Tuesday, August 26, 2014
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Lots to talk about on Seize the Day today! First, Gus talks about Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Brevard County, Florida, which has ceased being a state voting location following complaints over its memorial to the unborn. Gus asks his listeners if they feel the church made the right decision or not. To read […]
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
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Lots to talk about on Seize the Day today! First, Gus talks about Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Brevard County, Florida, which has ceased being a state voting location following complaints over its memorial to the unborn. Gus asks his listeners if they feel the church made the right decision or not. To read […]
Weightier Things
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Many people reject the Catholic Church because of the teaching that divine revelation consists of Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. They say that Jesus condemned tradition. St. Paul has something else to say, as we see in today’s first reading from 2 Thessalonians 2. In the Gospel reading from Matthew 23, we hear Jesus calling […]
Monday, August 25, 2014
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Monday always means another edition of Tell Me Something Good on Seize the Day! It’s an exercise in flexing our gratitude muscles. What are you grateful for today? Gus welcomed Bishop Mitchell Rozanski, the new bishop of Springfield, MA to the show today. Bishop Rozanski talked about his vocation to the priesthood, being named America’s […]
Monday, August 25, 2014
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Monday always means another edition of Tell Me Something Good on Seize the Day! It’s an exercise in flexing our gratitude muscles. What are you grateful for today? Gus welcomed Bishop Mitchell Rozanski, the new bishop of Springfield, MA to the show today. Bishop Rozanski talked about his vocation to the priesthood, being named America’s […]
Hypocrites
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For the first reading today we begin 2 Thessalonians. St. Paul compliments the people for their “endurance and faith in all your persecutions and the afflictions you endure.” Wouldn’t it be great if people could say that of us? In the Gospel reading today from Matthew 23, Jesus has some harsh words for the scribes […]
The Gates of Hell
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In today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 16, we see the famous exchange between Peter and Jesus. It is one that Catholics especially should be familiar with, since it helps us to understand the office of the papacy, and Peter’s role as leader of the Church. Jesus says, “You are Peter and upon this rock I […]
Humble Yourself
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In the first reading today, Ezekiel is led by an angel to the temple, where he sees the glory of God. He hears the voice of God say to him, “This is where my throne shall be…here I will dwell among the children of Israel forever.” In today’s Gospel reading, we hear Jesus say, “Call […]
Dem Bones, Dem Dry Bones
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The toe bone connected to the foot bone. The foot bone connected to the ankle bone. Ever heard of dem bry bones? (It’s an old spiritual tune.) That song was written about today’s first reading! More in a moment. In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is asked which commandment in the law is the greatest. Be […]
From Stone to Flesh
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In today’s first reading from Ezekiel 36, God tells the people that He is going to take some corrective measures. We also hear the renewal of the covenant…”You shall be my people, and I will be your God.” The Gospel reading from Matthew 22 is the parable of a king throwing a wedding feast. He […]
Now Hiring
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Today’s first reading is one that should be required daily reading for priests and bishops. Through Ezekiel, God talks about some not-so-good shepherds. He is not pleased; and when He is not pleased, things don’t end well for those with whom He is not pleased. Pray for our bishops and priests, that they may be […]
The Possible
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It seems the prince of Tyre thought an awful lot of himself – fancied himself a god. This didn’t sit well with the one true God. See what message God has for this guy in today’s first reading from Ezekiel 28. In today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 19, we pick up the story of the […]
Monday, August 18, 2014
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This morning Gus talked about the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. He has been challenged by some friends, but has some concerns. You can read more of his thoughts by checking out his Facebook page. Also, you may want to read this article about the challenge. It’s Monday, and that means another episode of Tell Me […]
What Do I Still Lack?
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We have a very sad first reading today from Ezekiel 24. The LORD tells Ezekiel that he is going to take away the delight of your eyes, and that Ezekiel should not do the customary mourning, but be ready to press on. He would be a sign for the people. See what happens. The Gospel […]
Answering God’s Call
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Though I typically like to do an overview of the Scriptures, today I want to concentrate on one sentence in our second reading. This passage from Romans 11 has always had a great deal of meaning to me. St. Paul writes, “For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.” I love that word […]
Return and Live!
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Jesus had a heart for children. Take a look at today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 19. He says, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” This is just one of the reasons why Catholics have always baptized their children. In today’s […]
Feast of the Assumption of Mary
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Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Don’t forget, it is a Holy Day of Obligation. This is one of those days that is greatly misunderstood by many. So let’s talk about it, and hopefully clear up some misconceptions that some people may have. First of all, Catholics […]
Thursday, August 14, 2014
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On today’s Seize the Day, Gus revisits the statement made recently by the Liberian Church Council saying “God is angry with Liberia” and that “Ebola is a plague.” Gus again asks his listeners if they feel God does indeed punish people in that manner. Gus also talks about a recent article in the Washington Post which said […]
Feeling Forgiveness
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Today in Ezekiel, the prophet is told to do some things in full view of the people as an example. He acts as one going into exile, showing the people what was about to happen to them. In the Gospel from Matthew 18, Peter asks Jesus how often he has to forgive a brother who […]
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
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Gus sits down for an extended Conversion Corner with Fr. Jerry Byrd. He called into the show recently as a listener and Gus was so interested in his story that he invited him back for an extended stay. Fr. Byrd is a convert from the southern Baptist faith. Also, Gus has a lengthy discussion with listeners […]
Gathering in Jesus’ Name
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In today’s first reading from Ezekiel 9 an d 10, we see a scene reminiscent of the Passover. God has the faithful marked with a sign. Only they will be spared death. In our Gospel reading today from Matthew 18, Jesus gives the Twelve the ability to bind and loose. Ancient rabbinic literature tells us […]
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
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Gus remembers comedian Robin Williams who apparently committed suicide yesterday in his Northern California home. Gus pays homage to him and asks his listeners if anyone in their lives committed suicide and how it affected them. Also, Catholic News Services Rome Bureau Chief Frank Rocca calls into the program to talk about the pope’s appointment of […]
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
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Gus remembers comedian Robin Williams who apparently committed suicide yesterday in his Northern California home. Gus pays homage to him and asks his listeners if anyone in their lives committed suicide and how it affected them. Also, Catholic News Services Rome Bureau Chief Frank Rocca calls into the program to talk about the pope’s appointment of […]
The Sweetness of God’s Word
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In the Gospel reading today from Matthew 18, Jesus asks a question about a man who has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray. Jesus says, “Will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray?” God is always looking after us when we go astray – […]
Monday, August 11, 2014
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It’s back to the salt mines so Gus kicks off Monday in familiar fashion with Tell Me Something Good where callers share their good news in an effort to beat back the Monday morning blues. Then, Catholic blogger Joshua Bowman calls in to the program to counter a recent CNN article that criticized the “lavish […]
The Temple Tax
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Today’s first reading is from the opening chapter of the Book of Ezekiel. In it Ezekiel sees a vision of heaven. It is truly an awesome sight. In the Gospel reading from Matthew 17, the collectors of the temple tax ask Peter whether Jesus pays the tax. When Peter walks into the room where Jesus […]
Come
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What would you think if you were out in a boat and you saw someone walking toward you – on the water? You’d probably think you were seeing a ghost. The disciples of Jesus did. When Jesus tells them it is He, Peter tells Jesus to “command me to come to you on the water.” […]
Move Your Mountain
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In the first reading today, God tells the prophet Habakkuk to write down a vision. Then He encourages the people to wait for the vision to be fulfilled. “If it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late. The rash man has no integrity; but the just man, because of […]
Friday, August 8, 2014
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Friday means Prayer Time on Seize the Day and Gus takes prayer intentions from his listeners. Also, last night, President Obama announced air strikes on ISIS factions in Iraq, partially in support of the 50,000 Christians, including women and children, who are stranded on various mountains and are being systematically starved to death. Gus asks […]
Taking the Long View
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God is a God of peace, but also of judgment. In the first reading today from Nahum, the prophet rejoices in the promise that the LORD would restore Israel. He also takes pleasure in the destruction of Nineveh in Assyria. The Assyrians were a brutal and ruthless people, and their destruction was seen as God’s […]
Thursday, August 7, 2014
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While scanning his newspaper before the show, Gus read a story about a car accident that killed an infant and he surmises that, just before that tragic accident, life was probably moving along just fine for all those involved. So, he asks his listeners if their lives ever changed in an instant. And then Gus takes […]
Thursday, August 7, 2014
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While scanning his newspaper before the show, Gus read a story about a car accident that killed an infant and he surmises that, just before that tragic accident, life was probably moving along just fine for all those involved. So, he asks his listeners if their lives ever changed in an instant. And then Gus takes […]
Written on Our Hearts
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In salvation history, God’s people broke the covenant relationship with God again and again. We’ll talk about why in a moment. In the Gospel reading today, we see the scene at Caesarea Philippi where Jesus gives Peter the keys to the kingdom. A profound moment, indeed. In the first reading from Jeremiah 31, God acknowledges […]
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
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Gus talks a little about surrogate motherhood on today’s edition of Seize the Day and questions the morality of it after recounting the recent news story of an Australian couple who refused to take a baby from a surrogate mother after he was diagnosed with Downs syndrome. To read more about it, click here. And, Catholic […]
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
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Gus talks a little about surrogate motherhood on today’s edition of Seize the Day and questions the morality of it after recounting the recent news story of an Australian couple who refused to take a baby from a surrogate mother after he was diagnosed with Downs syndrome. To read more about it, click here. And, Catholic […]
Good That We are Here
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Today we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. In the first reading from Daniel 7, Daniel sees a vision of Jesus in His glory. Of course, he didn’t know it was Jesus, but “one like a Son of Man.” In the second reading from 2 Peter 1, St. Peter recounts the Transfiguration […]
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
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“Peace be with you.” It’s a familiar phrase spoken at mass, but is it on its way out? The Vatican is asking dioceses to restrain the sign of peace a little so that it doesn’t overshadow the Eucharist. Gus asks his listeners what they think of the sign of peace. To read more about the future […]
It’s What Comes Out
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Today in Jeremiah 30, we see the old “bad news good news” scenario. God tells Jeremiah to write down a summation of the past, present and future. The bad news is what has recently happened to His people. The good news is that God has not forgotten His ancient covenant. “You shall be my people, […]
Monday, August 4, 2014
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Gus gets motivational this morning, talking about goals. One goal we all have in common is to get to heaven, so he asks his listeners what spiritual goals have they set for themselves. Also, we get a visit from Anne Fox, president of Massachusetts Citizens for Life to talk about her state enacting temporary buffer […]
Eyes on the Prize
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In the first reading today from Jeremiah 28, we see a new prophet on the scene, Hananiah. Or do we? Hananiah makes a prophesy, but it turns out that he was speaking on his own, not from the Lord. God doesn’t look too kindly on this sort of thing. See what happens to him yourself. […]
Christ’s Great Love
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In today’s second reading and the Gospel reading, we read about the great love of Christ. St. Paul asks, “What will separate us from the love of Christ?” He then goes on to give a big list of things, none of which “will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ […]
Spilling Innocent Blood
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More prophet talk for us today. In the first reading, the priests and prophets want Jeremiah put to death. But Jeremiah tells them, “If you put me to death, it is innocent blood you bring on yourselves.” In the Gospel, we read about more innocent blood, that of John the Baptist. Matthew recounts the story […]
Friday, August 1, 2014
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On his 34th wedding anniversary to his bride, Michelle, Gus dedicates the entire show to weddings. He talks about their lifestyle before they brought God into their marriage and asks his married listeners how their marriages have changed over the years. He also asks what special things they do together on their anniversary. Also, it’s […]
A Prophet’s Pain
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In both of our readings today, we see and hear that prophets get “dissed.” In Jeremiah 26, our first reading, we see Jeremiah saying everything that God tells him to say. The people’s response? “You must be put to death!” Gee, that’ll make you want to open your mouth next time, won’t it? Then in […]
Thursday, July 31, 2014
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Gus is all about St. Ignatius of Loyola on today’s edition of Seize the Day. After all, it is his feast day. First, Gus kicks everything off by playing Bible Roulette, Ignatian style. Callers who get on the air get a Bible passage that they can reflect and meditate on all day in the style of […]
Clay in the Potter’s Hands
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Today we see what I hope is a familiar story in Jeremiah 18. Though you may not know the chapter and verse, it is the story of Jeremiah going to watch a potter at work. More in a moment. In the Gospel, we read the final verses in Matthew 13, the “parable chapter.” Jesus tells […]
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
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Gus talks about dating today on Seize the Day! He asks listeners to call in to talk about how they met their spouse, particularly if they met via an online dating site. Also, Gus is joined by Fr. Brian Jordan, O.F.M. and his attorney, Matthew Dowd, from Wiely Rein, LLC, to talk about their court […]
Treasure Map
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In Jeremiah 15 today, God speaks of the need for repentance. “Thus the Lord answered me: If you repent, so that I restore you, in my presence you shall stand.” Yet another reminder for us that repentance only brings about good things. In the Gospel reading from Matthew 13, Jesus tells two very brief parables […]
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
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Gus kicks off the show by talking about weight loss. He and his family are big fans of the reality series “The Biggest Loser” and he asks people to call in who’ve lost great amounts of weight to explain what was the spiritual component of that experience. We also hear from Edward Clancy, outreach director […]
A Heart of Service
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Today we celebrate the feast of St. Martha. As per ususal, there are options for the readings. The options for a Gospel reading are from John 11 or Luke 10. In these two readings, we see two different sides of Martha. In John, Martha is filled with faith, and even echoes the words of St. […]