A Jealous Heart
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Goliath was dead. You would think that King Saul would be overjoyed that David, one of his own, had slain the Philistine. And he was…for a short time. More in a moment. In our Gospel reading from Mark 3, Jesus has more run-ins with unclean spirits. Each time He cast them out, he warns them […]
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
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Shannon Zieg joins Gus today in the Conversion Corner. She is a convert from agnosticism who great up in Georgia; the heart of the Bible Belt. Shannon states that, growing up in the area of the United States, the only thing more stigmatizing than being a Catholic was being an agnostic. Next up, Eva Muntean, co-chair […]
Defeating Goliath
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In the Gospel reading today from Mark 3, Jesus has another run-in with the Pharisees about the sabbath. Jesus asks them, “Is it lawful to do good ont he sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” He then cures a man with a withered hand. Another reminder that […]
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
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Allison LaDoux, director, Respect Life Office and the Office of Marriage and Family for the Diocese of Worcester, MA, calls in to talk about the March for Life, for which she assists, and talks about the campaign they’ve done for a couple years now called #WhyWeWalk. After Allison, Gus asks listeners to call in and share what […]
Monday, January 18, 2016
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Fr. Bryan Massingale, professor at Marquette University who teaches a course on Martin Luther King Jr.’s faith and ethics, talks about the late civil rights leader and explains the similarities/differences between King the legend and King the man. He says that when we take Martin Luther King Jr. off the pedestal, he becomes a greater inspiration […]
What God Sees
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In today’s first reading from 1 Samuel 16, we read about the anointing of David. More on that in a moment. In the Gospel reading from Mark 2, Jesus is questioned by the Pharisees about why his disciples are picking grain on the sabbath, something which was prohibited by the law. Jesus tells them, “The […]
Obedience is Better
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In the first reading today from 1 Samuel 15, we see a bit of the sneakiness of King Saul. Samuel has to call him out on it. More in a moment. In the Gospel reading from Mark 2, Jesus talks about pouring new wine into old wineskins. It just doesn’t work. What He means is […]
The Lesson of Cana
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Jesus’ first public miracle, as told in John’s Gospel, is changing water into wine. It happens at a wedding feast at Cana. This story is the Gospel reading in today’s Mass from John 3. The wedding party runs out of wine. Jesus’ mother, Mary, is concerned. In the few words that we hear Mary utter […]
Time to See the Doctor
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The people of Israel insisted that God give them a king. Despite warnings to the contrary, they persisted. In today’s first reading from 1 Samuel 9, we meet the new king, Saul. In our Gospel reading today from Mark 2, we read about the call of Levi, or Matthew. Levi has Jesus over for dinner. […]
Friday, January 15, 2016
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Gus talked about the movies nominated for Oscars yesterday and addresses the only one he’s seen…The Revenant. He says that there are many movies he won’t see because of content and he asks listeners if there are movies they WILL NOT see because of sexual situations, violence, profanity, etc., or if there’s an actor, actress or director […]
Thursday, January 14, 2016
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National Catholic Register Rome Correspondent Edward Pentin calls in to talk about the possible formal schism in the Anglican Communion and talks about how the deep divides between member churches of the Anglican Communion, over homosexuality and other issues, could precipitate its breakup as early as this week. Afterwards, Gus gets a random call from an Episcopalian […]
Careful What You Wish For
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If you have children (especially teenagers), you’ll relate to today’s reflection. More in a moment. In the Gospel reading from Mark 2, we read the story of a paralytic lowered into the house in which Jesus was teaching through the roof by his friends. Jesus forgives his sins and heals him. In today’s first reading […]
Lessons from Adversity
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When we choose to follow God, life ain’t always a bed of roses. I’m sure you’ve experienced this. Challenges still come our way. People we love get sick and die. Certainly there are times where we experience illness, pain, broken relationships, terrible defeats. It’s nothing new. In our first reading today from 1 Samuel 4, […]
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
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Abortion survivor Melissa Ohden (pictured below) calls in and tells Gus her fascinating story. Her birth mother had a saline infusion in 1977, which should have killed her. She miraculously survived and was adopted by a loving family and earned a Master’s degree in social work. She’s been a voice in the pro-life movement since […]
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
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After speaking about his daily reflection, “Cutting A Deal With God” and Hannah’s experience, in 1 Samuel, in which she cut a deal with God, Gus speaks about the time he did the same; after his daughter was found at the bottom of a swimming pool. Afterwards, Gus asks listeners to call in who “made […]
Monday, January 11, 2016
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Dr. Christopher Kaczor, professor of philosophy at Loyola Marymount University, calls in to the program to talk with Gus about his latest article for the Catholic Thing entitled “Abortion, Murder & the Law.” Dr. Kaczor talks about not all acts of murder are equal and that the pro-life movement does not call for the imprisonment of […]
Listening for God
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In the first reading today, we’re in 1 Samuel 3, reading about the call of Samuel. It is a story that we can take lessons from. In the Gospel reading from Mark 1, Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law, then heals all in town that needed healing. After some prayer alone, Jesus tells his disciples that He […]
Cutting a Deal with God
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In today’s Gospel reading from Mark 1, Jesus casts an unclean spirit out of a man while in the synagogue in Capernaum. The people recognized the authority that Jesus had, not only over unclean spirits, but to teach as well. They said, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean […]
Catchers of Men?
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Welcome back to Ordinary Time! In the first reading today we begin the first Book of Samuel. Today we read about a broken-hearted woman, Hannah. She was barren and wanted desperately to have a child. If you’re married, you’ll probably laugh when you read what her husband said to her. (Hint: he’s a typical male.) In […]
Jesus’ Baptism
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Today the Church celebrates the Baptism of the Lord. We see that moment in Luke’s Gospel where John the Baptist has just baptized Jesus when “the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice comes from heaven and says, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well […]
Increase/Decrease
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Catholics believe in different “kinds” of sin. Mortal sin and venial sin. Venial sins are still sins, but not as serious as mortal sins. Mortal sins are those sins that separate us from God. Serious sins where we willfully and intentionally turn our backs on God. We find this notion in today’s first reading from […]
Friday, January 8, 2016
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Gus talks about today’s Gospel reading (Luke 5: 12-16) which prefigures the Catholic Sacrament of Confession. He takes it to the listeners and talks to those who’ve been away from confession for a lengthy period of time. Then, Pastor Larry Wright calls in to the program to talk about his experience New Year’s Eve when […]
Be Made Clean
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Today’s first reading from 1 John 5 begins with a question: “Who indeed is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” Who indeed? Well, let’s see…you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, right? Then YOU must be the victor over the world! Pretty […]
Thursday, January 7, 2015
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Gus talks about the Catholic teaching that Christians, Jews and Muslims all worship the same God; that is, they are all monotheistic religions. He takes it to the listeners by asking if they believe Christians and Muslims worship same God, given the recent tensions. Also, yesterday, during Gus’ discussion with listeners about whether or not […]
Big Fat Liar
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1 John is an amazing book. I always get so much out of it when I read it. Today is no exception. In fact, today, like every day, St. John is speaking directly to me! He even has the nerve to call me a liar! More on that in a sec. Today’s Gospel reading from […]
Wednesday, January 6, 2015
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Gus talks about a recent Esquire article, which analyzes a recent online poll about American rage. Part of the survey keys on the existence of the American dream. Gus asks his listeners if they think the American dream is alive or not. Also, Gus sits down with Andrew and Heather Bowen in the Conversion Corner. […]
False Evidence Appearing Real
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Strong words from St. John today in our first reading from 1 John 4. St. John talks about fear. More on that in a moment. We see fear, too, come into play in our Gospel reading. In Mark 6, we see Jesus walking on the sea. When the disciples see him, they were overcome with […]
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
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Adam Janke, program director of St. Paul Street Evangelization calls into the program today to talk about their ministry and a new book they’ve put out entitled “Catholic Street Evangelization: Stories of Conversion and Witness.” Afterwards, Gus talks to listeners and asks them who evangelized them. Also, today is St. John Neumann‘s feast day and Gus is […]
Monday, January 4, 2016
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Gus gets back into the swing of things with his first show of the New Year! He talks New Year’s resolutions past and present. He gives you his and gets yours as well and even offers callers a Scriptural Resolution for 2016. He also engages them in a round of Tell Me Something Good. We […]
God Is Love
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Many people are familiar with the famous phrase of St. John the Evangelist: God is love. We see this in today’s first reading from 1 John 4. In the Gospel reading from Mark 6, we see love in action, as Jesus feeds the multitude. The Scripture tells us, “His heart was moved with pity for […]
Testing the Spirits
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Today we celebrate the feast of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Mother Seton was a convert, and acknowledged as the founder of the Catholic school system in America. You would do well to find out more about this amazing woman. Our first reading today is from 1 John. We’ll talk about it in a moment. In […]
The Journey of the Wise
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Today’s 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 were warned in a dream not […]
Faithful Stick-to-it-iveness
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More great advice from St. John in today’s first reading from 1 John 2. More on that in a moment. Our Gospel reading for today is from the Gospel of St. John. We see the people asking John the Baptist to identify himself, “Who are you?” He admits that he is not the Christ, only […]
A Scriptural Resolution
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Happy New Year! Remember that today is the Feast of Mary, the Mother of God. It is a holy day of obligation. We get to go to Mass! New Year’s Day is always an introspective time for me. I always take a look back at the previous year and reflect on successes and failures of […]
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. […]
Love and “The World”
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In today’s first reading, we get some great advice from St. John. More on that in a moment. The Gospel reading today is from Luke 2. Today we read about the prophetess Anna. She was a very old woman and “never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.” Like Simeon, […]
The Prayer of Simeon
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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 […]
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 […]
A Divine Institution
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The Sunday after Christmas is the Feast of the Holy Family. There are numerous options for readings today, all of which talk about family and relationships. Click on the link below to the readings. We would do well to read them all. The Holy Family is the perfect example of what a family is, and […]
Enduring to the End
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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 […]
Christmas is Here!
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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 […]
Always Christmas Eve
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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! I was just reading an interest study that said that only 47% of Americans […]
He is Coming
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The golden thread in today’s readings is Elijah. In the first reading from Malachi 3, the LORD says, “Lo, I will send you Elijah, the prophet, before the day of the LORD comes.” The Gospel reading from Luke 1 is the story of the birth of John the Baptist. Years later, Jesus assured His disciples […]
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
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Master Gunnery Sgt. Brad VanHorn joins Gus today on Seize the Day. He emailed Gus following his interview with Military Religious Freedom Foundation’s Chris Rodda where she defended her organization’s stance against prayer circles following Air Force Academy football games. Gus read his email on the air and today, he tells Gus about how he’s […]
Dedicated
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The Gospel reading today is from Luke 1. It is Mary’s great Magnificat. “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior, for he has looked upon his lowly servant.” Beautiful! A bit of personal trivia…my wife and I are part of Teams of Our Lady. We pray the […]
Monday, December 21, 2015
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It’s our final installment of Project Christmas 2015 today on Seize the Day. Gus is joined by Cynthia Farrell, executive director of Children’s Dream Fund. We raised $11,710 in pledges for three different children. See below for descriptions. If you were unable to call in but would like to donate, click here. Gus also talks […]
Honoring Mary
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There are two options for a first reading today – from Song of Songs and Zephaniah. Both are beautiful and deserving of your meditation. In the Gospel reading from Luke 1, we see the scene of Elizabeth welcoming Mary into her home. First, Elizabeth was “filled with the Holy Spirit” when she uttered words that […]
Blessed Are You Among Women
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Today is the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Christmas is right around the corner. In the first reading today, the Lord speaks through the prophet Micah, saying that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem. And the Gospel reading from Luke 1 is the story of the Visitation, when Mary went to visit her cousin, Elizabeth, who […]
Made For a Purpose
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In the first reading today from Judges 13, we see the story of an angel coming to announce the birth of a child. The woman was barren, and the angel told her that this child was “to be consecrated to God from the womb.” He would serve a very special purpose for the Kingdom of […]
Friday, December 18, 2015
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Today was Project Christmas Phase III today on Seize the Day! Together, we raised $20,565 for Operation Once in a Lifetime! Founder Sgt. Patrick Sowers joined Gus and told the story of SSgt. Jonathan Bone, who passed away earlier this week suddenly, leaving behind a wife and four children. We also raised money for Sgt. […]