Deserving?
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In today’s first reading from Deuteronomy 26, agreements are made. The people make an agreement with God, to walk in his ways, obey his commandments and hearken to his voice. And God makes an agreement with the people, that they will be “peculiarly his own.” In the Gospel reading from Matthew 5, Jesus says, “But […]
Friday, March 14, 2014
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Today, Gus is joined by L. Martin Nussbaum, the attorney representing the 200 Catholic employers involved in class-action suit against the Obama administration and the HHS Mandate. To read more about the lawsuit, click here. Also, if you’re interested in learning more about Catholic health benefits, click here. Also, Lent is a time of spiritual renewal […]
It’s Not Fair!
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I just love the first reading today from Ezekiel 18. The Lord God says, “You say, ‘The Lord’s way is not fair!’ Hear now, house of Israel: Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways unfair?” In our Gospel reading from Matthew 5, Jesus raises the bar on our behavior […]
Thursday, March 13, 2014
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Today is the first year anniversary of Pope Francis’ election and he’s the main subject of today’s Seize the Day broadcast. Fr. Mark Morozowich joins Gus in the first hour. He’s the Dean and Associate Professor of Liturgical Studies and Sacramental Theology at Catholic University of America and he gives his summation of the pope’s first year. […]
Living the Golden Rule
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The first reading today is from the Book of Esther. It is a fascinating story and one that I recommend you read. (The whole book is just a few pages long.) In today’s reading, we hear the beautiful prayer of Queen Esther before she is to go and plead that the king will spare her […]
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
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Today, Gus again asks the listeners if they’ve ever caught any backlash from people in their family, community or workplace because of their Catholic faith. Also, Gus talks about Paula Deen. The embattled former Food Network star is speaking at a Catholic fundraiser at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Madison, Kentucky and the pastor, Fr. […]
The Power of Positive Actions
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Today’s readings are about Jonah. Most people know the story from when they were kids. Or at least part of the story. If you were to ask 100 people about the story of Jonah, my guess is that the vast majority would only know one fact. He was the guy that got swallowed up by […]
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
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Gus gets personal and asks the listeners if they’ve ever felt persecuted because of their Catholic faith; be it at work, in their community or even among their own family. Also, Gus is joined by Monsignor Stanley Deptula, Vice Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Peoria and Head of the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation, and talks […]
God’s Blueprint
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What a beautiful reading today from Isaiah 55. We’ll talk about it in a moment. Our Gospel reading today from Matthew 6 is where Jesus teaches his disciples to pray. He teaches them the “Our Father.” But that’s not the end of the story. Immediately after the prayer, Jesus tells them, “If you forgive men […]
Monday, March 10, 2014
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It’s Monday so Gus asks his listeners to Tell Me Something Good. Listeners call in and share their good news and experiences. Also, Fr. David Convertino, executive director of development for the Franciscan Friars, calls in to talk about their new smart phone app called “Lent in My Pocket.” For each day of Lent and Holy […]
I Was Hungry
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“The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul.” That is the first line in today’s Responsorial Psalm from Psalm 19. In the first reading from Leviticus, we hear some of these “laws of the LORD.” This reading hearkens us back to the ten commandments. Our Gospel reading today is one that should be […]
Our Desert Experience
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Today’s Gospel reading from Mark 1 tells us that, before the beginning of his public ministry, Jesus went into the desert for forty days, where he was tempted by Satan. This notion of forty is found throughout the Scriptures. Noah endured forty days of rain that flooded the earth. The Israelite people went into the […]
Dr. Jesus
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We hear more today about things that are pleasing to God in our first reading from Isaiah 58. The Lord also talks about how we should conduct ourselves on the sabbath. “If you honor it by not following your ways, seeking your own interests, or speaking with malice – Then you shall delight in the […]
Friday, March 7, 2014
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It’s the first Friday in Lent and Gus asks his listeners what their first meatless meals are going to be. Also, we engage in a little Prayer Time. Every Friday, Gus takes time to listen to the prayer intentions of his audience. Lastly, Fr. Leo Patalinghug joins Gus in studio to talk about his ministry […]
A Life Changing Psalm
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I don’t do this often, but today I want to reflect on our Responsorial Psalm in the Mass. It is Psalm 51, which we use pretty often during Lent. One year for Lent, one of my practices was to pray Psalm 51 every day. There were days when I would literally go through Psalm 51 […]
Thursday, March 6, 2014
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Today, Gus welcomes Ellyn von Huben, Catholic writer and blogger as well as the creative assistant for the Archdiocese of Chicago, to discuss her recent article “7 Ways to Observe Lent in Your Home.” You can check out her article here. Gus also talks about his Ash Wednesday experience yesterday where he and his grandson Beckett […]
Choosing Our Eternity
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In our first reading today from Deuteronomy, Moses tells the people what they must do in order to enter the promised land. Obey the commandments of the Lord, love Him, walk in his ways. “Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live, by loving the Lord, your God, heeding his voice, and holding […]
Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2014
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Gus kicks off his Ash Wednesday broadcast with special guest Ryan Young who runs Camp Veritas, a non-profit Catholic organization designed exclusively for the purpose of inspiring and forming young Catholic teens into disciples of Jesus Christ. For more information about Camp Veritas, click here. Also, Gus asks the listeners what they’re giving up this year […]
Lent Begins
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Happy Lent! Doesn’t that sound a bit oxymoronic? I mean, we’re not supposed to be happy during Lent, right? Wrong! Lots of people think that Lent is a time when we walk around in sackcloth and ashes. Let’s make sure we all put on a dour face and let everyone know how difficult our fasting […]
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
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Happy Fat Tuesday! Today Gus talked about Lent, which starts tomorrow. He took calls from listeners about what their Lenten plans are, and talked about his own. This year, Gus plans to read through The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis, among other things. Have you figured out your Lenten plan yet? Gus talked […]
Call to Holiness
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In the first reading today, St. Peter talks about how the prophets were testifying to Christ. He says that they “were not serving themselves but you.” In the Gospel reading today from Mark 10, Jesus talks about how those who have faith in Him will be repaid. And He says, “But many that are first […]
Monday, March 3, 2014
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Today Gus gave an update on the Girl Scout controversy. Many pro-life groups are boycotting Girl Scout cookies this year because of the organization’s ties with Planned Parenthood. Girl Scouts USA CEO Ana Maria Chavez recently released a video denying any relationship now or ever between GSUSA and PP. The facts show something different. Watch […]
Faith in the Possible
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For our first reading today, we begin the first letter of St. Peter. Today we hear St. Peter reminding us that we will “suffer through various trials.” But this suffering is not worthless. It will help us to “attain the goal of faith, the salvation of your souls.” Thank God for suffering! Our Gospel reading […]
Seek First the Kingdom
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The Sermon on the Mount is so beautiful, and so challenging. Today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 6 starts off with Jesus saying, “You cannot serve God and mammon.” From there, Jesus talks about worrying. That is something I think most people are pretty darn good at. I believe that worry really springs from fear – […]
Sacraments
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Yesterday we talked about the sacrament of marriage and today we read about the sacrament of the anointing of the sick AND Confession! James 5 teaches this very clearly. More on that in a moment. In today’s Gospel from Mark 10, we hear Jesus say, “Let the little children come to me.” Good for us […]
Marriage
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Whew! What a week it has been in the Scriptures! Our first reading today from James 5 has so many lessons for us, about perseverance, judging and the compassion and mercy of the Lord. James also tells us, “Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ ” Very important words about Christian integrity. […]
Cutting Out Sin
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Scathing words to the rich today from James 5. Funny thing about wealth, isn’t it? We work so hard to accumulate it here on earth, to the point where it imperils our souls. Yet we can’t take it with us. Harsh words for the richest people in the world. (And I ain’t talking about Bill […]
Wednesday February 26 through Friday February 28th
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While Gus is off speaking at a men’s conference in New Orleans, we’re keeping you entertained on the radio with the Best of Seize the Day. Tune in today through Friday for interesting guests such as singer Michael James Mette, Deacon Henry Libersat, Dr. Lawrence Cunningham and relive great discussions with you, the listener, on […]
Today and Tomorrow
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In today’s first reading, St. James talks about tomorrow. Something we need to think about today. So we will. In the Gospel from Mark 9, Jesus says, “For whoever is not against us is for us.” These words of Jesus always remind me of the unity that we have with other Christians. After all, no […]
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
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Today, Gus talks about Ottawa, Ontario Archbishop Terrence Prendergast’s decision to ban eulogies at Catholic funeral masses and asks the listeners what their thoughts are about it. Also, Thomas More Society President and Chief Counsel Tom Brejcha calls in to discuss a case in which they’re representing 11 Roman Catholic home-schooling families in Fishers, Indiana who are taking […]
Submission and Resistance
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Today we’re going to explore a couple of interesting paradoxes in our readings. First from the Gospel reading from Mark 9. Jesus said, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” The world looks at things from a completely opposite view. In order to be […]
Monday, Feb. 24, 2014
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As per usual on Monday, Gus did an episode of Tell Me Something Good. How has God been at work in your life lately? Share God’s goodness to you with others! Gus interviewed author Thomas Craughwell about his book, St. Peter’s Bones. It’s a fascinating look at how the bones of the first pope were […]
Wisdom From Above
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Prayer is so powerful and so important. We see this clearly in our Gospel reading today from Mark 9. Jesus’ disciples try to drive out a demon from someone but are unable. Jesus has to take care of the job himself. When the disciples ask Jesus why they could not cast out the demon, He […]
Of Eyes and Teeth
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We have another controversial Gospel reading today from Matthew 5. Jesus talks about offering no resistance to the one who is evil; about turning the other cheek. The old law said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But Jesus says, “No more!” So what are we to make of this? […]
The Chair of St. Peter
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Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter. It has nothing to do with a piece of furniture. Today we celebrate the office of the Papacy and the authority of the Supreme Pontiff. Peter was the first Pope, the Vicar of Christ. Our first reading today is from 1 Peter 5. […]
Friday, February 21, 2014
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Today, Gus talks about proposed Kansas anti gay discrimination laws, which could force businesses to provide services to groups whose beliefs violate their consciences and asks the listeners their thoughts about it. Click here to read more about it at the Hutchinson News. We also engage in some Prayer Time and Gus welcomes Benjamin Harnwell, founder […]
Not by Faith Alone
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Today’s first reading from St. James is a treatise on faith and works. St. James says “faith without works is dead.” More on that in a moment. In today’s Gospel reading from Mark, Jesus tells us that we must deny ourselves, take up our crosses and follow him. He says those words that should haunt […]
Thursday, February 20, 2014
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Today, Gus had a lengthy discussion with callers about Tarn Duff, a softball coach at a Catholic school in Montana, whose contract wasn’t renewed because it was discovered she worked as a clinical assistant at a Planned Parenthood facility. Click here to read the article from the Montana Standard. Also, Gus is joined in studio […]
Impartial Christians
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Today’s Gospel reading is Mark’s version of Peter’s great confession of faith, “You are the Christ.” In the first reading today from James 2, James exhorts the reader to “show no partiality as you adhere to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ.” He then goes on to talk about a rich person and […]
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
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Today, Gus did a segment of Tell Me Something Good and gave away free copies of his new book, A Minute In the Church Volume II. Gus also revisited the annulment discussion from yesterday and asked his listeners to call in and share their Catholic annulment experience (note: See Gus’ recap from yesterday to get […]
Healing in Stages
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We’ve all heard the old axiom, actions speak louder than words. In our first reading today from James 1, St. James reaffirms this. “Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves.” The word of God must not go in one ear and out the other. We have to put God’s word into […]
Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014
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Today Gus talked about the loss of their beloved dog, Obi the greyhound. Obi died on Saturday after being part of the Lloyd family for many years. He brought much joy and will be sorely missed. RIP, Obi. World champion and Olympic skier Rebecca Dussault joined Gus on the show […]
Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014
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Today Gus talked about the loss of their beloved dog, Obi the greyhound. Obi died on Saturday after being part of the Lloyd family for many years. He brought much joy and will be sorely missed. RIP, Obi. World champion and Olympic skier Rebecca Dussault joined Gus on the show […]
God Tempts No One
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In our first reading today from James 1, St. James talks about temptation. This is a subject that comes up at the end of the Lord’s Prayer. More in a moment. In the Gospel reading from Mark 8, Jesus once again speaks rather cryptically to the disciples. He tells them to “guard against the leaven […]
Bring on the Joy!
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For our first reading today, we begin the Letter of St. James. James is one of those books in the Bible that it would be very good for us to be very familiar with. In the Gospel reading today from Mark 8, the Pharisees come to Jesus demanding a sign be given them. Jesus responds, […]
Choose Good
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Life is all about choices. And eternal life is all about a choice. In the first reading today from Sirach 15, the sacred author says, “If you choose you can keep the commandments. Before man are life and death, good and evil, whichever he chooses shall be given him.” The Gospel reading today is from […]
The Corrupting Power of Power
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In the first reading today from 1 Kings 12 and 13, we read about Jeroboam. Jeroboam was one of the kings of Israel. He was not a good guy. More on him in a moment. In our Gospel reading from Mark 8, we read of Jesus feeding four thousand with seven loaves and a few […]
Friday, Feb. 14, 2014
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Happy Valentine’s Day! Even though today isn’t St. Valentine’s Day anymore for the universal Church (it is the Feast of Sts. Cyril and Methodius – find out more here), Gus talked about Valentine’s Day and whether or not you do anything to celebrate. Oh, and he gave away copies of A Minute in the Church […]
Speaking Plainly
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In today’s first reading from 1 Kings 11, we see the beginning of the splitting up of Israel. Solomon had turned his back and worshipped false gods. God told him that He would divide up the house of Israel, leaving just one tribe to represent the House of David. And the final sentence of today’s […]
Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014
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Today Gus talked about the upcoming movies Son of God and Noah. The studio producing Noah had a bit of a tiff with the director because they focus group tested some of the scenes so as not to alienate Christian audiences. Here’s the trailer: Noah trailer Gus gave a survey question from the Vatican’s recent […]