Be Prepared
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In the Gospel reading today from Luke 12, Jesus talks about servants whose master has gone off to attend a wedding. They prepared themselves for his return. They were even ready should he return in the second or third watch of the night. Jesus then says, “You also must be prepared, for at an hour […]
A Look into the Future
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Today we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration. In the first reading, we see the origin of the title “Son of Man” from Daniel 7. It is a kind of prefiguring of the Transfiguration. In the second reading, St. Peter recounts the event as an eyewitness. And the Gospel is from Luke 9, the story […]
Friday, August 5, 2016
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Gus starts the hour talking about a restaurant we visited in Toronto, while covering the 134th KofC Supreme Convention, called The Burger’s Priest, which had a very Roman collared, priestly theme. Afterwards, he starts a couple rounds of Get to Know Me, where he chats with listeners and asks them a series of questions. Those […]
On Profit
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In today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 16, Jesus asks a couple of questions. “What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life?” The answers would be none and nothing in that order. I want to reflect briefly on […]
Tuesday, August 1st to Thursday August 4th, 2016
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Gus was in Toronto, Ontario, Canada to broadcast live from the Knights of Columbus 134th Supreme Meeting. Gus spoke to many prominent members of the KofC, including Supreme Knight Carl Anderson (pictured below), KofC Chaplain Archbishop William Lori, Education Director for the KofC Museum Peter Sonski. He also talked with Archbishop of New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop […]
Peter’s Revelation
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In the first reading today from Jeremiah 31, we hear the LORD talking about a new covenant the he will make. “I will place my law within them, and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” Is God’s law written on your heart? In today’s Gospel […]
Spiritual Stick-to-it-iveness
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God is always ready to give His people another chance. When His people turned their backs on Him, He allowed them to suffer the consequences. But in today’s first reading from Jeremiah 31, the Lord says, “With age-old love I have loved you; so I have kept my mercy toward you. Again I will restore […]
“Come”
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In today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 14, Jesus is walking on the water. What would you think if you were out in a boat and you saw someone walking toward you – on the water? You’d probably think you were seeing a ghost. The disciples of Jesus did. When Jesus tells them it is He, […]
Monday, August 1, 2016
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Today is Gus and Michelle’s 36th wedding anniversary! Gus says he and his bride Michelle weren’t religious when they got married but they did get married in a Catholic church. He believes that God worked through that sacrament to reach them and, had it not been for their Church wedding, they probably wouldn’t be married today. Gus […]
Feeding the People
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An interesting story in our first reading today from Jeremiah 28. Hananiah was a prophet in the time of Jeremiah. He prophesies before the people and before Jeremiah. But God tells Jeremiah that Hananiah’s prophesy was a false one. This didn’t end well for Hananiah. In the Gospel reading today from Matthew 14, Jesus feeds […]
Greed is Good?
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In today’s Gospel reading from Luke 12, Jesus says, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” Wow! How often do we lose sight of that? Way too often, I’m afraid. It makes me think of how people often identify themselves. I think […]
Innocent Blood
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More prophet talk for us today. In the first reading, the priests and prophets want Jeremiah put to death. But Jeremiah tells them, “If you put me to death, it is innocent blood you bring on yourselves.” In the Gospel, we read about more innocent blood, that of John the Baptist. Matthew recounts the story […]
Friday, July 29, 2016
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Gus talks with Kristen Eck, the woman who missing seminarian Brian Bergkamp (pictured below) rescued while kayaking, which presumably cost him his life. Kristen explains that she was friends of friends of Brian’s and only met him that morning and that he seemed confident and at peace the entire time he was saving her. News did break […]
Serving Like Martha
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Today we celebrate the feast of St. Martha. As per ususal, there are options for the readings. The options for a Gospel reading are from John 11 or Luke 10. In these two readings, we see two different sides of Martha. In John, Martha is filled with faith, and even echoes the words of St. […]
Thursday, July 28, 2016
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Gus is back from three sick days and explains to his listeners his heart scare last Sunday and asks listeners if a health scare ever changed their attitude about certain things. Later, SiriusXM White House Correspondent Jared Rizzi calls in from the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia to talk about the what the mood is like […]
Clay in the Potter’s Hand
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Today we see what I hope is a familiar story in Jeremiah 18. Though you may not know the chapter and verse, it is the story of Jeremiah going to watch a potter at work. More in a moment. In the Gospel, we read the final verses in Matthew 13, the “parable chapter.” Jesus tells […]
What is Heaven Worth?
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In today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 13, Jesus tells two very brief parables about what the Kingdom of heaven is like. Though often times His messages were hidden, Jesus always used examples that His listeners would relate to. Today He talks about finding things that would make us rich beyond our wildest dreams. A treasure buried […]
Praying in Darkness
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Happy Grandparents’ Day! Wait…your greeting card calendar doesn’t say today is Grandparents’ Day. But the Church does! Today is the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Jesus’ grandparents. I suspect they doted over Him like any good grandparent! (I wonder if they had their “Ask Me About […]
Can You Drink?
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Today is the Feast of St. James. There were two Jameses among the Apostles. They’re referred to as James the Greater and James the Lesser. The only reason is that James the Greater is mentioned first among the list of the Apostles. This is today’s feast. James was the brother of John and son of […]
Send Us Your Spirit
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There’s an awful lot to digest in today’s Gospel reading from Luke 11. It begins with the disciples asking Jesus to teach them to pray. He teaches them the perfect prayer: the Our Father. Jesus then tells a story about persistence. He then goes on to to say, “And I tell you, ask and you will […]
Choosing to be Wheat
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Today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 13 is the parable of the weeds and the wheat. A bad guy comes and sows weed seeds into a man’s wheat field. When the servants find out, they ask the master if they should pull the weeds. The master says that they will be separated at harvest time. Jesus […]
Friday, July 22, 2016
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Gus begins by talking with listeners who are Eucharistic ministers. He asks them what led them to take up that ministry and how they’ve handled it. Later on, Vaticanista John Allen, of Crux, calls in to the show to talk about his new show “Crux of the Matter,” which debuts this Monday, July 25th on the Catholic Channel, […]
Mary Magdalene and You
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Today is the feast of St. Mary Magdalene. There are different options for the first reading, so I’ll let you read them and mull them over yourself. You can choose from Song of Songs 3:1-4 or 2 Corinthians 5:14-17. (You may also get the reading for Tuesday of the Sixteenth Week of Ordinary Time.) The […]
Thursday, July 21, 2016
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Gus talks about the events at the Republican National Convention last night, particularly Ted Cruz’s infamous or famous speech (depending on where you stand) where he told Republicans to vote their conscience, didn’t endorse Donald Trump and got booed by many in attendance. Gus plays a portion of the speech and then gets a first-hand account from […]
Fallen Away
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Jesus told many parables. Why? The answer is in today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 13. Read it! In the first reading from Jeremiah 2, the LORD seems almost melancholy talking about remembering the days when his people loved him and followed his commands. “I remember the devotion of your youth, how you loved me as […]
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
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Gus begins by talking about and playing Msgr. Kieran Harrington’s prayer invocation yesterday at the Republican National Convention. Afterwards, Gus starts a conversation with listeners about being called to a ministry or a particular action in their Catholic faith. Later, Gus talks with listeners about miracles and when they experienced them in their lives.
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
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Tom Basile joins Gus from the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. They talk about Melania’s speech and if this convention is more about the party or more about Donald Trump. Afterwards, Gus takes the temperature of his audience by asking them how they feel about the political landscape of 2016. He feels this one will be particularly […]
Qualifying the Called
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Today in the first reading, we begin a journey through the book of the prophet Jeremiah. At the opening of the book, we read about the call of Jeremiah. Our Gospel reading is from Matthew 13, a chapter that is filled with the parables of Jesus. Today we read the parable of the sower. When […]
Mary’s Perpetual Virginity
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Today’s reflection will actually be a bit more than 60 seconds. In today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 12, the “brothers of the Lord” are mentioned. Many will use this passage to refute the Catholic belief in Mary’s perpetual virginity. To help, I want to share a chapter from A Minute in the Church that addresses […]
Monday, July 18, 2016
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Gus talks about Donald Trump’s VP candidate selection, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (pictured below), who describes himself as an “evangelical, born-again Catholic.” Gus isn’t sure if that means he’s Catholic or not. He asks listeners their thoughts. Also, Gus reflects on all the violence the world, and particularly our country, that we’ve endured lately and […]
God’s Requirements
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Ask people the question: What does God require of you? I’m sure you’ll get plenty of answers. More on that in a moment. In our Gospel reading today from Matthew 12, some scribes and Pharisees come to Jesus asking Him for a sign. Jesus tells them that they will receive only the sign of Jonah […]
The Better Part
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The Gospel reading today is from Luke 10, the story of Martha and Mary. Jesus visits their home and Martha is busy serving and taking care of details, while Mary is sitting at the feet of Jesus listening to Him speak. Martha complains, but Jesus says of Mary, “Mary has chosen the better part and […]
Crime Doesn’t Pay
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In our first reading today from Micah 2, we see once again what God has planned for “those who plan iniquity.” The responsorial Psalm mirrors this. In our Gospel reading, we see Jesus telling those He heals not to make him known, so that the words of the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled. People do […]
Friday, July 15, 2016
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Gus talks about the invocation to Satan that went down yesterday at the Pensacola City Council and reads the prayer that local satanic temple representative David Suhor invoked. Gus attempted to play the audio of the prayer from his computer but, a few seconds into it, it crashed. So he took it as a sign from God not to […]
Prayer and Healing
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A recent study showed that people who pray generally are happier and tend to live longer. Those are nice byproducts of prayer, but not why we pray. We pray because Jesus told us to. And He said that we can ask for anything in prayer. I have the privilege of praying with and for people […]
Thursday, July 14, 2016
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Gus praises the House of Representatives, which, yesterday, for proposing the Conscience Protection Act. Gus talks about how, as Americans, our consciences must be protected, especially in the face of Catholic hospitals and employers being forced to provide for abortions. He also mentions that President Obama has vowed to veto this bill if it passes through […]
Meek and Humble
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In today’s first reading from Isaiah 26, the prophet talks about how physical death is not the end for us. In fact, he talks about the resurrection of the dead. Check it out! In our Gospel reading from Matthew 11, Jesus says, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek […]
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
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Gus is joined by Maryknoll Lay Missioner Sam Stanton who is also their former Executive Director. He talks about their mission, how he got involved and how you can too. Also, Gus has a couple different discussion topics with listeners today. First, he talks about Catholic posture, when to stand and kneel at mass and listeners call […]
Credit Where Credit is Due
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The Assyrians thought they were a pretty big deal. Small wonder, as they ran roughshod over anyone and everyone who stood in their way. More in a moment. In the Gospel reading from Matthew 11, Jesus says that the Father has revealed things of the Kingdom to the childlike. Assyria was all that, and they […]
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
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Gus talks about the practice by the faithful after communion, while the priest is purifying the vessels (aka doing the dishes). Do you remain kneeling or do you sit down and why? He gets caller reaction. Also, Gus recaps the Ad orientem discussion he had with listeners yesterday and some of the international reaction Cardinal Sarah’s […]
Spiritual Blindness
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Holding fast to faith is so important. The LORD tells Isaiah to reiterate this message in today’s first reading. “Take care remain tranquil and do not fear; let not your courage fail…Unless your faith is firm you shall not be firm!” Jesus had done many mighty deeds. And they all pointed to the reality that He […]
Monday, July 11, 2016
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Gus talks about mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral yesterday where NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio and his wife Chirlane in attendance as part of his tour of local churches as a response to the shootings in Dallas, Louisiana and Minnesota last week. He played several clips from Cardinal Dolan’s homily, which addressed the bloody week. Cardinal Dolan linked them […]
How to Lose Your Life
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God made it clear again and again that sacrifices and offerings were worthless to him if they were not backed up by living out his commands. Want more? Just read today’s first reading from Isaiah 1. In the Gospel reading from Matthew 10, Jesus finishes His instructions to the Apostles as He sends them out. […]
Go and Do Likewise
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Our Gospel reading today is from Luke 10. It is the story of the Good Samaritan. Most people are familiar with the term “Good Samaritan,” if not the Bible story itself. A guy goes on a trip and gets mugged, left for dead on the side of the road. Two “holy” men walk right past […]
Here I Am! Send Me!
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Our first reading today is from Isaiah 6. It is one that you will often hear from Vocation Directors. And rightfully so. More in a moment. In the Gospel reading from Matthew 10, Jesus tells His disciples not to be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. “Rather, be afraid […]
Friday, July 8, 2016
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Gus talks about the shootings in Dallas last night. He asks people who are in law enforcement, or who have loved ones in law enforcement, to call in and give their gut reaction. Also, Cardinal Robert Sarah, the Vatican’s liturgy chief, has urged priests to face ad orientum, or liturgical east, during masses this Advent season. That means his […]
Who’s In?
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While reading today’s first reading and responsorial, you may feel like you’re in the midst of Lent. The reading from Hosea 14 is one that we see during Lent, and the responsorial is from Psalm 51 is a Lenten mainstay. Be sure to read and meditate on both! In the Gospel reading today from Matthew […]
Thursday, July 7, 2016
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Brian Pusateri calls in to talk about the ministry he founded called Broken Door Ministries, which focuses on fixing the recurring sins in our own lives. Brian reveals in the interview that as an altar boy, at the age of 12, he was sexually abused by a priest. He talks with Gus about what happened, […]
Time to Shake the Dust
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In today’s first reading from Hosea 11, the LORD says, “Yet, though I stooped to feed my child, they did not know that I was their healer.” So many people don’t recognize or acknowledge God today. Little do they know that all of their “good fortune” is a blessing from him. In the Gospel reading […]
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
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Gus starts by remembering his brother Glenn (pictured below) who was murdered 24 years ago. Today is his birthday and Gus remarks that, all these years later, it still stings especially because he and Glenn weren’t on good terms when he died. Gus talks with listeners who lost a loved one to violence. Later, Gus talks […]