Cutting to the Quick
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In our first reading from Hebrews 4, the author of Hebrews tells us about the word of God. More on that in a moment. The Gospel reading from Mark 2 is about the call of Levi, also known as Matthew. Levi was a tax collector. In those days, tax collectors were considered traitors. They were […]
Friday, January 13, 2017
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Yesterday was Gus’ youngest son’s birthday and today is his oldest daughter’s birthday so Gus asks listeners if they have a bizarre confluence of dates like that in their family. And, it’s Friday and that means we dedicate time for prayer, but Gus brings back a new Prayer Time twist by making it an “Intentional Rosary.”
Astounded
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Jesus said, “Come to me…and I will give you rest.” In today’s first reading from Hebrews 4, we see the concept of entering into God’s rest. The sacred author says, “Therefore, let us strive to enter into that rest…” Today’s Gospel reading is, I hope, a familiar story. Jesus was preaching at a house in […]
Thursday, January 12, 2017
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Author Sonja Corbitt (pictured below), aka the Bible Study Evangelista, calls in to talk about her conversion story. She also talks about her newest book “Fearless,” and encourages Catholics to read Scripture. Also, Gus talks about parish lay leadership and talks to callers who served on parish councils, finance committees, etc. And, today is Gus’ youngest […]
Encourage Yourselves Daily
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Today’s Gospel story is from Mark 1, about a leper that comes to Jesus seeking to be healed. Jesus heals him and tells him not to tell anyone. The guy didn’t listen. Today’s first reading from Hebrews 3 is one that is very close to my heart. It contains a passage that means so much […]
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
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Dr. Tom Williams, Rome bureau chief for Breitbart, calls in to talk about how the Vatican has officially recognized Martin Luther as a “Witness to the Gospel.” Tom gives us insight as to exactly what this means and discusses some of the positives and negatives of Martin Luther’s legacy. Afterwards, Gus talks with listeners about the […]
A Time for Quiet Prayer
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Jesus was fully human and fully divine. As such, He felt the same things we feel – physical pain, betrayal, sadness, joy, etc. Today’s first reading from Hebrews 2 tells us that was necessary. “Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.” In today’s […]
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
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Gus was joined today by his bride, Michelle to talk about pilgrimages and their pilgrimage ministry. Gus and Michelle will be leading a pilgrimage to Spain and Portugal in May. If you’re interested in joining them, click here for more information. Also, Gus chatted with Steve Wood, a former Protestant minister now Catholic evangelist about […]
Learning Through Suffering
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Jesus was (and still is) astonishing. In fact, we see that in today’s Gospel reading from Mark 1. “The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.” Do you still have a sense of astonishment about Jesus? I hope so, and I hope it […]
Monday, January 9, 2017
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Tim Margiotta, whose family, which includes four children, is featured in the Shalom Word TV reality series “Joyfully Big,” joins Gus this morning to talk about his experience on the show and what constitutes a “big family” these days. Afterwards, Gus talks with listeners who either came from a big family or have one or both. […]
My Beloved
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Today the Church celebrates the Baptism of the Lord. It is one of the three events that overall encompass Epiphany – the visit of the Magi, the wedding at Cana and the baptism in the Jordan. These all revealed Jesus as the Son of God. In today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 3, we see the […]
Wise Men Still Seek Him
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Today is the Feast of Epiphany. Our Gospel reading tells the story of the Three Kings, or the Three Wise Men. They heard that the King of the Jews had been born and followed a star to find him. King Herod tries to trick them into giving up the location of the child. But they […]
Deadly Sin
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In Catholic theology, we talk of venial sin and mortal sin. Many will say, “Sin is sin! There is no such thing as mortal sin and venial sin.” Oh, really? Tell that to St. John. He would beg to differ. In the first reading today from 1 John 5, St. John speaks very clearly about […]
Friday, January 6, 2017
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Legendary Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden joins Gus in studio to talk about his documentary on his career at FSU called “The Bowden Dynasty: A Story of Faith, Family & Football,” which will appear in select theaters nationwide on Sunday, January 8th. Click here for more details. He also gives his thoughts on the […]
Achieving Victory
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There are two options for a Gospel reading today. One is the genealogy of Jesus from Luke 3. The other is from Mark 1, where Jesus is baptized in the Jordan river by John the Baptist. At that moment, a voice comes from the heavens. Do you know what the voice says? Read it and […]
Thursday, January 5, 2017
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Today Gus mentioned that he will be leading a retreat for catechists and catechetical leaders in Houston, TX on January 21, 2017. That sparked a conversation about those who have been involved in a catechetical ministry. Many shared the blessings they have received from passing on the faith. If you’re interested in attending, the flyer […]
Murderer’s Row
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In the Gospel reading today from John 1, we see an encounter between Jesus and Nathanael. Nathanael, also known as Bartholomew, says to Jesus, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” This after he had just met Jesus. Be sure to read Jesus’ response. In the first reading today […]
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
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Gus shared more Scriptural New Year’s Resolutions today. Here is a list of ten that Gus shared with listeners: Ten Scriptural New Year’s Resolutions Philippians 4:4-5 Philippians 4:6-7 Philippians 4:8 Colossians 2:6-7 Colossians 3:5 Colossians 3:12-13 Colossians 3:16 Colossians 3:17 Colossians 4:5-6 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 Look them over and see if one may be what […]
What Are You Looking For?
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Today’s first reading from 1 John 3 can be a difficult one to grasp. St. John writes, “Whoever sins belongs to the Devil, because the Devil has sinned from the beginning.” We know that we all sin. So do we all belong to the Devil? In a sense we do when we sin. Sin is […]
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
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Gus rings in the New Year with the first Seize the Day of 2017 by talking about New Year’s resolutions and suggestions with gives listeners a New Year’s “To Do” list. He also talks with listeners who’ve been successful dropping weight as a resolution and gives out Scriptural New Year’s Resolutions. Later, Gus talks with […]
Becoming Like God
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Do you know John 1:29? If you’re Catholic, I’m certain you do. We hear it every time we go to Mass, as the priest holds the consecrated host aloft, right before we go to receive the Eucharist. You’ll find it in today’s Gospel reading. Be sure to check it out. For our first reading today, […]
Who Are You?
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In today’s Gospel reading from John 1, the Jews send some priests and Levites to ask John the Baptist, “Who are you?” Be sure to read his answer. Who are you? It’s a great question, and one that we need to answer. Have you ever thought about how you would answer that question? With more […]
A Scriptural Resolution
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Happy New Year! Today is the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. I suspect your church will not be as full as it was last Sunday. Here’s hoping I’m wrong! Some people like to make New Year’s resolutions. Others think it’s a waste of time, as they’ll probably not keep them but for […]
The Message of Christmas
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For today’s first reading, we are back in 1 John 2. Today St. John writes about the antichrist. Very interesting stuff, especially for those hard core “end-timers.” Those are the people who keep telling us that we are in the end times. Well, 1900 years ago, St. John said the same thing. Read today’s reading. St. […]
The Model of Family
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Normally, the Sunday after Christmas is the Feast of the Holy Family. But since this year Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on Sunday, the Feast of the Holy Family is transferred to today. There are numerous options for readings today, and all of the readings talk about family and relationships. Click on the link below to […]
My Eyes Have Seen Salvation
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Today is the fifth day in the Octave of Christmas. In our first reading from 1 John 2, St. John talks about light and darkness. He writes, “Whoever says he is in the light, yet hates his brother, is still in the darkness.” We need to examine our hearts and accept the light of Christ […]
Today’s Holy Innocents
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Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Innocents. Who are the Holy Innocents? They are the children killed by order of Herod in Bethlehem right after the birth of Christ. We read about this today in the Gospel reading from Matthew 2. Matthew tells us that this fulfilled what had been said through […]
Spiritual “Exercise”
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Today we celebrate the Feast of St. John the Evangelist. St. John was the beloved disciple, the author of the fourth Gospel, three letters in the New Testament and the Book of Revelation. Our first reading today is from the beginning of St. John’s first letter. “We proclaim now…our fellowship is with the Father and […]
The Ultimate Sacrifice
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Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Stephen, the first martyr. In the first reading from Acts of the Apostles, we see the story of Stephen’s martyrdom. And in the Gospel from Matthew 10, Jesus tells the disciples, “You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end […]
A Christmas Thank You
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Christmas is here! Christmas is here! I can remember waking up VERY early on Christmas mornings when I was a kid and yelling that out to my brothers and sisters. We would go wake up Mom and Dad, probably much earlier than they would have liked, and attack the presents under the tree with reckless […]
Christmas is All About…
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Today is Christmas Eve. Many people (myself and my family included) will go to Mass this afternoon or this evening for Christmas. Many will attend the beautiful Midnight Mass. Whenever you attend, I pray that you will be filled with blessings! A recent study said that only 47% of Americans will attend a church service on […]
Bless the Lord!
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Today in the liturgy, the day before Christmas Eve, we concentrate on the birth of John the Baptist. In the first reading we see the prophecy from Malachi 3: “Lo, I will send you Elijah, the prophet, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and terrible day, to turn the hearts of the […]
Thursday, December 22, 2016
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Fr. John Devaney, O.P. calls in to talk about the 800th birthday of the Order of Friars Preachers, otherwise known as the Dominicans after their founder St. Dominic. Also, Bob Dunning calls in to give his predictions for the College Football Playoff semifinal games on December 31st; Alabama vs. Washington and Clemson vs. Ohio State. […]
Mary’s Magnificat
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In today’s first reading from 1 Samuel 1, we see Hannah giving up her only son to the service of the Lord. Eli, the priest, had prayed that Hannah might be granted the desire of her heart, a son. After Samuel was born, she gave him to Eli to be brought up to serve the […]
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
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Gus concludes Project Christmas in traditional fashion with Cynthia Lake Farrell and the Children’s Dream Fund. We raise money for two needy children who are battling life-threatening illnesses. If you weren’t able to call in or get through, you may do so by clicking here. Also, since it’s the penultimate Seize the Day of 2016, […]
Welcoming Mary
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Today’s Gospel reading from Luke 1 is the story of the Visitation, when Mary went to visit her cousin, Elizabeth, who herself was pregnant with John the Baptist. “Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” […]
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
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A few days ago, Gus received an email from a listener who said she was leaving because of the election results, so he talks with listeners about people leaving the faith because of the presidential election results. Also, high school coaching legend John Knuth calls in to share his story of drawing closer to God […]
Monday, December 19, 2016
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Inspired by today’s Gospel reading (Luke 1: 5-25), which recounts the birth of St. John the Baptist to aged parents, Gus asks listeners to share their miracle baby stories. Gus also plays some Seize the Day Christmas traditions, including “You’re A Mean One, Catholic Guy,” “The Little Drummer Boy” duet with Lino and Mary’s Dream and […]
LOVE is With Us
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In today’s first reading from Isaiah 7, we see the prophecy that is at the heart of Christianity. “Therefore, the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.” The virgin birth. And the Gospel reading from Luke 1 shows the fulfillment of this […]
Miracle Babies
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Today’s readings tell the stories of two miracle babies – Samson and John the Baptist. The mothers of both of these boys were barren. Everyone assumed they would never have children. God had another plan. Each of these babies had a special mission in God’s plan. Samson was destined to deliver Israel from the power […]
Dream Big!
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Today is the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Christmas is just one week away! In today’s first reading, we see the prophesy from Isaiah 7: “Therefor the LORD himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.” In the Gospel reading from Matthew 1, the story […]
All in the Family
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Well, it is one week before Christmas Eve! Are you feeling it yet? Beginning today, the liturgy begins to unfold the story of Christmas. In the first reading today from Genesis 49, we hear Jacob telling his sons, “The scepter shall never depart from Judah, or the mace from between his legs, while tribute is […]
Friday, December 16, 2016
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Gus launches Project Christmas Phase III with Operation Once in a Lifetime and Sgt. Patrick Sowers. In an hour, they raised over $45,000 for three needy military veterans and their families, thanks in much to a singular donation of $30,000! If you were unable to call in or get through but would still like to […]
A House of Prayer
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We hear more about John the Baptist in today’s Gospel reading from John 5. Jesus says, “John was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. But I have testimony greater than John’s.” In the first reading from Isaiah 56, the LORD says, “For my house […]
Thursday, December 15, 2016
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Gus talks about having kids later in life and talks with listeners who’ve either had children later in life or if they are a child who was born later in their parents’ life. And, Gus talks again with listeners about physician-assisted suicide and whether or not the person involved should receive Last Rites or not. This […]
Wednesday, December 14, 2015
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Gus talks about two groups of Canadian Catholic bishops who’ve given conflicting statements on whether or not a priest can give Last Rites to a person about to commit physician-assisted suicide. So, Gus asks listeners whether or not the sacrament should be administered and opinions are greatly varied. Also, Gus shares a story about a couple […]
My Love Shall Never Leave You
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In today’s Gospel reading from Luke 7, Jesus reveals the truth about John the Baptist. “This is the one about whom Scripture says: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare your way before you.” In the first reading from Isaiah 54, the Lord gives us words we must always hang […]
Go and Tell
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In the first reading today from Isaiah 45, you get the sense that God has a message for the people. Five times God says, “I am the Lord, there is no other!” (Or something very similar.) Only God is God…get the message? In the Gospel reading from Luke 7, John sends two of his disciples […]
Tuesday, December 12, 2016
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Gus talks with listeners about traveling today. He talks with listeners about their commutes and jobs that require traveling. He also discusses the effects it has on their home lives, and whether or not they get any spiritual benefit out of it. Also, Gus’ giving mood continues as he continues to give out some more […]
Changed Minds, Changed Hearts, Changed Ways
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A genuine encounter with Jesus changes a person. In today’s readings we read about people who have encountered God and changed. In the first reading from Zephaniah 3, we see that most of the people have rejected God. But the LORD says, “For then I will change and purify the lips of the peoples, that […]