Tuesday, April 5, 2016
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Gus devotes much of his show to what he calls “extra-curricular” Catholics; that is, Catholics who get involved in ministry, who go to conferences, retreats, etc. and the benefits of that. He takes calls from listeners who are involved in all sorts of extra-curricular Catholic activities. Then, John O’Leary, author of the book “On Fire,” calls in. […]
Monday, April 4, 2016
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Gus talks about increasing amount of faith-based movies there are out there lately and the fact that they’ve done well at the box office. He asks listeners to call in who saw God’s Not Dead 2, which opened this past weekend. Then, he welcomes Dr. Jeffrey Morrow to the Conversion Corner. Dr. Morrow is a convert from […]
One Heart and Mind
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In today’s first reading from Acts 4, we get a glimpse of the first Christian community. We’ll talk more about that in a sec. In the Gospel reading from John 3, we see part of the conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus. Nicodemus was a teacher of Israel, and yet he did not understand what Jesus […]
She Said YES!
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Today we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation. Normally the feast is celebrated March 25, nine months before Christmas. But because March 25 was Good Friday, the feast is transferred to today. In the first reading we see that famous prophecy from Isaiah 7…”the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall […]
God’s Mercy
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Today, the second Sunday of Easter, is Divine Mercy Sunday. So, rather than do a reflection on the daily Scriptures (I’ll trust you to do that on your own!), I thought we could take just a moment to reflect on God’s mercy. If you do a search of the Scriptures, you will find hundreds of […]
Ordinary Guys
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In today’s Gospel reading from Mark 16, we hear Mark’s version of Jesus’ great commission: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” Words to live by. Here is how the first reading today starts from Acts 4: “Observing the boldness of Peter and John and perceiving them to be uneducated, […]
Friday, April 1, 2016
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Gus talks with LifeSite News writer Lisa Bourne about the American Civil Liberties Union suing the USCCB over the latter’s involvement in helping victims of human trafficking and not providing abortions or sterilization. Afterwards, he gets listeners’ opinions on whether or not the Catholic Church, or any religious entity, should get involved with the federal government. […]
Doing the Ridiculous
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Our salvation has a name. That name is Jesus. In today’s first reading from Acts 4, St. Peter makes that message very clear to the authorities who were questioning him. “There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to […]
Thursday, March 31, 2016
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Gus talks about Donald Trump’s comments yesterday at an MSNBC Town Hall on abortion in which he changed his position three times in three hours. In his initial comment, Trump told Chris Matthews that he believed women who have abortions should be punished, which was immediately excoriated by Democrats and Republicans alike. Even Jeannie Mancini, president […]
Ignorance and Conversion
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You’ve heard the old expression “Ignorance is bliss.” I suppose that’s true in a sense. In the first reading today from Acts 3, St. Peter refers to the people’s ignorance. More on that in a moment. In the Gospel reading from Luke 24, we read about what happened right after the experience of the disciples […]
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
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Gus chats with Daniel diSilva, the director of a new documentary entitled “The Original Image of Divine Mercy,” which traces the history of the painting done of St. Faustina’s vision by Eugene Kazimirowski under her and her spiritual director’s supervision. The painting went missing for several years and Daniel documents the hunt in his latest documentary […]
The Most You Can Do
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Another great story from Acts 3 for our first reading today. We’ll talk about that in a moment. The Gospel reading from Luke 24 is one of the most interesting stories in the New Testament. It is the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. After spending time with Jesus and not […]
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
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Today, Gus honors Mother Angelica, foundress of EWTN, who died Easter Sunday. In addition to talking to EWTN host Teresa Tomeo and Chairman & CEO Michael P. Warsaw about her life, legacy and founding of EWTN, Gus talks with listeners about what impact she had on them and what led them to become followers of […]
Monday, March 28, 2016
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Happy Easter from Gus Lloyd and all of us at Seize the Day! That’s one of the great things about being Catholic! Where most of the pop culture world stops celebrating the day of the actual holiday, the Catholic Church is only getting started! In keeping with the Monday-after-Easter Seize the Day tradition, Gus talks […]
Called By Name
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In today’s first reading from Acts 2, we hear more of what happened on the day of Pentecost. Peter tells the people, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” This is a […]
Be Not Afraid
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Happy Easter! I know, I know…Easter was yesterday. That is so old news. But it isn’t! The Church celebrates Easter for fifty days! Wish someone a Happy Easter today. See what kind of look you get, then explain to them that the celebration didn’t end yesterday. In today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 28, we read […]
Our Triumphant Holy Day
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Jesus Christ is risen today! Alleluia! Our triumphant Holy Day! Alleluia! Today we celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord. This is the greatest day of the Church year. The day that sin and death were defeated, put in their place. Even death could not hold the Son of God. And this is what the Good […]
Welcome Home!
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Another long Lenten journey has come to a close. Tonight we celebrate the great Easter Vigil. Over 100,000 people will be welcomed into the Catholic Church around America. Wow! What an exciting moment. I know it is one that will never be forgotten for the many catechumens and candidates who will be welcomed into full […]
You Were There
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Today is the one day of the year when there is no Mass celebrated. The commemoration of Good Friday is the most solemn day of the year. The readings for the Good Friday liturgy are so moving. In the first reading from Isaiah 52, we see prophesied that which Jesus would endure on this day. […]
Washing Feet
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Lent is over today. We begin tonight the Sacred Triduum. It is one long liturgical celebration that encompasses Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. I hope you will make it to church for all of the services. Tonight’s Mass of the Lord’s Supper is one of the most moving liturgies of the Church year. […]
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
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Maureen Ferguson, senior policy adviser for the Catholic Association, calls in to talk with Gus about the oral arguments being heard today at the Supreme Court in the Little Sisters of the Poor vs. Burwell case. And, Gus talks about Catholic CEOs (those who only go to mass on Christmas and Easter) and asks listeners […]
The Betrayer
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When we think of the brutality that Jesus suffered for us, we can see that this was all foretold in today’s first reading from Isaiah 50. “I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting.” He did […]
The Best Intentions
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Our first reading today is from Isaiah 49, more from the prophesies of the Servant of the Lord. “I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” Our Gospel reading is from John 13. Here we see Peter at his finest, just moments before […]
The Poor
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During Holy Week, we will be reading the Suffering Servant prophecies from Isaiah for our first readings. They are some of the most moving readings ever. Today is the first oracle of the Servant of the Lord from Isaiah 42. In today’s Gospel reading from John 12, Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, anoints the […]
A Quick Turn
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Today is one of the most well-attended Mass days of the year. Passion Sunday or Palm Sunday. Outside of Christmas and Easter, more people come to Palm Sunday Mass than any other. Why? Because the Church is giving something away! Free palms for all! I hope that if we see people at Mass today that […]
A Father to Imitate
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Today the Church celebrates the Feast of St. Joseph. In our first reading from 2 Samuel, God says that his Son would spring from the line of David. “I will make his royal throne firm forever.” Joseph, though not Jesus’ biological father, was from the line of David. There are two options for a Gospel […]
Friday, March 18, 2016
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Fr. Gregory Boquet, president-rector of Saint Joseph Seminary College in Covington, Louisiana, calls in to the program to share the unfortunate story of St. Joseph’s Abbey, which was ravaged by flood water last week doing extensive damage. They don’t have flood insurance and they’re seeking to raise money for restorations. Folks can donate at helptheabbey.com. Then, […]
Belief Through Works
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Jeremiah’s friends abandoned him. In fact, they became his foes. He says, “All those who were my friends are on the watch for any misstep of mine.” How often this happens. We speak the truth, and even our friends (and maybe even family) shy away from us. Keep speaking truth! In the Gospel reading today […]
Thursday, March 17, 2016
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Gus talks about St. Patrick’s Day and how we celebrate it in the United States doesn’t really excite him because it’s been co-opted by the world. Nevertheless, he loves Saint Patrick, venerates him and then reads “St. Patrick’s Breastplate.” Gus gets many calls from listeners agreeing with him, but it wasn’t all negative. Some say […]
A Glimpse Into the Trinity
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There are only a very few instances of God changing someone’s name in the Scriptures. Today we see the first of these in Genesis 17. Abram gets a new name. “Your name shall be Abraham, for I am making you the father of a host of nations.” This is pretty groundbreaking stuff, as Abraham and […]
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
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Gus talks with Christy Beam, author of the book “Miracles from Heaven,” which has been turned into a major motion picture starring Jennifer Garner that opens today. Inspired by Christy’s story, which she described as a “trial by fire,” Gus talks with listeners about their trial by fire. Then, Gus talks about a story out of […]
Trial by Fire
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In today’s first reading from Daniel 3, we see the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego getting thrown into the fiery furnace. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had faith. Faith enough to know that when they got thrown into the furnace, God would set them free. In today’s Gospel from John 8, Jesus talks about being […]
Tuesday, March 15, 2015
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Gus talks about Catholic catechises (religious education for children, mostly) and asks listeners how they would rate theirs growing up. Then, in keeping with that them, Monsignor Charles Pope calls in to talk about his recent National Catholic Register article entitled “4 Big Mistakes We’ve Made With Catechesis.” And, today is Super Tuesday in Florida, Ohio, […]
The Up-Look
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Today’s first reading from Numbers 21 tells us the story of God sending saraph serpents among the people of Israel, who had become terrible whiners. God then commands Moses to make a bronze serpent and mount it on a pole. Whenever someone looked up at the serpent, they would be healed and live. In the […]
Monday, March 14, 2016
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Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the Susan B. Anthony List, calls in to talk about South Dakota becoming the 16th state to limit abortion after five months – more than halfway through pregnancy – because of the unborn child’s ability to feel pain. She also gives us an update on pro-life legislation in other U.S. states. […]
Like Father, Like Son
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Today’s first reading from Daniel 13 is very long, and very intriguing. It’s the story of Susanna, who was accused by two ne’er-do-wells of adultery. She was innocent, and Daniel caught the two in their own lies. This story reads like an episode of Perry Mason! In the Gospel reading from John 8, the Pharisees […]
Mercy in the Year of Mercy
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In today’s Gospel passage from John 8, we read the story of the woman caught in adultery. The scribes and Pharisees bring the woman before Jesus, telling Him that the law says that she must be stoned. They ask Jesus, “What do you say?” And Jesus answers with that most famous reply. “Let he who […]
Wrong Side of the Tracks
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The people were plotting to kill Jeremiah. He was unaware of these plans. After the LORD reveals this to him, Jeremiah cries out for vengeance. “Let me witness the vengeance you take on them, for to you I have entrusted my cause!” In today’s Gospel reading from John 7, the people are still trying to […]
Friday, March 11, 2016
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Today’s is Gus’ grandson Wyatt’s first birthday. Gus recounts that his daughter and her husband didn’t want to know the baby’s gender before birth so he asks listeners if they did that or not and why. Later on, occasional Seize the Day fill-in host Bob Dunning, father of six, calls in to talk about selecting baby names and finding out […]
Speaking Openly
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Today’s first reading from Wisdom 2 is sinister. The wicked plot to put to death the just one. When you read this, you will instantly be reminded of the passion and death of Jesus. In the Gospel reading from John 7, Jesus continues to teach in the temple area, even though He knew that the […]
Thursday, March 10, 2016
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Cyrus Nowrastah, director of “The Young Messiah,” calls in to talk about the new film, which opens tomorrow. Gus got an advanced screening of the movie and gave it a thumbs up. Also, Gus throws out the Easter Mass Invitation Challenge. He challenges listeners to invite a friend or family member, who has fallen away from […]
Coming to Jesus for Life
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Moses often had to act as an intermediary for his people. They had this quirky habit of turning their backs on God. Sound familiar? In today’s first reading from Exodus 32, Moses pleads with God to not destroy his people for their wickedness. In the Gospel reading from John 5, Jesus says to the Jews, […]
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
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Rep. Diane Black (R-TN) calls in to talk about her open letter to actress Amy Brenneman who recently wrote a piece that was featured in Cosmopolitan magazine where she talks openly about the abortion she had at age 21 and why it was a good decision. Rep. Black counters, in a very gentle and caring […]
An Unbreakable Bond
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In the Gospel reading today from John 5, Jesus begins to reveal more clearly who He truly is. He says, “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.” By calling God his own father, He made Himself equal with God. This didn’t sit well with some folks. In the first reading […]
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
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FOX News contributor and talk show radio host Erick Erickson calls in to talk about the campaign issues of which people of faith find themselves on the unpopular side lately, i.e. same-sex marriage, abortion and various other religious liberty issues. He talks about it all in his new book “You Will Be Made to Care.” […]
Healing Waters
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Water is a theme in today’s readings. In the first reading from Ezekiel 47, the Angel of the Lord brings Ezekiel to the temple, from which water flows. It starts as a trickle and the further they go from the temple the water grows until it becomes a flowing river, feeding everything around. In the […]
Monday, March 7, 2016
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For the second Monday in a row, Gus is joined in the Conversion Corner with a convert from Islam. Nikki, who asks that her real name and location not be revealed, grew up in a Shi’a Muslim family and married into a Sunni Muslim family. Eventually, she fled to the United States where her long […]
“Heal My Son”
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I hear so often from people whose children no longer go to church or practice the faith. I know it is heartbreaking. More in a moment. In today’s first reading from Isaiah 65, we get a beautiful vision of the future. Check it out! A royal official comes to Jesus asking Jesus to heal his […]
On Blindness and Sight
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Today is the Fourth Sunday of Lent. I want to once again reflect on the Gospel for Year A, from John 9. It is the story of a man blind from birth who received his sight from Jesus. The man goes before the Pharisees and they question him about Jesus. When he proclaims that the healing […]
Humility and Pride
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Another beautiful reading from Hosea today for our first reading. Through the prophet, the Lord says, “For it is love that I desire, not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” In our Gospel reading from Luke 18, Jesus tells a parable with two very interesting characters; one a Pharisee and the other […]