Moving Ahead
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In today’s Gospel reading from Luke 9:51-62, we hear what can be a rather disconcerting saying of Jesus. A guy says he will follow Jesus, but first he wants to go and bury his father. Jesus responds, “Let the dead bury their dead.” Another guy wants to follow Jesus, but first just wants to say […]
I Am Not Worthy
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Today’s first reading is from Lamentations. It is a sad, depressing read. After reading over the last few days about the diaspora and the Babylonian exile, this is a cry of anguish. In the Gospel today from Matthew 8, we see Jesus perform many healings, the first of which is on a centurion’s servant, done […]
Friday, June 24, 2016
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In light of the pope’s recent remarks on the state of Catholic marriage, we dedicate an hour on how to strengthen Catholic marriages. First, we talk with listeners about what type of marriage prep they did and/or the marriage retreats they’ve attended. Then, Dick and Diane Baumbach, of Worldwide Marriage Encounter, call in to talk about their organization’s […]
Pointing to Jesus
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Today the Church celebrates the birth of John the Baptist. Jesus proclaimed that John was Elijah, come to prepare the way for the Messiah. There are so many traits of John the Baptist that we should imitate. I’ve always felt a very special connection with John. In fact, I chose him as my confirmation saint […]
Thursday, June 23, 2016
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Today, Gus talks about the pope’s recent remarks on marriage, where he said, in response to a question about the state of marriage today, that “most” Catholic marriages are null. Gus says he doesn’t necessarily disagree with the pope but feels his remarks were “inartfully said.” Gus gets listener reaction.
All Talk, No Action
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In the first reading today from 2 Kings, we see a story of evil, sin, defeat and surrender. The Babylonians took over Jerusalem. It was yet another blow to God’s chosen people; defeat visited upon them because of their sinfulness. In our Gospel reading today from Matthew 7, Jesus says, “Not everyone who says to […]
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
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Gus talks about the comments from his bishop, Robert Lynch of the diocese of St. Petersburg, Florida, following the massacre at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando where 49 people were killed by Omar Mateen. The Pulse was an LGBT nightclub and Bishop Lynch points the finger at religious people, including Catholics, for singling out and […]
Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing
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Today we have a very interesting first reading from 2 Kings. The book of the law had been lost, and was found. The king summoned all the people and the book of the law was read aloud to them all. The king then renews the covenant with the LORD. In the Gospel reading today from […]
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
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Jacqueline Rapp, a canon lawyer, joins Gus to talk about the pope’s recent comments on the validity of “most” Catholic marriages. Afterwards, she takes marriage annulment questions from listeners. Also, Gus engages in a little Tell Me Something Good with listeners since he wasn’t able to do so yesterday.
The Path of Least Resistance
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Our God is a big God. He can handle anything, even things that we might think are too big for even God! We see an awesome example of this in today’s first reading. The king of Assyria, a guy with all the firepower in the world, was ready to take Jerusalem. But Hezekiah, the king […]
Monday, June 20, 2016
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It’s the Smells and the Bells today on Seize the Day. Gus asks listeners if their church rings the bells during the consecration; a practice that dates back to the earliest days of the Church. Many listeners said they did after experiencing a time when they didn’t. One caller told a funny story about how his priest is […]
Friday, June 17, 2016
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Tom Basile fills in for Gus Lloyd today on Seize the Day. First, in light of Father’s Day, which is this Sunday, Tom talks with New Emangelization Founder Matthew Christoff about what it takes to be a committed Catholic father. Then, Sister Kathleen Lunsmann, president of Support Our Aging Religious (SOAR), calls in to talk about […]
Our Wooden Beam(s)
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Today’s first reading shows us the beginning of the diaspora, where the tribes of Israel are scattered, leaving only the tribe of Judah. God allowed them to be tossed out of the land He had given them because of their continual turning away from Him. Once again…actions have consequences! In our Gospel reading from Matthew […]
Who Do You Say…
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Today’s Gospel reading is Luke’s version of Peter’s great profession of faith. Jesus asks the disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter replies, “The Christ of God.” It’s a legitimate question, even for us. Who do you say that Jesus is? Some would say a great teacher. Others would say a prophet. Some […]
A Juggling Act
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In the Gospel reading from Matthew 6, Jesus talks about how it is impossible to serve two masters. “No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” We all have conflict in our lives. […]
Our Heavenly Reward
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Today’s first reading is one of those stories that they make movies from. A wicked queen kills off the royal family, but they secret away young Joash, the rightful heir to the throne. Years later they bring out the rightful king, and the wicked queen gets hers. Check it out! In today’s Gospel reading from […]
Thursday, June 16, 2016
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It’s Nuns on the Gus Lloyd Show today!! Sister Cecilia Ann Rezac, superior general of the Marian Sisters of the Diocese of Lincoln, calls in to talk about the rise of young nuns in various orders throughout the country. Also, Gus’s friend Adele Ference is a guest on the show. She talks about her daughter Megan who […]
The Perfect Prayer
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Over the past few days we have been reading the story of Elijah and Elisha. Today’s first reading is from Sirach 48. It is something of a recap of the story in 1 and 2 Kings. Our Gospel reading is from Matthew 6, where Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray. We know it as […]
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
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Deacon Matt Skinner calls in to the program. He’s recently been made a permanent deacon and is single. Currently, only 2% of permanent deacons are unmarried men, which requires celibacy. Deacon Skinner talks about his calling and the challenges and rewards it’s brought him. Then, Gus talks about how the Diocese of Helena, Montana is now […]
Ask Big
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Today’s first reading is one that has stuck with me since the first time I ever heard it. Elijah is about to hand the office of prophet over to Elisha. Elijah says to Elisha, “Ask for whatever I may do for you.” So what does Elisha ask for? More in a moment. In the Gospel, Jesus tells […]
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
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Yesterday, Gus received a call from his youngest son John yesterday after he was rear ended by an old woman who drove off. A Good Samaritan saw John was in distress and spoke to his parents for him. Gus is doing his show from Dayton, Ohio this week and his son is in Florida. He expresses […]
Love and Enemies
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Today’s first reading is an interesting conclusion to the story of Ahab and Jezebel. God sends Elijah to tell them of how He was going to punish them because of their deception and murder of Naboth. Things did not look pretty for this nasty pair. But after hearing of his fate, Ahab repents. God acknowledges […]
Monday, June 13, 2016
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Today is St. Anthony of Padua’s feast day. Gus talks about how he’s the patron saint of lost items and recites the famous poem “Tony, Tony, turn around/Something’s lost that can’t be found.” There are many iterations of that pray, so Gus invites listeners to call in to share their version and their stories of […]
On Retribution
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Jezebel was one of the most wicked women in all of Scripture. She may well hold the top spot. Why? Read today’s first reading from 1 Kings 21 and you’ll find out. She was a master of deception; a real black-hearted beast of a human being. (Trivia nugget: she’s actually mentioned in a song by […]
From Great Sinners Comes Great Love
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In today’s Gospel reading from Luke 7, we see Jesus being invited to dine at the home of a Pharisee. A sinful woman finds out and goes there, weeping and bathing Jesus’ feet with her tears, drying them with her hair and anointing them with oil. Scandalous! So Jesus tells a story about two people […]
Giving Freely
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Today is the Feast of St. Barnabas. St. Barnabas was a companion of St. Paul, a well-traveled man and a great evangelist. In today’s first reading from Acts, we see the Holy Spirit say, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” And in Matthew’s Gospel, we […]
The Still, Small Voice
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Our first reading from 1 Kings 19 is so poignant for us in today’s world. We read the story of Elijah hearing the voice of God…though not in the way one might think He would come. More on that in a moment. For the Gospel, back in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus continues […]
Thursday, June 9, 2016
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Gus talked today with Gary Montgomery, a former TV sportscaster turned Catholic evangelist and author of It’s Fun to be Catholic! Gary shared stories about his life and his ministry teaching 8th graders religious education. He also brings his motivational message to conferences and parish missions. Find out more about him at www.ICanPlay.com. Gus then […]
Our Struggle with Anger
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St. James said that “Elijah prayed and the sky gave rain.” (James 5:18) We see that story in today’s first reading from 1 Kings 18. The Sermon on the Mount is probably the most challenging teaching ever. Jesus raises the bar on our thinking and our behavior to ridiculous levels. It really starts today with […]
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
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Gus was joined this morning by newly ordained priest Fr. Tom Colucci. At the age of 60, Fr. Tom was just ordained for the archdiocese of New York by Cardinal Dolan. Read his fascinating story here. Gus asked his listeners to share their stories of unexpected pregnancies that resulted in unexpected blessings. It’s a great […]
Answer Me, LORD!
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It is so important that we teach others the ways of the Lord. Jesus makes this very clear in today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 5. He says, “Whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.” This is especially important with our children. Today’s first reading from 1 Kings […]
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
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Gus lives in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, which got brushed by Tropical Storm Colin. So Gus asks listeners if they or their family have ever been affected by some natural disaster. A relic of Pope Saint John Paul II was recently stolen from a cathedral in Cologne, Germany. Gus asks listeners what, if […]
City on a Hill
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A city on a hill is pretty common imagery. But do you know where that comes from? It’s in the Bible, and part of today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 5. In today’s first reading from 1 Kings 17, we read about how a widow provided for the prophet Elijah, and God provided for the widow […]
Monday, June 6, 2016
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Today is the second anniversary of the death of Gus’ sister Nancy. Nancy lived with Gus and Michelle for the final months of her life before dying of lung cancer. Gus asked listeners today to share their experiences with dying loved ones – the challenges and the blessings. David Naglieri, the director of Liberating a […]
Meditating on the Beatitudes
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In our first reading today from 1 Kings 17, we see yet another example of God providing. God told Elijah to announce to the king that there would be a drought. God then sends the prophet off to a deserted place and commands ravens to bring him bread and meat every morning and evening. In […]
A Left Field Miracle
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The Bible is God’s word. In today’s second reading from Galatians 1, St. Paul says the gospel that he preached was not of human origin, that it came from a revelation of Jesus Christ. Then he (Paul) wrote it down. We see a very interesting story in today’s Gospel reading from Luke 7. Jesus comes […]
The Heart of Our Mother
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Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Yesterday was the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is appropriate that we celebrate the heart of His mother the following day. Our Gospel reading today is from Luke 2, the story of the finding of the child Jesus in the […]
A Heart for the Lost
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Today is the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. In the first reading from Ezekiel 34, God uses the imagery of a shepherd. “I myself will pasture my sheep; I myself will give them rest, says the Lord God.” We see this very same imagery in the Gospel reading from Luke 15. Jesus […]
Thursday, June 2, 2016
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Dr. Paul Kengor, director of the Center for Vision & Values & professor of political science at Grove City College, calls in to talk about Hillary Clinton’s church problem. Clinton has often cited her Methodist faith and her pride that they’re aligned with the Religious Coaltion for Reproductive Choice (RCRC); a pro-choice Christian organization that […]
Truth Without Deviation
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In 2 Timothy 2 today, St. Paul continues to exhort Timothy, reminding him to preach and teach in a way befitting the office he has accepted. In today’s Gospel, Jesus is asked which is the first of all the commandments. He answers with not one, but two…”Love the Lord, your God and love your neighbor […]
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
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Today, Seize the Day is chain smoking! Gus talks about a new study done by the Center for Disease Control which shows a 15% drop in the rate of smoking, which is the biggest one-year decline in more than 20 years. Gus talks with ex-smokers. He is a former smoker himself and he wants to know […]
God of the Living
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In the first reading today from 2 Timothy 1, St. Paul says “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord…” It seems there is a movement afoot to get Christians to sit down and […]
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
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After honoring the Memorial Day holiday, Gus Lloyd is back live! Today, he talks about the death of Harambe the Gorilla who was shot and killed at the Cincinnati Zoo over the weekend after a child got into his enclosure and the gorilla dragged him several feet. Gus believes the killing was sad and horrific but justified. […]
Opening Our Home to Jesus and Mary
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Today is the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We recall when Mary, who was pregnant with the Lord Jesus, went to stay with her cousin, Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist. There are two options for a first reading. I recommend that you read them both. You’ll be glad […]
A Memorial Day Reflection
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A bit of a deviation from our normal format today. I’ve still got the link for today’s readings at the bottom of this post. And, of course, I encourage you to read them. There is, as always, much richness. I want to take a moment to ruminate on the holiday that we celebrate in the […]
Jesus Feeds Us
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Today is the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. As Catholics, we believe that Jesus is truly present, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Eucharist. We actually celebrate this every time we go to Mass! The Gospel reading today is from Luke 9. It’s the story of Jesus feeding a […]
Question or Accept?
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We are in the Year of Mercy. In the first reading today from the Letter of Jude, St. Jude has a few things to say about mercy. Check it out. In the Gospel reading today from Mark 11, the chief priests, the scribes and the elders ask Jesus, “By what authority are you doing these […]
Friday, May 27, 2016
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Gus talks today with the Friars on Foot, Fr. Francis Orozco and Fr. Joseph Schaefgen, both friars from the Dominican Friars Province of St. Martin de Porres, who, starting on Sunday, are embarking on a month long journey, on foot, from New Orleans, Louisiana to Memphis…sort of their own little Way of St. James or Camino de […]
My Life Verse
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Many years ago, I heard a guy talking about his “Life Verse.” I wasn’t quite sure what that meant until he described it. It was a passage of Scripture that he claimed – he made his own and used it as a guiding star in his life. I thought that was a neat concept, so […]
Thursday, May 26, 2016
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Today, Gus talks about a politician in Ireland, Ken Kurtin (pictured below), who was dismissed as a lector because of his public support of abortion. After his meeting with his priest and bishop, Kurtin then went to the media about it. Gus gets listener reaction. Also, former Presbyterian pastor Dr. Joseph Johnson sits down in […]