Today is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. It’s not a holy day of obligation, but almost every parish in the world offers mass today and distributes ashes on our foreheads or sprinkled on the top of our heads. One thing that has become popular, particularly in large urban areas, is “ashes to go.” Folks who don’t or can’t go to mass come in and receive the ashes and the normal Gospel quote that accompanies it. Gus asks listeners to call in and share their feelings on ashes to go.
Also, Gus reflects on a past Lenten penance his spiritual director gave him one year where he told him to read and reflect on Psalm 51. Gus tells the story behind the psalm where King David has relations with the married Bathsheba and impregnates her. It turns out her husband, Uriah, is a loyal soldier. King David tries a couple of times to encourage him to have relations with his wife in order to cover up his tracks, but to no avail, so he goes to Plan B, and has his general send Uriah out to battle and put him in a position where he’ll surely be killed. It so happens and, eventually, King David is called out by the prophet Nathan through a parable he tells him and immediately regrets his actions. Later, he composes this psalm. Gus talks about how the regret, lamentations and contrition offered in this psalm can apply to all of us.
And, Gus invites listener to call in and share their most unique and challenging penances from Lents past.
Hi Gus,
Mary leads us step by step to her Son, Jesus through the Rosary. This Lent, I will add a Spiritual Communion prayer to the end of my Rosary. Thus, my Rosary will begin and end with a Spiritual Communion…I was at Eucharistic Adoration Tuesday morning praying the Rosary when I had a sudden thought that I would like to share with you.
Just before the Rosary, I like to pray a Spiritual Communion:
following the footsteps of the beads and the life of Christ.
I love listening to Seize The Day. It is uplifting and informative. When your callers tell you it is a coincidence they are now listening to you and you tell them it is no coincidence but it is the Holy Spirit. You are so right. Jesus truly is present in our lives. Our church had a drive thru Ash Wednesday and it was a success. There was a very long line to enter and well organized. After receiving the ashes, we are handed their bulletin and simple gifts. Keep up Gods work
Hello Gus. Peace be w You.
I’ve been a big fan of your radio show for more than a few years. I usually listen on Sirius on my way to morning Mass. St Joseph’s Parish in Libby Montana. For so long I’d try to call into your show. ( cell phone while driving is still legal.) Finally I realize I’m listening to a tape delayed version. 🤦♂️
Anyway God Bless you for what you do. You wear the Armor of the Lord.
Jeff O Nisbet
Libby, Mt