Dream, Dream, Dream
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Today in the first reading from Jeremiah 23, the Lord says, “Behold, the days are coming when I will raise up a righteous shoot to David; as king he shall reign and govern wisely, he shall do what is right and just in the land.” I’m sure that, looking at this prophecy, the people were […]
Thursday, December 17, 2015
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Gus talks with listeners today about personal miracles they’ve experienced over the course of their lives. We talk with parents who’ve lost children and experienced healing through a miracle and even a lady who witnessed a “miracle of the sun” in North Carolina when she was a child. We also revisit Gus’ debate yesterday with Chris […]
Lionhearted
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Today is one week before Christmas Eve. In the liturgy, we begin to see the unfolding of the Christmas story. The Gospel reading for today is the beginning of Matthew’s Gospel. It is the genealogy of Jesus. If you’ve ever had a difficult time pronouncing some of the names in this list, click here for […]
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
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Chris Rodda, research director at the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, joins Gus Lloyd to talk why their organization is trying to ban involuntary prayer circles at Air Force Academy football games. She tells Gus that these prayer circles are forced on students who don’t wish to participate, which Gus tells her he finds hard to believe. […]
Sharing the Faith
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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 15, 2015
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Gus talks Christmas today. First, he talks about the surprisingly low number of Christmas cards he’s received so far this year. Then, he talks with listeners who’ve lost loved ones around this time of year. We got a very emotional call from Randy in Texas who lost his young daughter 21 years ago. Take a […]
Time for a Change
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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 […]
Whose Authority?
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In the first reading today from Numbers 24, we read of a prophesy of Balaam. He prophesies about how a king would come from Jacob’s line. “His king shall rise higher, and his royalty shall be exalted.” He then goes on to speak this prophesy, “A star shall advance from Jacob, and a staff shall […]
Gaudete Sunday
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Today is Gaudete Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent. Today we light the pink, or rose, candle on the Advent wreath. It is called Gaudete Sunday because of the opening antiphon of the Introit Gaudete in Domino semper (Rejoice in the Lord always). The opening words of the second reading from Philippians 4 are these, “Rejoice […]
Our Lady, Our Mother
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Today the Church celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. When the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego on a hill in Tepeyac, Mexico, in December of 1531, she declared, “I am your most merciful Mother; I want to show my loving clemency and compassion to those who call upon me in their […]
Friday, December 11, 2015
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Gus talks with film director Andrew Hyatt about his recent offering “Full of Grace,” which will be released on DVD on January 5th. It is currently on an “Evenings of Reflection” tour. Click here to find it if it’s going to be shown at a parish near you! Also, Gus talks about a news story concerning a […]
The Way You Should Go
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Love always desires the good. God is love. Therefore, God always desires the good. He always wants what is best for us. He also knows that often what we want is not what is best for us. In the first reading from Isaiah 48, it’s put like this: “I, the LORD, your God, teach you […]
Thursday, December 10, 2015
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Rod Bennett, author of “The Apostasy That Wasn’t: The Extraordinary Story of the Unbreakable Early Church” is Gus’ guest today on Seize the Day. Rod and Gus talk about how the early Church was clearly helped divinely and how it still is in many ways. Afterwards, Gus talks with listeners who are recent Catholic converts about […]
Never Forsaken
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Today in the first reading from Isaiah 41, we get a greater understanding of God’s hand at work in our lives. God says, “Fear not, I will help you.” The responsorial, from Psalm 145, drives this home…”The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger, and of great kindness.” And in the Gospel reading from […]
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
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Project Christmas Phase II kicked off today with the Order of Malta’s Prison Ministry and is joined by Chairman Steve Caron, Fr. George Williams and volunteer Sharon Whiddon. We raised $4,000 in one hour. If you weren’t able to call in and would still like to donate, click here. Also, Gus asks listeners what their […]
Soar Like an Eagle
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We’re back in Isaiah for our first reading today. The final verse in today’s reading is Isaiah 40:31. I’ll talk about it in a moment. Our Gospel passage today is a short one, from Matthew 11. Jesus tells the people, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you […]
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
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Gus talks a lot about the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and the commencement of the Jubilee Year of Mercy. In honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s feast day, Gus talks with listeners about what their mother and/or their Holy Mother means to them. For the opening of the Year of Mercy, Gus goes over […]
Immaculate Conception and Jubilee of Mercy
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Today we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Remember that today is a Holy Day of obligation. I hope you will make it a point to attend Mass. We have a double blessing today because we begin the Jubilee Year of Mercy. Let’s talk briefly today about what the Immaculate Conception is, and isn’t. […]
Monday, December 7, 2015
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Gus kicks off the week talking to Maureen Ferguson of the Catholic Association about the Senate’s vote to defund Planned Parenthood. She provides detail on who supported this and who didn’t and how the eventual veto by President Barack Obama won’t stifle the push to end abortion in this country. Then, Gus talks with documentary […]
God’s Got This!
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I’m hearing more and more about how so many people are frightened today. Not just because of terrorist attacks or random violence. Sure, that’s part of it, but it goes to something much deeper. Today’s readings give us hope and some powerful advice. In the first reading from Isaiah, we read this: “Strengthen the hands […]
Prepare the Way of the Lord
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Today is the Second Sunday of Advent. In the Gospel reading from Luke 3, we read about the ministry of John the Baptist. He is the one about whom the prophet Isaiah wrote, “A voice of one crying out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’ ” That’s really […]
The Teacher Will Come
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As you read today’s first reading from Isaiah 30, I hope your mind is immediately drawn to Jesus. We see these prophesies so perfectly fulfilled in Jesus. More on that in a moment. In the Gospel reading today, we see Jesus sending out the Twelve, with authority. He tells them, “Without cost you have received; […]
Friday, December 4, 2015
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Gus talks to an angel today….literally. Fr. Fredy Angel, of the Diocese of Savannah, calls in to Seize the Day to talk about the methods he used to turn around the struggling Queen of Angels parish in Lakeland, Georgia. His story was recently profiled in Our Sunday Visitor. Also, Gus asks listeners if, in the wake of […]
Do You Really Believe?
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Once again, another theme runs through the readings for today. In the first reading from Isaiah 29, we read this…”And out of the gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see.” Be sure to read the rest of the reading, too. It is most beautiful! Our Gospel passage is from Matthew 9. Not […]
Thursday, December 3, 2015
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Gus reacts to the news in San Bernadino, California; the latest location of a mass shooting spree, at the hands of Syed Farook and his wife Tashfeen Malik, which left 14 people dead and 17 injured. Gus takes umbrage with the New York Daily News headline that read “God Isn’t Fixing This,” and asks callers what […]
Rock On!
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When you build a structure, a house or a building, it must have a firm foundation. Otherwise it may fall. The firmest of foundations is rock. This is the “golden thread” that runs through today’s readings. In the first reading from Isaiah 26, we read, “Trust in the Lord forever! For the Lord is an […]
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
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Gus is joined by Rep. Diane Black this morning who talks about the unfair reaction the pro-life movement is facing in the wake of Robert Lewis Dear’s killings at the Planned Parenthood facility in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Listen to the full interview here. Afterwards, Dr. James Tonkowich sits down with Gus in the Conversion Corner. […]
Behold Our God!
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In the Gospel reading today from Matthew 15, Jesus feeds a great multitude. He says, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd…I do not want to send them away hungry.” The disciples gave Him seven loaves and a few fish. Jesus fed the whole crowd. Afterwards, there were seven baskets of fragments left […]
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
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Today, we begin Phase I of our annual Project Christmas. Each year, in the four weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Gus has one charity on per week to raise money for needy individuals. Today, we welcome Angel Aloma, executive director of Food for the Poor, calls in to raise money for the poor in 17 […]
Judging Justly
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Advent is a great time to be (or become) a fan of the Old Testament. So many have the mistaken notion that the Old Testament is passe, or no longer valid. Psshh! We know that the New Testament is concealed in the Old, and Old Testament revealed in the New. We’ll be reading so many […]
Monday, November 30, 2015
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Gus opens the show by remembering his sister Phyllis who passed away early last week. Her health had been declining for some time, but it was rather unexpected. This is the third child that Gus’ mom has lost, and her oldest. We also welcome Monica Miller to the program. She’s the director of Citizens for a Pro-life Society. […]
Leaving It All Behind
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Today is the Feast of St. Andrew. He was the brother of Simon Peter. In today’s first reading from Romans 10, St. Paul asks a series of questions, ending with “And how can people preach unless they are sent?” St. Andrew was an Apostle. The word apostles means “one who is sent.” In today’s Gospel […]
Beware
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Today we begin a new year in the Church. Happy Advent! The world wants us to think that this is the Christmas season. But the Christmas season actually STARTS with Christmas! Now, I’m not saying that we shouldn’t get in the Christmas spirit. We should. But our mindset needs to go far beyond shopping and […]
Focus
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In today’s Gospel reading from Luke 21, Jesus exhorts the disciples to “Be vigilant at all times.” He talks about not letting “carousing and drunkeness and the anxieties of daily life” get in the way of being prepared for the return of the Lord. Sound advice, no? I don’t know about you, but sometimes I […]
Jesus’ Words
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In our first reading today from Daniel 7, the prophet is privileged to get a vision of heaven. He sees “One like a son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven.” It was Jesus. The One whose “kingship shall not be destroyed. In today’s Gospel reading from Luke 21, Jesus says, “Heaven and earth […]
Be Thankful
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Today is Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. Happy Thanksgiving! I have a link to today’s readings at the bottom of today’s post. But rather than comment on the readings, I want to take a moment to reflect on Thanksgiving. Did you know that the word Eucharist translates to “thanksgiving?” Isn’t it interesting that, as Catholics, […]
The Handwriting is on the Wall
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I think that many people are unaware that many common expressions actually oringinated in the Bible. Today is another example of that. We’ll talk about it in a sec. For our Gospel passage today, we’re back in Luke 21, with Jesus talking about the end of time. I talk often about how Christianity is not […]
Monday November 23rd to Friday November 27th
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Gus is taking an extended Thanksgiving holiday this week so Seize the Day will be in best of’s. Tune in to hear some truly great recent moments and Happy Thanksgiving to all our listeners and readers from Gus Lloyd and all of us here on Seize the Day!!
End Times
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Ever heard the expression “feet of clay?” It means when someone has a fatal flaw. Usually someone admired or thought highly of. We use the expression when someone lets us down. Really, we all have feet of clay. Well…at least I do. Anyway, that expression came from today’s first reading from Daniel 2. Daniel interprets […]
God Provides
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A theme in today’s readings is that God provides. In the first reading from Daniel 1, Daniel and his companions don’t want to eat the food of the king. So they convinced the servants of the king to let them eat only vegetables. After a ten day test, they looked healthier and more robust than […]
The Perfect King
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Today the Church celebrates the end of the liturgical year. Fittingly enough, it is the Feast of Christ the King. All of the readings today point to the kingship of Christ. In the Gospel reading from John 18, Pilate asks Jesus flat out if he is a king. “Are you the King of the Jews?” […]
The Price of Wickedness
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In the Gospel reading today from Luke 20, some Sadducees ask Jesus a trick question regarding the resurrection of the dead. (The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead.) Jesus answers the question and in the end affirms our belief in the Communion of Saints when He says, “[God] is not God […]
Friday, November 20, 2015
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Gus plays the trailer for the new motion picture “Spotlight,” which tells the story of those who uncovered the Boston priestly sex abuse scandal and gets listener reaction. Some callers commented on the film while others commented on the scandal itself. Gus also plays a round of Get to Know Me, where callers who get on the […]
Follow the $$$
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In the first reading today from 1 Maccabees 4, we read about the origins of Hannukah. Do you know what that Jewish feast, celebrated to this day, is all about? Read and find out! In the Gospel reading from Luke 19, we see Jesus throwing the merchants out of the temple area. The big shots […]
Thursday, November 19, 2015
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Elise Harris, writer for Catholic News Agency and the National Catholic Register, talks with Gus this morning about the reports that circulated yesterday in the Daily Herald that Mother Teresa would be canonized in September 2016. The Vatican nixed that notion, stating that the cause for her canonization had not concluded yet and no date has […]
The Time of Your Visitation
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Another great story today from 1 Maccabees. Today we meet Mattathias. Mattathias had had enough of the baloney (this is a family blog) that was being shoved down the throats of his people. When he sees a fellow Jew offering sacrifice to a false god, “his just fury was aroused; he sprang forward and killed him […]
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
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Gus continues his discussion about hosting Syrian refugees. He talks with listeners about how they feel about it and whether they think we should continue giving asylum to Syrian refugees fleeing ISIS persecution, stop it altogether or find a happy medium. Gus also talks with Shaun McAfee, founder of EpicPew, about the subject. Shaun is […]
Another Hero of Faith
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In our first reading today from 2 Maccabees 7, we meet yet another hero of faith. She is a mother who exhibits amazing faith and bravery. Some may think otherwise, but I think so, and I’ll tell you why in a moment. In the Gospel passage from Luke 19, Jesus tells a parable about three […]
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
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Fr. Michael Champagne, of the diocese of Lafayette, Louisiana, joins Gus today to tell Seize the Day listeners about his mobile confessional, which is actually a converted ambulance. Fr. Michael tells Gus how he brings confession to those who can’t bring themselves to the confessional. Check out the story in more detail here. Also, Gus talks […]