Thursday, May 7, 2015
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It was Pro Life Thursday on Seize the Day. First, Gus welcomed Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life America, who spoke about pro-life groups’ increasing frustration over the U.S. Congress’ inactivity over restrictions on pain-capable abortions. You can read more about it here. During the conversation, Gus brought up Pope Francis sending priests out […]
Happiness and Joy
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In today’s first reading from Acts 15, we see that the early Church was hierarchical. There was a dispute about whether the Gentiles needed to be circumcised and follow the Mosaic laws in order to be saved. Paul and Barnabas knew that this was not a matter that could be settled on a local level. […]
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
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Today Gus talked about changing societal attitudes about tattoos. Many listeners called in to share about their ink, their children’s ink and stigmas still attached with that. Gus recently shared the story of a man who was called by Pope Francis three times. That was because he hung up on the Pope twice, thinking he […]
The Pain of Pruning
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The early Church had lots of controversy. One of the hot topics of the day was circumcision. Did believers need to be circumcised like the Jews? In the first reading today from Acts 15, that question comes up and is taken to the Apostles for a decision. In the Gospel reading from John 15, Jesus […]
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
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Gus talked today about Fr. Michael McLellan, pastor of St. John the Evangelist in Canton, MA who died April 27 at Mass. Gus asked listeners if they had ever been through a traumatic or disruptive situation at Mass. Stephanie To of the Respect Life Apostolate of the Archdiocese of St. Louis came on to talk […]
No Troubled Hearts
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Hardships are a fact of life. Whether we want them or not, they come our way. In today’s first reading from Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas tell the people, “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.” The question is, how do we let those hardships affect us? […]
He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not
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A very interesting story today in Acts 14 for our first reading. After healing a man who had been crippled from birth, Paul and Barnabas are worshipped as gods. This does not sit too well with them and they tell the people that they are just men; flesh and bone like them. Funny…I know some […]
The Vine and the Branches
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In today’s Gospel reading from John 15, we hear Jesus say, “I am the vine, you are the branches.”This gives us a good opportunity to meditate a bit today on botany, and how well this saying of Jesus relates to us. Have you ever tended plants, particularly vines? They are interesting. You can hack away […]
Ask Anything
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More action and adventure from Acts today. Paul and Barnabas get booted out of Antioch by some Jews who didn’t agree with their preaching. So the pair “shook the dust from their feet in protest against them.” In the Gospel from John 14, Jesus says to the disciples, “Whatever you ask in my name, I […]
The Way, The Truth, The Life
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Our Gospel reading today is from John 14. Over the last few days in the daily liturgy, we have gone over this chapter of John’s Gospel in parts. We hear Jesus tell Thomas, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” It is good […]
Thursday, April 30, 2015
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Gus talks about some of the major issues facing the Catholic Church in 2015; namely ISIS, same-sex marriage, income disparity, abortion and religious liberty. He asks listeners to call in and rank them in their order of importance. Also, in a bit of fun, Gus talks about a predicament we’ve all experienced; sitting at a […]
Exhortation
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Paul is in the synagogue in Antioch in today’s first reading. The synagogue officials ask if he has a word of exhortation for the people. In the Gospel from John 13, we hear Jesus saying, “Whoever receives the one I send receives me.” I was intrigued by the invitation given to Paul in today’s reading […]
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
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Gus starts off by talking to Jocelyn Floyd, associate counsel at the Thomas More Society, about the oral arguments given at the Supreme Court of the United States over same-sex marriage. Later, Gus played audio of same of the deliberations between some of the justices and those representing both sides of the issue. To read […]
Darkness
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Barnabas and Paul were well-traveled men. God kept them very busy. In today’s first reading from Acts 12-13, the Holy Spirit says, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” And off they went. St. John was big on writing about light and darkness. Today he recounts […]
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
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Gus talked a bit about Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner receiving communion at Cardinal Emeritus Francis George’s funeral last Thursday. Problem was, Rauner isn’t Catholic. Oftentimes, Catholics experience this conundrum once in a while, particularly at weddings and funerals, and Gus asks listeners how they let their non-Catholic family and friends know that they cannot receive […]
Salvation
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Today in Acts, we see more and more people coming to believe through the preaching and teaching of Barnabas and Saul. We also see the first use of the word “Christians.” In the Gospel from John, we hear Jesus continue to talk about His sheep. One of the things that has divided Christians since the […]
Monday, April 27, 2015
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Gus talks about closed-circuit televisions in the chapel during mass. Some churches use them during readings, psalms, and even more. He asks his listeners if they find them to be a help or a hindrance. Also, Gus talks about presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s speech at the Women of the World Summit last Thursday where she said […]
Life – More Abundantly
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Another awesome day in the Scriptures! In the first reading from Acts 11, Peter has a vision. He is then visited by some men who were sent to him by the Holy Spirit. It is then that Peter realizes that salvation is for the Gentiles, too. This was major stuff. Peter says something that we […]
Following the Shepherd
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In today’s Gospel reading from John 10, Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd.” He continues with the analogy of referring to his followers as sheep. Many of us today, if not the vast majority, have never really had any experience with sheep. So we may have a bit of a hard time following these […]
St. Mark
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Today is the Feast of St. Mark, the author of one of the Gospel accounts. The first reading is from 1 Peter 5, where St. Peter mentions “Mark, my son.” The Gospel reading is from Mark 16 and contains Mark’s version of the great commission. Mark is not believed to have been the biological son […]
Friday, April 24, 2015
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Inspired by today’s first reading (Acts 9: 1-20), which recounts the story of the conversion of St. Paul, Gus asks listeners to call in who have ever been anti-Catholic, or anti-religious, and experienced a religious conversion (Pictured below is Caravaggio’s 1601 painting “Conversion of St. Paul). Also, Bishop John Barres, of the Diocese of Allentown, […]
Putting Together the Pieces
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The first reading today is the story of the conversion of St. Paul. Saul has a close encounter with Jesus, and it rocks his world. Many of us have had radical conversion experiences. But God calls us to conversion daily, and most often uses much more subtle means. Let’s pray that we’ll see them all. […]
Thursday, April 23, 2015
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Gus talked about a controversial new ad for an establishment called “carafem,” which identifies itself as an abortion “spa” and gets listener reaction. Take a look at the commercial and see what you think. And, Gus welcomes Amy Daniels to the Conversion Corner. She is a convert from the Methodist faith and was even a minister. […]
Of Bread and Flesh
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A very interesting story in our first reading today from Acts 8. The Holy Spirit sends Philip, one of the newly ordained deacons, to interpret the Scriptures for an Ethiopian eunuch. After this, the eunuch says, “Look, there is water. What is to prevent my being baptized?” Philip baptizes him, then disappears. This passage always […]
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
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Today Gus talked about a letter that a priest in Ann Arbor, MI sent his parishioners called “We’re Not in Mayberry Anymore, Toto.” Gus talked about whether it was appropriate for a priest to be encouraging his flock to consider carrying a gun, and the appropriateness of have a concealed carry class at the parish. […]
Raised Up
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In the first reading from Acts 8 today, we read about Saul persecuting the Church. Because of the persecution happening in Jerusalem, all but the Apostles left there. We read about the bold preaching and healing ministry of Philip. We’re back in John 6 for the Gospel reading today. Jesus says, “Everyone who sees the […]
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
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Gus was asked to be his nephew’s confirmation sponsor and asks listeners what would be a good gift. And, Gus talks about a controversial story that starting bubbling in the Catholic news world yesterday. It’s come to light that the Vice President of Overseas Finance Rick Estridge is involved in a same-sex marriage and has […]
The New Manna
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Stephen was the first martyr; he was the first person in recorded history to shed his blood and die for the sake of his faith in Jesus. In the first reading today from Acts 7, we read about how that happened. Be sure to note the last words from the lips of St. Stephen. In […]
Monday, April 20, 2015
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Gus challenges the notion that Catholics don’t know the Bible. Because we get so many Scripture passages during the mass, Gus asks his listeners to “finish the psalm.” He starts off a responsorial psalm and callers have to finish it. Winners get a prize. We also talk to Catholic author Ric Colgrove about his latest release entitled “Be: […]
Friday, April 17, 2015
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Gus invites his callers to call in for Prayer Time first thing this morning. Also, Gus asks listeners to talk about the most frightening moment in their lives and how they handled it. Another discussion topic, later in the show, was if you ever had a “rock bottom” moment with God? Was there ever was […]
Thursday, April 16, 2015
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Catholic blogger Joanna Wahlund joins Gus to talk about the plight of the Catholic working mother. You can read Joanna’s article on that subject by clicking here. Also, Gus asks listeners if they’ve ever left a job without having another one lined up and what that was like for them spiritually and emotionally.
Will Work for Jesus
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Today in Acts 6, we begin reading about St. Stephen. This was a very bold guy who was about to find himself in some real trouble. But even in the face of adversity, St. Stephen’s face “was like the face of an angel.” Tomorrow we will read about the martyrdom of this bold and holy […]
Peace be with You
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In today’s Gospel reading from Luke 24, Jesus appears to the disciples after the resurrection. Two disciples had just told the others how they encountered Jesus on the road to Emmaus, and how He was made known to them in the breaking of the bread. “Peace be with you.” Jesus knew how troubled they all […]
Our First Deacons
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In today’s first reading from Acts 6, we read about the ordination of our first deacons. More on that in a moment. In the Gospel reading from John 6, Jesus is strolling on the Sea of Galilee. Yes, walking on the water. The disciples, having never seen this done before, are frightened. But Jesus reassures […]
Rejoicing in Humiliation
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Another uber-cool reading from Acts of the Apostles today. Be sure to read what Gamaliel, a famous rabbi, says about this new “Jesus movement.” (My words, not the Scripture.) We also see a very interesting attitude from the Apostles today. More on that in a moment. Today in the Gospel reading, we begin reading John […]
Obedience to God or Men?
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There is a theme today in the readings: obedience. We hear Peter and the Apostles talk about it in the first reading from Acts 5. And in the Gospel reading from John 3 we read, “Whoever disobeys the Son will not see life.” Peter and the Apostles are dragged before the Sanhedrin, the high court […]
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
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Kathy Ostrowski, legislative director of Kansans for Life, joins Gus this morning to talk about her state becoming the first to ban dismember abortions. The measure also passed recently in Oklahoma. To read more about it, click here. Gus then asks listeners to call in and weigh in on whether or not the pro-life movement […]
God So Loved
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In today’s first reading from Acts 5, we see the first of numerous jail breaks in the Acts of the Apostles. Seems that the authorities wanted to keep the Apostles silent, to stop them from preaching Jesus. So they kept throwing them in the pokey. But God would have none of it. So He sent […]
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
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Today, Gus invites Dave Sloan on to the show. Dave is leading a mission trip to Philadelphia to see Pope Francis in September called Francis in Philly. He talks with Gus about an article he wrote about how Pope Francis made his mother stop hating Catholicism. To read it, click here. Gus also asks his […]
Monday, April 13, 2015
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Today, the focus was on the listeners today as Gus spoke with them about a bunch of things. First, it’s Monday, so that means we have a round of Tell Me Something Good, where listeners share their good news and blessings. And, we do a round of mini-Conversion Corners. Gus invites converts and reverts to […]
Born of the Spirit
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Jesus prayed for unity at the Last Supper. In today’s first reading we see an example of that unity in the first community of believers. They were “of one heart and mind” and “they had everything in common.” In the Gospel reading today from John 3, we hear the rest of the conversation between Jesus […]
Born Again Christians
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Another awesome first reading today from Acts 4. After Peter and John were released, the disciples all got together and prayed, “And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness.” The Scripture says “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak […]
Divine Mercy Sunday
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Today, the second Sunday of Easter, is Divine Mercy Sunday. So, rather than do a reflection on the daily Scriptures (I’ll trust you to do that on your own!), I thought we could take just a moment to reflect on God’s mercy. If you do a search of the Scriptures, you will find hundreds of […]
Proclaiming the Gospel
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Today in Acts 4, the Sanhedrin comes to the conclusion that something astonishing happened through Peter and John. But just to be safe, they tell them not to ever again speak of the name of Jesus. Uh…not so much. Peter responds with, “It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen […]
Friday, April 10, 2015
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Gus talked today about going to the hospice house, where his sister died 10 months ago from cancer, because they dedicated a new leaf in her honor on their Tree of Life. It was the first time he’s been there since her passing. Gus asks listeners if they’ve ever been a caregiver to a loved […]
In Jesus’ Name
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In today’s Gospel reading from John 21, we read about Jesus’ third appearance to the disciples after the resurrection. It’s really an interesting story. The disciples had been out fishing all night. They had no luck at all. At dawn, they saw Jesus standing on the shore, but they did not realize it was Him. […]
Thursday, April 9, 2015
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Gus continues the death penalty debate in the wake of the Dzhokhar Tsarnaev verdicts issued yesterday by a jury. He was found guilty on all 30 counts he faced in the Boston Marathon bombing trial. Gus asks listeners whether or not they’d put him to death or give him life in prison. To read more on the […]
Witness
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The word “witness” is a noun and a verb. We are the first, we must do the other. Peter and the Apostles were perfect examples of this, as we see again in the first reading today from Acts 3. Peter says, “…of this we are witnesses.” That can be taken in both contexts. In the […]
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
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Gus posted a very amusing video on his Facebook page of an Orthodox priest soaking his parishioners with holy water doused in flowers. In light of that, Gus asks listeners what their priest uses during the sprinkling at Easter mass and what that experience was like for them. By the way, the instrument typically used to […]
Burning Hearts
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Many of us wish we had more, so that we could be more generous. But generosity really has nothing to do with money. St. Peter speaks to this very well in today’s first reading from Acts 3. He says to a crippled man, “I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I […]