The Word Became Flesh
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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, nearly 2000 years ago, St. John said the same thing. Read today’s reading. […]
Loving “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, […]
Canticle 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 […]
Perfect Family
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The Sunday after Christmas is the Feast of the Holy Family. There are numerous options for readings today, and all of the readings talk about family and relationships. Click on the link below to see the readings. We would do well to read them all. The Holy Family is the perfect example of what a family is, […]
Sprinting to Jesus
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Today we celebrate the Feast of St. John the Evangelist. St. John was the beloved disciple, the author of the fourth Gospel, three letters in the New Testament and the Book of Revelation. Our first reading today is from the beginning of St. John’s first letter. “We proclaim now…our fellowship is with the Father and […]
The Witness of St. Stephen
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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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Isn’t it odd that Christmas Eve is one of the shortest days of the year? I know – there are 24 hours in every day. But the winter solstice was just a couple of days ago, and in North America, we have one of the shortest amounts of daylight today. I say that it’s odd […]
Before the Day of the Lord
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Today in the liturgy, the day before Christmas Eve, we concentrate on the birth of John the Baptist. In the first reading we see the prophecy from Malachi 3: “Lo, I will send you Elijah, the prophet, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and terrible day, to turn the hearts of the […]
Monday, December 22, 2014
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Every Monday, Gus does a segment called “Tell Me Something Good.” It’s an opportunity for listeners to call in and share their recent blessings. Today Gus put a bit of a different twist on it and asked listeners to call in and share their greatest blessing of 2014. Great stories of God’s power ensued. Today […]
My Soul Proclaims the Greatness of the Lord
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In today’s first reading from 1 Samuel 1, we see Hannah giving up her only son to the service of the Lord. Eli, the priest, had prayed that Hannah might be granted the desire of her heart, a son. After Samuel was born, she gave him to Eli to be brought up to serve the […]
The Handmaid of the Lord
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During the last few weeks of December, we see a few readings multiple times. Today’s Gospel reading is a case in point. In fact, it is the exact same Gospel reading as yesterday. We also saw it on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is the story of Gabriel […]
God is With Us
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In today’s first reading from Isaiah 7, we see the prophecy that is at the heart of Christianity. “Therefore, the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.” The virgin birth. And the Gospel reading from Luke 1 shows the fulfillment of this […]
Friday, December 19, 2014
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Gus starts off Friday with Prayer Time and takes the prayer requests and intentions of his callers. Also, Gus talk to callers about their opinions on the U.S. opening up diplomatic relations with Cuba, and we hear about listeners who’ve had miracles babies, i.e. a child they weren’t planning for. We’re also joined by Catholic evangelist, […]
Miracle Babies
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Today’s readings tell the stories of two miracle babies – Samson and John the Baptist. The mothers of both of these boys were barren. Everyone assumed they would never have children. God had another plan. Each of these babies had a special mission in God’s plan. Samson was destined to deliver Israel from the power […]
Thursday, December 18, 2014
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In today’s Scripture reading (Matthew 1:18-25), St. Joseph discovers Mary’s pregnancy and decides to divorce her quietly. After he resolved to do this, he was visited by an angel of the Lord telling him that the child was conceived by the Holy Spirit and to name Him Jesus because He would save people from their sins. […]
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
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We entered into Phase III of Project Christmas today with the Servant Sisters of the Home of the Mother who are raising funds for their television ministry, HM Television. Of course, TV equipment is very expensive so we raised some money for them to buy cameras, a computer, a microphone and a tripod stabilizer. If […]
Joseph’s Role in Salvation
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The Christmas story continues to unfold in today’s liturgy. Yesterday we read the genealogy of Jesus. In today’s first reading from Jeremiah 23 the LORD says, “I will raise up a righteous shoot to David.” In order to fulfill the prophesy, Jesus’ earthly father had to be a descendant of David. Today we concentrate on […]
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
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Gus kicked off the week by giving his review of the new Christian Bale movie “Exodus: Gods and Kings.” Although Gus is a fan of Christian Bale’s work, he’s not really a fan of this one and advises his listeners to skip it if they’re looking for an accurate Biblical adaptation. Gus also talked about […]
The Lion of Judah
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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 […]
Doing God’s Will
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The words that begin today’s first reading from Zephaniah 3 scare me. As a 21st century American, I can hear the prophet shouting these words at us. “Woe to the city, rebellious and polluted, to the tyrannical city! She hears no voice, accepts no correction; in the Lord she has not trusted, to her God […]
The Authority of Jesus
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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 […]
Rejoice!
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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 1 Thessalonians are these, […]
Elijah’s Return
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Today’s first reading is from the Book of Sirach. The author talks of Elijah, “whose words were a flaming furnace.” Then in the Gospel reading from Matthew 17, the disciples ask Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” Jesus answers and tells them that “Elijah has already come.” But the scribes […]
Friday, December 12, 2014
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Gus celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe by broadcasting at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Doral, Florida with the Our Lady of Guadalupe parish. He talks with many people involved with the parish, which is in the process of building their chapel, including Fr. Israel Mago, Magaly Hamm, Antonio Fernandez and Barbara […]
Our Lady of Guadalupe
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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 sorrows.” […]
Thursday, December 11, 2014
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Gus kicks off Phase II of Project Christmas with Mark Moitoza and Casey Bustamante of the Archdiocese of the Military Services. We raise money for scholarships and to help families of U.S. military personnel to attend the World Meeting of Families next year in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. If you weren’t able to call in but would […]
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
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Gus asks listeners if they’ve ever spent Christmas away from their loved ones and how they coped with it. He also has a conversation with the listeners about what their lowest point was and how God got them through. We heard a lot of powerful stories. Deacon Greg Hall also joins us to talk about […]
Busted Expectations
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As humans, we all need water. We all thirst. But that thirst is not just physical; we have a spiritual thirst as well. God talks about that in today’s first reading from Isaiah 41. “The afflicted and needy seek water in vain, their tongues are parched with thirst. I, the LORD will answer them; I, […]
Renewed Strength
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Hope is such an important thing. When we lose hope, we really lose everything. That’s why the final verse in today’s first reading from Isaiah 40 gives us so much. “They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles’ wings; they will run and not grow weary, walk […]
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
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Gus is in a musical mood this morning on Seize the Day. First, he starts off asking listeners what is their desert island Christmas disk. As usual, they doesn’t disappoint and we listen to Christmas carols by Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Josh Groban, Mannheim Steamroller and many others. And then, Rock & Roll Hall-of-Famer Dion DiMucci sits […]
Like a Shepherd
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In today’s liturgy, we think about sheep and shepherds. At the end of today’s first reading from Isaiah 40 we read: “Like a shepherd he feeds his flock. In his arms he gathers the lambs, carrying them in his bosom, and leading the ewes with care.” In the Gospel reading from Matthew 18, Jesus tells […]
Monday, December 8, 2014
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It’s Monday on Seize the Day so that means it’s time for Tell Me Something Good. Gus and his listeners share their recent good news and blessings to kick this Monday morning off on the right foot. We were also joined in studio today by Luciano Lamonarca, Italian opera singer and President & CEO of the St. […]
The Immaculate Conception
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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. Let’s talk briefly today about what the Immaculate Conception is, and isn’t. Probably the most common misconception (no pun intended) that people have is that the […]
Pointing the Way
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Today is the Second Sunday of Advent. For the Gospel reading, we go to the beginning of the Gospel according to Mark. It all starts with John the Baptist. John knew that he had a job to do – to point the way to the Messiah. It would seem that John did not know that […]
The Teacher
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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; […]
Blind But Now I See
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In the first reading today from Isaiah 29, the LORD GOD says, “On that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book; And out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see.” In the Gospel reading from Matthew 9, Jesus gives sight to two blind men. Jesus gave sight to […]
Thursday, December 4, 2014
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Gus asks the question to listeners again if they’ve ever felt like they weren’t being fed at mass. Also, Gus is off tomorrow so he invites people to call in for Prayer Time today. We also speak with Katie Geary, assistant director of communications at the Becket Fund, gives us on update on Little Sisters […]
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
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Gus welcomes Deacon Joseph Allison to the Conversion Corner. Deacon Joe came to the Catholic faith from Southern Baptist religion and a very delinquent youth, which eventually led to him becoming an evangelical minister. To read Deacon Joe’s conversion story, click here. Also, Gus asks listeners to call in who’ve ever felt like they weren’t […]
Trust the Rock
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In our first reading today from Isaiah 26, we read this: Trust in the LORD forever! For the LORD is an eternal Rock.” Rock is a theme that comes from Jesus in today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 7. “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise […]
He Feeds Us
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Life brings sorrows. With sorrows come tears. But it won’t always be that way. We see that in the first reading today from Isaiah 25. “The LORD GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces.” Our sorrows are temporary. Our joy will be eternal. In the Gospel reading today from Matthew 15, we see […]
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
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Project Christmas kicked off today as Gus welcomed Angel Aloma, executive director of Food for the Poor, called in to raise money to feed and clothe those in need throughout the world. Callers pledged money to help build wells, feed and clothe orphans, provide chicken and pigs for nourishment, goats to provide milk or simply […]
Childish or Childlike?
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The prophesies of Isaiah point so clearly to Jesus. Want proof? Take a look at today’s first reading. In the Gospel reading from Luke 10, Jesus says that the Father has “revealed (these things) to the childlike.” What does it mean to be childlike? Well, let me say this…there is a huge difference between being […]
Monday, December 1, 2014
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Gus returns from a long Thanksgiving break and it’s a Tell Me Something Good marathon! Listeners call in and share their good news and blessing at this poignant time of year. Also, Gus asks listeners if a perceived curse ever turned into a blessing. Did something come in to your life that seemed like an […]
Made Worthy
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I love the readings of Advent. We spend lots of time in Isaiah, and the Gospel passages always hit home. (Not that they don’t during the rest of the year!) Let’s pray that during this Advent season much fruit will be borne for the Kingdom in our lives. The first reading today is from Isaiah […]
Maranatha!
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Christmas is in the air! Can you feel it? Certainly all of the retailers hope you can. The world hammers us with Christmas. And there is certainly nothing wrong with getting into the “Christmas spirit.” But Holy Mother Church has a different idea about these weeks leading up to Christmas. That is why we celebrate […]
Beware the Rut
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Today is the last day of the Church year. Tomorrow begins a brand new liturgical year with the season of Advent. In the first reading from the end of the book of Revelation, we see this final beautiful view of heaven. “Night will be no more, nor will they need light from lamp or sun, […]
Jesus’ Words
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In Revelation 20, St. John gives us a glimpse of the final judgement. Hopefully, reading these words can give us a new perspective on the importance of how we live our lives. “All the dead were judged according to their deeds.” John also sees a “new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and […]
All About Thanksgiving
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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. These are optional readings for Thanksgiving Day. 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 […]
Another Paradox
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Another heavenly vision from St. John in Revelation 15 for today’s first reading. St. John sees those who had won the victory over the beast singing “the song of Moses…the song of the Lamb.” It is a beautiful song. See for yourself! In today’s Gospel passage from Luke 21, Jesus talks about some of the […]