The Body and Blood of Christ
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Today the Church celebrates the Feast of Corpus Christi, or the Body and Blood of Christ. The Eucharist is “the source and summit of our faith.” It is incumbent on us as Catholics to know about the Eucharist; why we believe what we believe. Today’s readings point the way. In the first reading from Exodus […]
A Heavenly Visitor
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Generosity is all about trust – trusting in God to supply all our needs. We see one of the greatest stories ever about generosity in today’s Gospel reading from Mark 12. While rich folk are filling the temple treasury, a widow puts in two small coins. Jesus holds her up as an example. In today’s […]
Friday, June 5, 2015
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Dr. Jay Richards of the Stream calls in to Seize the Day to talk with Gus Lloyd about his open letter to the pope regarding climate change. Pope Francis’ encyclical, “Laudato Sii” (Be Praised), is slated to be released June 18th and is reported to address certain environmental issues. To read Jay’s open letter, click here. Also, […]
Now I See
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We see in the Scriptures numerous stories of sight being restored. Bartimaeus and Saul come to mind immediately. Today in our first reading, we see another blind man getting his sight back. It is Tobit. In the Gospel from Mark 12, Jesus asks how the Christ could be the son of David. After all, David […]
Thursday, June 4, 2015
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Gus talked about Bruce Jenner winning ESPN’s Arthur Ashe Courage Award, which he disagreed with. Since ESPN is owned by Disney, Gus asks listeners if they would boycott Disney in protest or if protesting organizations over their stance on certain political/social issues is an effective thing to do. Also, Gus said that the Westboro Baptist […]
The Couple That Prays Together…
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There are many touching, beautiful prayers in the Scriptures. Today in our first reading from Tobit, we see a newly married couple praying together. If this doesn’t bring a tear to your eye, then perhaps you need a check up from the neck up. In the Gospel reading, Jesus is asked which is the greatest […]
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
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Gus took up the topic of Bruce “Caitlyn” Jenner today and shared his thoughts. Listeners chimed in with many different opinions. Gus also mentioned an article by a Walt Heyer, a man who spent years as a transgender woman. You can read that here. Gus was joined today by the founders of Audio Girl Ministries, […]
Dead or Alive?
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In today’s first reading from Tobit 3, we’re introduced to one of the archangels, Raphael. God hears the prayers of Tobit and Sarah, and sends Raphael to carry out His will. In the Gospel reading from Mark 12, some Saducees come to Jesus with yet another trick question. They pose to him a scenario where […]
Adversity and Character
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In the first reading today from Tobit 2, we see Tobit go through some real hardship in his life. He loses his sight for four years. How would this effect you? In a moment, we’ll talk about how it effected Tobit. The Gospel passage today is from Mark 12. Jesus is asked about whether it […]
Monday, June 1, 2015
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Cardinal Donald Wuerl gets our Monday started by calling in to talk about his recent pastoral letter on “Being Catholic Today,” which is addressed to those Catholics concerned about the same-sex marriage debate. His eminence stressed that Jesus Christ never changed his words so why should the Church? To read more about it, click here. […]
Friday, May 29, 2015
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Today, Gus talks with Edward Pentin, Rome correspondent for the National Catholic Register and Zenit, about his recent article uncovering a secret meeting between certain bishops, theologians and media representatives in Rome who are seeking to push same-sex marriage acceptance at the upcoming Synod of the Family in October. To read Edward’s article, click here. […]
Never a Wrong Time to Do the Right Thing
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Our first reading today is the beginning of the book of Tobit. This is one of those books that is found in the Catholic Bible, but not in a Protestant one. (Unless it contained the Apocryphal or Deuterocanonical books.) We’ll talk about today’s story in a moment. In the Gospel reading from Mark 12, Jesus […]
The Family of the Trinity
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Today we celebrate the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity; three Persons, one God. The readings today reflect that. The first reading from Deuteronomy 4 tells us that there is only one God. “The Lord is God in the heavens above and on earth below, and that there is no other.” The second reading from […]
Living Under Jesus’ Authority
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Do you pray for wisdom? I hope so. When we pray for wisdom, we will receive it. (Usually in small doses, at least in my case.) Today’s first reading from Sirach 51 tells of the benefits of praying for wisdom. In the Gospel reading today from Mark 11, the chief priests, the scribes and the […]
Your Legacy
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Have you ever thought about your legacy – what you will leave behind when your days on earth are over? More on that in a moment. In today’s Gospel reading, we see an interesting story about Jesus cursing a fig tree. It dies, and Jesus gives His disciples a lesson on faith. In today’s first […]
Thursday, May 28, 2015
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Gus talks about engagement a lot today. The last several weeks, Pope Francis has given a catechesis on marriage preparation at his weekly general audiences. Gus asks listeners how long they were engaged and whether or not they went to any marriage prep classes like pre-cana. And, speaking of Pope Francis, did you know he […]
The Prayer of Bartimaeus
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Atheists (allegedly) believe that there is no God. I’ve never been able to get my arms around that notion. Just look around at creation! That’s what Sirach does in the first reading today. “The universe lives and abides forever; to meet each need, each creature is preserved. All of them differ, one from another, yet none […]
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
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Gus talks about his first car, Victor Valiant. It was a 1966 Plymouth Valiant his dad bought for him in 1976. He asks listeners what there first car was and to share their memories of it. Also, Matthew James Wilson, associate professor of Religion and Literature, Department of Humanities and Augustinian Traditions, at Villanova University, about […]
Servant Leadership
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Today’s first reading from Sirach 36 is a beautiful prayer. In the Gospel reading today from Mark 10:35-45, James and John ask to sit at Jesus right and left when He comes into His Kingdom. Jesus summons the Twelve and lets them know the score. Jesus says, “Whoever wishes to be great among you will […]
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
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Since there was no live show yesterday, Gus opens up the phones early for Tell Me Something Good. Also, Richard Sontag, director of the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land, calls in to talk about the dire situation in the Holy Land, which seems to be getting worse. They’ve updated their Web site to make gives a […]
Giving Up Everything
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Are you being generous to your church and to the poor? These actions are pleasing to God and have great benefit. We read about it in today’s first reading from Sirach 35. This is affirmed in the Gospel reading from Mark 10. Peter says to Jesus, “We have given up everything and followed you.” Jesus […]
Monday, May 25, 2015
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Happy Memorial Day from Gus Lloyd and all of us on Seize the Day! Thanks to all of those who gave their precious time and, in some cases, very lives to our nation’s service. Gus took off to observe the holiday but he didn’t leave you empty-handed. Today was a Conversion Corner Special! We relived some […]
Friday, May 22, 2015
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It’s Friday so that means it’s time for Prayer Time on Seize the Day. Also, Gus welcomes Tom Grossman to the Conversion Corner. Tom is a convert from non-denominational charismatic Christianity and you can check out his recent appearance on the Coming Home Network by clicking here. Gus also gives away prizes today by playing […]
Thursday, May 21, 2015
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Gus starts off on a bit of a light-hearted note when he asks if it’s OK to take the hotel bathroom amenities home with you. This idea came about when a friend of his, who just so happens to be a very faithful person, showed him an entire bag full. She did, however, tell him […]
A Grateful Heart
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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 […]
The Spirit’s Gifts
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Today is Pentecost Sunday, the birthday of the Church. Happy Birthday! We see this reflected in the readings, especially in the first reading from Acts. I’d like to concentrate on the second reading today from 1 Corinthians 12. St. Paul talks about different spiritual gifts, all given by the one Spirit. I’m real big on […]
You Follow Me
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In Acts 28 today, we see Paul continuing in his ministry, even while in custody. Oh, that we could all have the evangelistic spirit of St. Paul! In the Gospel reading from John 21, Peter sees John coming toward him and Jesus and asks Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus’ reply is interesting. Jesus tells […]
Unlimited Mulligans
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In the first reading today from Acts 25, Paul is in Caesarea awaiting trial. He is asked if he wants to go to Jerusalem to have his case heard. Paul declines, knowing that God is sending him to Rome. So Paul appeals his case to the Emperor. Our Gospel reading is from John 21, one […]
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
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Are your kids grown and do they still go to mass? Gus asks listeners if they had rules for going to mass when they were kids and if they passed them along to their kids? And Gus welcomes Leah Jacobson to Seize the Day. She’s the president and founder of the Guiding Star Project, which provides support […]
The Other Lord’s Prayer
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In our first reading today from Acts, Paul puts himself squarely in the middle of a dispute between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Paul, a Pharisee by birth and training, spoke of the resurrection of the dead. This was not something the Sadducees bought into. So a big old fight breaks out and Paul has […]
Truth Perverters
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St. Paul finishes up his farewell speech to the presbyters of the Church of Ephesus in today’s first reading from Acts 20. After he is done, there were many tears, for they knew that they would never see him again. In the Gospel reading from John 17, Jesus asks the father to “consecrate them (the […]
The Important Stuff
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Sometimes we can get our priorities a bit out of whack, wouldn’t you say? I’m sure there was a time in St. Paul’s life when that was true. But in today’s first reading from Acts 20, he talks about what is really important. More on that in a moment. For the Gospel today, we’re back […]
Monday, May 18, 2015
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Gus kicks off the week by talking about being a confirmation sponsor this past weekend to his nephew Brian and what that experience was like. Also, Adam MacLeod, associate professor of law at Faulkner University, calls in to talk with Gus about the Louisiana Marriage and Conscience Act, which is currently a bill in the Louisiana […]
Arguing for God
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As someone who talks for a living, I have the utmost admiration for St. Paul. More on that in a moment. In the Gospel reading today from John 16, Jesus once again warns His disciples that life would not be a bed of roses. “In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I […]
Jesus’ Unity Prayer
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We call the “Our Father” The Lord’s Prayer. And rightly so, since it is the prayer that Jesus taught us to pray. But down through the ages, theologians have also thought of today’s Gospel reading from John 17 as The Lord’s Prayer. This is Jesus’ great prayer to the Father for unity among believers. “Father, […]
Whatever You Ask
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We hear more of Jesus’ words to the Apostles at the Last Supper from John 16 today. He tells them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.” That’s quite a promise, wouldn’t you say. So let me ask you something: If you could ask […]
Friday, May 15, 2015
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Gus talks more about religious “none’s”; that is, people, according to a recent Pew Research study, who don’t identify with any type of religion. He takes more calls from listeners who once considered themselves “none’s” or wish to talk about friends or family members who are currently “none’s.” And speaking of “none’s,” Gus welcomes Fr. Shane […]
Silent No More
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You may think that baldness is a recent fad. If that is the case, then St. Paul would fit right in! We see in today’s first reading from Acts 18 that, because of a vow he took, he had his head shaved. In the Gospel reading from John 16, Jesus equates the grief that His […]
Thursday, May 14, 2015
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Gus has a variety of topics to discuss with his listeners. First, he asks if any of them have experienced a miscarriage in their life and what that experience was like for them. Then, Gus talks about the latest Pew Research Study, which shows the numbers of people with no religious affiliation increasing. The study […]
The Ascension of the Lord
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Today the Church celebrates Ascension Thursday. In most dioceses around the country, this feast will be celebrated this Sunday. Some dioceses and archdioceses still celebrate the feast. If you are in one of those, then today is a Holy Day of obligation for you. You get to go to Mass today! If not, today is the Feast […]
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
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Today Gus talked about the growth of “nones,” people who claim no religious affiliation, in the US today. Check out this fascinating study from the Pew Center here. Fr. Andrew Apostoli stopped by to talk about Our Lady of Fatima on her feast day today. For more info on Fatima, check out Fr. Apostoli’s book. […]
Guide to Truth
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In the first reading today from Acts 17, St. Paul finds himself at the Areopagus in Athens. He gives an impassioned speech to the people there (who were pantheistic) about the one true God. He says, “…indeed he is not far from any one of us.” In the Gospel reading from John 16, Jesus continues […]
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
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Gus talks working for the Church this morning. Have you ever worked in a Church ministry and did you find it fulfilling? He also sounds off on those who downplay sin in today’s popular culture. He says sins like adultery and abortion will always be sins and we’d be better-served as a community if we […]
Convicted
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Another jailbreak in our first reading today from Acts 16. Today God uses a mighty earthquake to break the chains of Paul and Silas. And the happenings after the jailbreak are amazing! Be sure to check it out. For our Gospel reading, we’re back in John 16, as Jesus speaks more about the Advocate, the […]
Monday, May 11, 2015
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Gus revealed today that his credit card was compromised over the weekend, apparently “skimmed” at a gas pump. Gus asked callers if they had ever fallen victim to identity theft or credit card fraud. Dr. Grazie Pozo Christie joined Gus to talk about the ACLU suing the federal government to oust Catholic Charities from giving […]
Pay Attention!
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In the Gospel reading today from John 15 and 16, Jesus talks about the Advocate, the Spirit of truth. He also tells the disciples that “the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God.” My, that’s a comforting thought, huh? In our first reading from Acts 16, […]
You are Chosen
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In the Gospel reading today from John 15, we hear Jesus tell the disciples, “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you.” Have you ever heard the phrase, “The Chosen One?” Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars had that title. A few egotistical sports personalities have given themselves the name. This distinction […]
On Being Hated
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Jesus spoke often about love. It’s kind of what He was all about. But today we hear Him speak of hate. And not just generically, but very specifically. He tells the disciples, “Because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you.” The Christian […]
Friday, May 8, 2015
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It’s the Seize the Day run up to Mother’s Day! Gus kicks off the day with Prayer Time and then moves on to the topic of making Church more appealing to teens. So often, after first holy communion and confirmation, kids fall away from the Church. Gus gets your opinion on what we can do […]
True Love
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Back in Acts 15 today, we continue to see this picture of the early Church being the Catholic Church. There was a central authority, Peter in communion with the Apostles. Today we see them sending out men to lead some of the outlying churches (bishops). In these first years, the Church was “based” is Jerusalem. […]