Hope
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In today’s first reading from Romans 8, St. Paul talks about hope. More on that in a moment. In the Gospel reading from Luke 13, Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed and to yeast. The mustard seed is the smallest of seeds that grows into something great, and yeast is an […]
Monday, October 26, 2015
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Today, Gus welcomes Kelly Garver Nieto to the program. The former Miss Michigan was first runner-up in the 1987 Miss America Pageant and has since undergone a conversion to the Catholic Church. Today, she’s the producer of the Cross and the Light. Check out her 2013 appearance on the Coming Home Network here. And, on […]
Daddy!
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What an awesome reading today from Romans 8. St. Paul talks about us being sons and daughters of God. More on that in a sec. In the Gospel reading from Luke 13, Jesus has the audacity to cure a woman on the sabbath, in the synagogue, no less! The leader of the synagogue takes Jesus […]
A Short Prayer
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Our Gospel reading today from Mark 10 is about Bartimaeus, a blind beggar that wanted Jesus to restore his sight. He tells Jesus what he wants, and Jesus gives him his sight because of his faith. When Bartimaeus found out that Jesus was in the vicinity, he began shouting to get His attention. What he […]
Another Chance
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We’re in Romans 8 for the first reading today. St. Paul writes about living according to the flesh vs. living according to the spirit. “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh.” Remember today to live in the Spirit! In the Gospel reading today from Luke 13, […]
Evil is at Hand
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Could Jesus have been talking about Purgatory in today’s Gospel reading? He talks about being thrown into prison and how “you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.” In its deeper spiritual meaning, this could well be a reference to Purgatory. Like me, St. Paul struggled with sin. He was trying […]
Blazing Hearts
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In the first reading today from Romans 6, St. Paul talks about sanctification. “But now that you have been freed from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit that you have leads to sanctification, and its end is eternal life.” To sanctify means to make holy. So, you are being made holy today! […]
Great Expectations
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Perhaps St. Paul’s words in today’s first reading from Romans 6 are ones we should read every day, or even commit to memory. “For sin is not to have any power over you, since you are not under the law but under grace.” We are under grace!! In the Gospel reading from Luke 12, Jesus […]
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
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Today Gus talked about marriage prep and how it has been a hot topic of conversation at the Synod on the Family. Listeners shared about their marriage prep experiences and their thoughts about the idea of a “marriage catechumenate.” You can read more about that here. Fr. Stephen Imbarrato, a priest with Priests for Life […]
God’s Overflowing Grace
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In today’s first reading from Romans 5, St. Paul talks about sin and grace. More on that in a moment. In the Gospel reading from Luke 12, Jesus tells his disciples to be “ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.” The word that strikes me the most in this is “immediately.” Are we […]
Can’t Take it With You
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St. Paul used Abraham as an example of faith. We would do well to imitate Abraham. Here’s what St. Paul says in today’s first reading from Romans 4: “Abraham did not doubt God’s promise in unbelief; rather, he was empowered by faith and gave glory to God and was fully convinced that what God had […]
Lives of Service
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Our Gospel reading today from Mark 10 features an interesting story. The sons of Zebedee, James and John, come and ask Jesus that “in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.” This request didn’t sit too well with the other ten Apostles. So Jesus has to give […]
Let the Spirit Speak
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We’re back in Romans 4 for the first reading today. Paul continues to talk about faith and uses the model of faith as an example, Abraham. In the Gospel reading from Luke 12, Jesus speaks of the importance of standing up for him. “I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of […]
Friday, October 16, 2015
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Gus responds to an email he got from a listener who was angry that he spoke about Archbishop Blase Cupich’s call for stricter gun control laws earlier this week. He read the email on the air and then took listener reaction. To read the email, click here. And, Fr. Andrew Small, national director of the […]
How God Feels About You
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In today’s first reading from Romans 4, St. Paul talks about the importance of faith. He points to Abraham as the example of faith. “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Yes, faith is of the utmost importance. Without it, we have nothing. In the Gospel reading today from Luke 12, […]
Thursday, October 15, 2015
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Tomorrow begins the nine days of prayer and fasting for the sanctity of life, marriage, and for the Synod on the Family. International Prayer and Fasting Coalition Chairperson Maureen Flynn joins Gus to talk about the purpose of the event and gives a history of how communal prayer has worked. Also, Gus talks with listeners about mixed marriages; […]
Justification
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In the Gospel reading today from Luke 11, Jesus continues to pronounce woes on the scholars of the law. These are some pretty scathing remarks. “Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.” Today’s first reading […]
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
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Gus begins the day talking about gun control. Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich wrote an op-ed piece recently for the Chicago Tribune calling for stricter gun laws and tougher regulation. Gus asks listeners what their thoughts are on gun control. Also, Gus talked to listeners about teens and mass. How do, or did, your teens react […]
The Un-PC God
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God is a just judge. St. Paul makes this very clear in today’s first reading from Romans 2. Here’s how he puts it: “By your stubbornness and impenitent heart, you are storing up wrath for yourself for the day of wrath and revelation of the just judgment of God, who will repay everyone according to his […]
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
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Catholic marriage is the central focus of today’s edition of Seize the Day. First, Gus asks listeners about their pre-marriage expectations. Was their faith a major fact? Did they look for a Catholic spouse or was that not a factor? Then, Gus welcomes Jacqueline Rapp, canon lawyer and founder of Rapp Canonical Consulting, takes Catholic marriage […]
Monday, October 12, 2015
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Gus welcomed Erin Byrnes and Kitty Stinelli to the program today. Kitty is co-founder of Joseph’s House for Women, which provides a nurturing home for mothers facing an unplanned pregnancy in upstate New York. Each year, they hold a raffle, which features many prizes. This year’s big one was a brand new Chevy Tahoe LTZ with a sticker […]
Ashamed of the Gospel?
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One of the things that I admire most about St. Paul (there are many) is his boldness. And the first line of today’s first reading really sums things up. “I am not ashamed of the Gospel.” More on that in a moment. In the Gospel reading from Luke 11, Jesus derides the Pharisees for being […]
Here’s Your Sign
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For today’s first reading, we begin a trip through St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans. In today’s reading from Romans 1, St. Paul offers the same blessing that he begins all his letters with: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and Lord Jesus Christ. In today’s Gospel reading from Luke 11, Jesus […]
Everyone’s Favorite Station
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In our Gospel reading today from Mark 10, Jesus reads between the lines and answers a question that Peter didn’t even ask. This all happens right after Jesus encountered the rich young man. Here’s what Peter said, “We have given up everything and followed you.” No question there. That’s just a comment. Yet Jesus knew […]
The Blessing of Being Blessed
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God will take care of His people. That is His promise, His covenant. It is one that will last forever. In today’s first reading from Joel 4, we hear this from the Lord. “But Judah shall abide forever, and Jerusalem for all generations.” No matter how bad things had gotten for His children, in the […]
Friday, October 9, 2015
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Gus witnessed some funny antics at mass last Sunday when he and his wife were sitting behind a family with young children. He takes it to the listeners and asks them what their funniest kid moment was at mass. Also, Dave Pierre called into the show to talk about his new book “Sins of the […]
With or Against?
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The spiritual life must have balance. We must be people of joy, joyfully awaiting the day of the Lord. On the other hand, we must recognize our sinfulness, and because of that be fearful of the day of the Lord. Today’s first reading from Joel 1 and 2 speaks to the latter. In the Gospel […]
Thursday, October 8, 2015
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Gus is in a conundrum. He had a septic issue at home and his contractor has promised to come out and fix it six times, but, alas, has never showed up. After numerous telephone discussions, which led to empty promise after empty promise, Gus had to take matters into his own hands and fix the […]
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
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As the Synod of Bishops continues in Rome, Gus gives an update of what’s been discussed and then addresses another issue affecting Catholic families….adoption. He welcomes Leesa Elliott, adoption services manager of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Florida, to the program to talk about Catholic adoption and some of the challenges it faces […]
What Are You Asking For?
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Today’s first reading is from the Book of Malachi. This is the last book in the Old Testament. God warns that people that, in the end, He will hold them accountable for their actions. “For lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven, when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble.” In […]
Anger and God
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John the Baptist taught his disciples how to pray. The disciples of Jesus came and asked him to teach them how to pray. He taught them the prayer that we know as the Our Father. You’ll find it in today’s Gospel reading from Luke 11. In the first reading from Jonah 4, we read, “Jonah […]
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
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Gus addresses the controversial physician-assisted suicide bill signed into law in the state of California by Gov. Jerry Brown. He gives his thoughts on the devastating consequences this may have and gets listener reaction as well. And, the Synod of Bishops continues in Rome, addressing multiple issues affecting families. Gus talks with Gregory Mills, executive […]
Take a Mary Moment
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Jonah was a reluctant prophet. When he finally performed the task that God had for him – to preach repentance to Nineveh – it paid off. The people repented and God relented in his punishment of the great city. Today’s Gospel reading is the story of Martha and Mary from Luke 10. Jesus has come […]
Monday, October 5, 2015
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As the 2015 Synod of the Family opens up in Rome, Gus welcomes Carl Olson, author of “Eleven Cardinals Speak on Marriage and the Family” and editor of Catholic World Report, talks about what he expects to come out of it and what issues will be addressed. And, speaking of family-related issues, Deacon Neil Tift […]
Good? A Samaritan?
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What an amazing day of readings. The first reading today is the beginning of the story of Jonah. He’s the guy who didn’t want to do what God called him to do and got swallowed by a great fish. Lots of lessons to be learned from this story. The Gospel reading today is from Luke […]
One Flesh
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In today’s Gospel reading from Mark 10, Jesus talks about marriage. “But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. […]
Provocation and Redemption
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Have you ever provoked God? Whatever your answer, I can assure you that you have. It’s called sin. People have been doing it since the Fall. We see it in today’s first reading from Baruch 4. “For you provoked your Maker…you forsook the Eternal God.” Because of this, God allowed the people to fall to […]
Friday, October 2, 2015
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Nearly one week following Pope Francis’ visit to the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility in Holmesburg, Pennsylvania, just outside of Philadelphia, the prison chaplain, Fr. Matthew Palkowski, joins Gus to talk about how it all came together and what effects he’s seeing following the pontiff’s meeting. Fr. Matthew reveals that he himself wrote the pope a letter a […]
Always on Guard
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Today we celebrate the Feast of the Guardian Angels. In the optional first reading for the feast day from Exodus, we see God telling the people that he is sending an angel before them to lead and guide them. He says that He has given this angel His authority; they must listen to him. In […]
Thursday, October 1, 2015
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Word came out yesterday that Pope Francis met with Kim Davis for a few minutes during his U.S. visit last week. Gus gets reaction from listeners and from Deacon Keith Fournier who wrote an article about the visit on the Stream. Also, Bishop Thomas Olmstead calls in to the program to discuss his new Apostolic […]
Understanding Truth
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A very interesting story today in our first reading from Nehemiah 8. Ezra reads and interprets the word of God for the people. We’ll have more on that in a moment. In the Gospel reading from Luke 10, Jesus sends out the seventy-two in pairs to visit the towns and villages in advance of Him. […]
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
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It was a big day on Capitol Hill yesterday for Planned Parenthood and their president, Cecile Richards who testified at a Congressional hearing on behalf of the organization over allegations of misusing appropriated funds and selling fetal body parts. Anti-abortion activist, and former Planned Parenthood clinic director Abby Johnson joined Gus to give her reaction […]
Pray Before Speaking
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Ever say something you later regretted? I think we all have. Today’s first reading has the antidote! In the Gospel reading from Luke 9, some folks tell Jesus that they want to follow Him. Jesus’ responses may surprise you. Nehemiah was an official of the king. He was always in a pretty good mood, for […]
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
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We’re finally getting back to normal on Seize the Day. For the first time since the beginning of Pope Radio on the Catholic Channel, back on Monday, September 21st, Gus did his show live from his studio in Tampa, Florida. We’re still feeling the buzz from Pope Francis’ visit to the U.S. and Gus kept the phone lines […]
Heavenly Power
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Today the Church celebrates the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, the Archangels. Saint Michael is God’s great warrior angel, the Prince of the heavenly hosts. We see Michael doing battle with the dragon in today’s first reading from Revelation 12. Manly stuff, that! Gabriel is God’s messenger. In Luke 1, we see Gabriel […]
Down But Not Out
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Our first reading today is from Zechariah 8. More on that in a moment. In today’s Gospel reading from Luke 9, Jesus tells the disciples – again – “For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.” Zechariah received his call around the time of the rebuilding […]
Making a Prophet
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Prophet is a word that most people would shy away from when describing themselves. Actually, all Christians are called to be prophets. If we only knew! In the first reading today from Numbers 11:25-29, two men are prophesying outside of the Israelites camp. The report comes to Moses. Moses responds, “Would that all the people […]
Dwelling With Us
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Our first reading today is from the Prophet Zechariah. Zechariah has an encounter with an angel. More in a moment. Our Gospel reading today from Luke 9 is short. Jesus tells the disciples that “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” But they did not understand, and were afraid to ask […]
Take Courage
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A lot of people had a lot of different ideas about who Jesus was. In today’s Gospel reading from Luke 9, Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter responds with, “The Christ of God.” Jesus then tells goes on to tell them about His impending death and resurrection. In today’s […]
Who is This?
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There’s a phrase that’s used twice in today’s first reading from Haggai 1: Consider your ways! The LORD speaks to the people through the prophet, asking them to think about how much they are putting into their own houses and about how they can rebuild the house of God. The main character in today’s Gospel […]