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 […]
The Prosperity Gospel
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Are you familiar with the Prosperity Gospel? It’s a relatively new movement that seeks to enrich the coffers of “preachers” by telling people that if they give generously to their (the “preacher’s) ministry, there will be abundant worldly blessings. The more generous you are, the more generous God will be to you. Pure bunk. One […]
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 […]