriage. The Catholic Church has always held fast to these teachings. Sure, they are difficult. But they come from Christ Jesus Himself. I hope that you will join me in praying for marriages daily. Marriage is under attack on so many fronts. Pray that […]
Convert Today
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In the Gospel reading today from Mark 9, Jesus lets us know how dangerous it is to lead others into sin. “It would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.” While we must strive for our own holiness, it is also incumbent […]
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
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Gus talks about a friend who had a premonition the other day and he asks listeners about a time in their lives when they had a premonition, dream or vision where it was clear God was speaking to them and it actually came true or played itself out. And, as we’re closing in on Pope […]
Feast of the Chair of St. Peter
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Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter. Some might look at that and say, “Boy, you Catholics are really strange! Imagine celebrating a piece of furniture!” That’s not what the feast day is about. Today we celebrate the office of the Papacy. Peter was the first Pope, the Vicar of […]
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
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Don Johnson, producer of the new film “Convinced,” sits down with Gus in the Conversion Corner and tells the story of his faith journey. Don’s parents were “church planters” and grew up as a minister’s son in the evangelical Christian tradition. Also, Gus revisits yesterday’s discussion with listeners on reasons people leave the Catholic faith. […]
Prepare Yourself for Trials
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Aspiring to great things is not a bad thing. The question is, to what kind of great things should we aspire? Great things in the eyes of the world, or great things in the eyes of God. If the latter (and it should be that), Jesus tells us the way in today’s Gospel reading. We’re […]
Monday, February 20, 2017
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Last Friday, Gus talked about the Boy Scouts of America’s decision to allow girls who identify as boys to join, to which Gus is opposed. He asked listeners to call in and give their thoughts and the very first caller accused Gus of driving people away from the Catholic Church with viewpoints like that. Today, […]
Help My Unbelief
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Today’s first reading is from the Book of Sirach. This is one of the books that you will find in a Catholic Bible, but not a Protestant one. I think it is one of the most beautiful books in all of Scripture. At the beginning of the book of Sirach, we read about Wisdom. There […]
Be Perfect
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In the Gospel reading today from Matthew 5, Jesus says to His disciples, “So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Wow. That’s a tall order, no? And maybe this is an issue that you struggle with. I know that I do. Perfectionism. Perfection is something that is pretty much impossible to achieve, […]
Our Moment
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In the Gospel reading from Mark 9, we read the story of the Transfiguration. Upon seeing Jesus in His glory, along with Moses and Elijah, Peter says, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” Peter was having a moment, and […]
Friday, February 17, 2017
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Fr. Leo Patalinghug joins Gus in studio to visit his old friend and talk about the Table Foundation, an apostolic movement to strengthen relationships through the family meal. Also, Gus gives an update on the de-funding of Planned Parenthood, spearheaded by Rep. Diane Black (R-TN), and her resolution to overturn a December 2016 Obama Administration rule forcing states […]
Lessons from a Tower
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In our Gospel reading today from Mark 8, Jesus asks the question, “What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” So many today are striving for riches, potentially at the cost of their souls. Sure doesn’t sound like a fair trade-off to me. If you do a cost/benefit […]
Thursday, February 16, 2017
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After briefly going over today’s first reading, which deals with Noah and his family repopulating the earth after the Great Flood, Gus talks about Biblical literalism and asks listeners whether or not they believe that all the events in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, are true or not. Later, Gus talks about getting sick […]
Thinking as God Does
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Whenever you see a rainbow, it should remind you of God. Why? Check out today’s first reading from Genesis 9 to find out. In the Gospel reading from Mark 8, Jesus asks the disciples who people say that He is. He then asks, “But who do you say that I am?” After Peter replies, “You […]
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
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After witnessing a rousing applause after a homily this past Sunday, Gus talks with listeners about applauding at mass and whether or not it’s appropriate, sometimes appropriate, or never at all. Also, Gus gives away copies of his new booklet, “A Minute in the Church: Life in Christ” provided those who get one give a copy […]
Healing in Stages
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Did you know that Noah was over 600 years old at the time of the Great Flood? We see this in today’s first reading from Genesis 8. After the flood, God promises Noah, “Never again will I doom the earth because of man since the desires of man’s heart are evil from the start; nor will […]
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
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It’s Valentine’s Day on Seize the Day! Gus spends a little time trying to dust away some of the myths and legends that surround the saint and martyr and get down to who he exactly was, although no one has been able to pinpoint it with any degree of certainty. To read more about him, […]
Do You Still Not Understand?
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In today’s first reading from Genesis, God instructs Noah what he needs to do to save himself, his family and all the animals from the flood. Man had become so wicked that God decided it was time to start all over again. In the Gospel reading from Mark 8, Jesus once again seems a bit […]
Monday, February 13, 2017
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Scott Weeman (pictured below) joins Gus in the Conversion Corner. Scott was raised Catholic, but his family were far from steadfast churchgoers. Around the time he was confirmed (age 17), he took his first drink, which led him down a dark path of alcoholism and drug addiction. Scott continued to struggle until his religious epiphany. His […]
The Demon Lurking
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In today’s first reading, we see the story of the world’s first murder. Cain killed his brother Abel because God looked favorably on Abel’s offering and Cain became resentful and jealous. Before Cain committed this horrific act, the LORD says something to him that we must all hear. “Why are you so resentful and crestfallen? […]
Adultery
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We’re back in that pesky old Sermon on the Mount for today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 5. Today we hear Jesus teaching about the Sixth Commandment – You shall not commit adultery. Here’s what He says. “You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you, everyone who […]
Pointing Fingers
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In today’s Gospel reading from Mark 8, we read about a miracle. Jesus feeds four thousand people with seven loaves and a few fish. And after everyone had eaten their fill, they picked up the fragments left over and got seven baskets full. Now that’s love! In the first reading today from Genesis 3, God […]
Friday, February 10, 2017
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Gus talks about the #ProtestPP Defund Planned Parenthood rallies going on nationwide this week and asks listeners to call in who’ve ever been a part of a protest or demonstration. One of the rally organizers, Eric Scheidler, executive director of the Pro-Life Action League, calls in to give background and details. Later, Gus’ new bishop, Bishop […]
Pride Enters the Picture
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In the Gospel reading today from Mark 7, Jesus heals a deaf man with a speech impediment. “And immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly.” Let us pray today that God will open our ears to hear the truth, and that that hearing will result in us […]
Thursday, February 9, 2017
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Gus is back from the Holy Land and he talks about getting the flu abroad, which was a nightmare, particularly because it spread among his fellow pilgrims. In light of this, Gus talks with callers who’ve also had travel nightmares. Also, Steve Hemler, president of the Catholic Apologetics Institute of North America, calls in to talk about […]
God and Marriage
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Today’s Gospel reading is about a desperate mother who comes to Jesus and asks Him to heal her daughter. Since she is not a Jew, Jesus refuses at first. But because of her persistence, Jesus relents and her daughter is healed. In the first reading from Genesis 2, we see God creating a “suitable partner” […]
Things That Come Out
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In today’s first reading from Genesis 2, we see how God made man in the second creation account. “The LORD God formed man out of the clay of the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and so man became a living being.” Our Gospel reading today from Mark 7 is one […]
Made in His Image
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We pick up the creation story today in Genesis 1 on day five. God was awfully busy then, wasn’t He? On the sixth day, God created man; male and female he created them. More on that in a moment. In the Gospel reading from Mark 7, Jesus reprimands the Pharisees for teaching human traditions that […]
God Said
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Our first reading today is the beginning. We start the creation story from Genesis 1. In the Gospel reading from Mark 6, we see that everyone who but touched the the tassel on Jesus’ cloak was healed. “In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless wasteland, and […]
The Salt of the Earth
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For the Gospel reading today, we’re back in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5, Jesus says to His disciples, “You are the salt of the earth.” I’m sure you’ve heard that phrase before, right? “Oh, he’s a real salt of the earth type.” It means that they’re just regular folk. Someone who doesn’t […]
Offering a Sacrifice of Praise
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Today we finish up the Letter to the Hebrews. I don’t know about you, but I think it has been a great time of learning during our time in Hebrews. Today the sacred author tells us to “continually offer God a sacrifice of praise…” More on that in a moment. In our Gospel reading from […]
The Same Yesterday,Today, and Forever
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Hebrews 13: 1-8, today’s first reading, offers us a primer on living the Christian life. Read it again and again, and strive to live out the message. More in a sec. The Gospel reading from Mark 6 is the story of the beheading of John the Baptist. It is a sordid tale of a promise […]
Monday, January 30, 2017
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Gus begins his God Bless Ya Brothers Pilgrimage 2 with Lino Rulli. The two arrive in Israel ahead of their pilgrims . Together, they give the listener a walking tour of the Old City of Jerusalem as they embark for the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Friday, January 27, 2017
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Gus broadcasts live at the 44th March for Life on the National Mall in Washington D.C. He speaks to a lot of leaders of the Pro-Life Movement, including Maureen Ferguson and Dr. Grazie Pozo-Christie of the Catholic Association, Shawn Carney of 40 Days for Life, John Henry Westen of LifeSite News, Dr. Matthew Bunson of […]
Presentation
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Today we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. The Jewish people “presented” their children to the Lord in the temple shortly after their birth. In the first reading from Malachi 3, the Lord says, “And suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek.” And in the second reading […]
Temporary Pain, Eternal Peace
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Today we’re going to talk about discipline. Not a fun topic, I know. If you clicked over to another web site right now, I wouldn’t blame you! But in today’s first reading from Hebrews 12, discipline is a main theme. So talk about it we must. In the Gospel reading from Mark 6, Jesus is […]
Thursday, January 26, 2017
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Gus gives away copies of his newest booklet, “A Minute in the Church: Life in Christ” and, afterwards, engages in Prayer Time with the listeners. Also, we revisit a discussion Gus had some time ago about cremation or burial, which one would you choose? Gus gets listeners’ opinions.
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
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Gus reads an email from a listener who objected to him saying that when you call yourself pro-choice, you’re really pro-abortion. Gus asks listeners their thoughts. Also, today is the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul and, in honor of that occasion, Adam Janke, co-founder of St. Paul Street Evangelization, calls in and sits down […]
Giving Our Children to Jesus
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Today’s Gospel reading from Mark 5 tells the story of two healings. A synagogue official named Jairus asks Jesus to come to his home and cure his young daughter, who was near death. Jesus agrees to do so. While on the way, a woman touches Jesus’ cloak. Immediately she is healed, because of her faith. […]
Battling Demons
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In today’s first reading from Hebrews 11, the sacred author talks about some of the great figures of the Old Testament. They did not live to see the promise of God fulfilled. But you and I? We are very blessed indeed. We have Christ Jesus available to us always. In our Gospel reading from Mark […]
Beatitude Questions
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In today’s Gospel reading, we begin Jesus’ great Sermon on the Mount, from Matthew 5. He begins with the beatitudes. I’d like to go through a quick exercise today where we ask if the beatitudes are playing out in our lives. Meditate for just a moment on the beatitude and the questions that follow. Blessed […]
Oh, He Cares
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What’s the definition of faith? We get the answer today at the beginning of our first reading from Hebrews 11. Read it and find out. In our Gospel reading from Mark 4, the disciples are in a boat with Jesus, who is sleeping. Suddenly, a big storm comes up and the boat is getting tossed […]
Endurance and Life
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In today’s Gospel reading from Mark 4, Jesus tells a couple of parables, both of an agrarian nature. In the first He talks about how a seed grows, yet we know not how. Why? It is the mystery of life, and that God alone is the giver and taker of life. The second is a […]
Burn, Baby, Burn
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Today the Church celebrates the feast of Saints Timothy and Titus. It is a special day for my parish, as I attend St. Timothy Parish. Because it is a shared feast day, we have an option of two first readings, one from 2 Timothy and one from Titus. I’d like to concentrate today on the […]
Constant Conversion
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Today is the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. We see the story of Saul’s (Paul’s birth name) conversion in two places in Acts of the Apostles. In chapter 9, the account is told in third person. Luke, the author of Acts, recounts the story. However, in chapter 22 of Acts, St. Paul tells […]