Episodes
Monday Mar 26, 2018
Save It for Easter
Monday Mar 26, 2018
Monday Mar 26, 2018
As a youngster, I remember on my birthday every year (in February, during or near lent), I would always receive some article of clothing as a gift. Whether it was a sweater, a new shirt, pair of pants or a jacket, as I opened the gift, my mother would say, “Save it for Easter!” In this podcast, Tony discusses the importance of Easter.
Scripture: If there is no resurrection of the dead, then neither has Christ been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then empty (too) is our preaching, empty, too, your faith. …And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:13-14 17
Reflections: Is Easter just another Sunday to you and your family? What have you done to make Easter a special day? Have you explained to your kids the real meaning of Easter?
Wednesday Mar 21, 2018
FGG-120 The Power of Hope
Wednesday Mar 21, 2018
Wednesday Mar 21, 2018
Faith, Hope and Love are the three theological virtues by which we participate in the divine nature of God. But hope is the least understood of these virtues. Hope is often confused with optimism, of an attitude that things will turn out for the best. Hope is not the result of positive thinking, expecting a good outcome, or denying the reality of a situation. In this podcast, Tony discusses hope.
Catechism: Into everyone’s heart, God has placed a search for happiness. Hope responds to this desire. It sustains man, frees him from discouragement, preserves him from selfishness, and leads to happiness on earth and in heaven. –CCC 1818
Scripture: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” –Romans 15:13
For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—oracle of the LORD—plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope. When you call me, and come and pray to me, I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:11-12
Quote: “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” –Martin Luther King, Jr.
Reflections: Do you understand the difference between optimism and hope? How do we stay positive and still hope for God’s will? What does it mean to have our hope in God’s promise?
Wednesday Mar 21, 2018
FGG-119 Wonderfully Flawed
Wednesday Mar 21, 2018
Wednesday Mar 21, 2018
A child is born and we look into the bassinet and we say, “she’s perfect!” Ten fingers and ten toes, seven pounds of pure joy, wonderfully made through the miracle of life. We use the term “perfect” even though we all understand that we are human, we are not perfect, and we all are flawed in some way. In this podcast, Tony discusses how we are all wonderfully flawed.
Scripture: But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body. –2 Corinthians 4:7-10
I praise you, because I am wonderfully made; wonderful are your works! My very self you know. –Psalm 139:1
Reflections: Do you sometimes feel that you have been dealt a bad hand? What are your flaws? Do you ever allow your flaws to define who you are?
Wednesday Mar 21, 2018
FGG-118 Leave it at the Altar
Wednesday Mar 21, 2018
Wednesday Mar 21, 2018
Today, as many of us get ready to go off to Easter mass we are heavily burdened. Easter, the most joyous day of the year, seems to be tainted by the burdens we are carrying. In this podcast, Tony discusses leaving your problems at the altar this Easter Sunday.
Scripture: Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
“Cast your care upon the LORD, who will give you support. He will never allow the righteous to stumble.” –Psalm 55
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Reflections: What burdens are you laying at the altar this Easter Sunday? Do you place your burdens in God’s loving care? How can we use Tony’s thoughts to have a happier Easter?
Friday Mar 09, 2018
FGG-176 Behold!
Friday Mar 09, 2018
Friday Mar 09, 2018
One of my favorite words from the bible is behold. In some older translations it is use almost 1300 times. Many of the newer translations use the word less. The meaning is never more relevant than in this distracted world we live in today. Everyone is distracted. Soccer practice, school plays and gymnastics; it is a wonder we can behold anything. In this podcast Tony discusses how we can make some time this Advent season to behold!
Scripture: “The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” –John 1:29
“The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” — Luke 2:10
“And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” –Matthew 28:20
Reflections: Are you planning on spending less time on social media this Advent season? What are a few things that you do to make the season special? As you prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas, what are your favorite family traditions?
Friday Mar 09, 2018
FGG-175 Is Mario Andretti My Guardian Angel?
Friday Mar 09, 2018
Friday Mar 09, 2018
I am a big fan of my Guardian Angel, Mario. I’ve been praying the Guardian Angel prayer since I was a little kid and still do so every day. It wasn’t until 9 years ago that I discovered my Guardian Angels name. In this podcast, Tony discusses guardian angels.
Prayer: Angel of God, My Guardian Dear
To whom God’s love commits me here.
Ever this day be at my side
To light and guard and rule and guide.
Amen.
Reflections: Are you award of your Guardian Angel? Have you given him/her a name just for fun? Do you pray the Guardian Angel prayer?
Friday Mar 09, 2018
FGG-174 Occupational Hazards
Friday Mar 09, 2018
Friday Mar 09, 2018
I just reviewed a survey taken on a college campus. As part of the survey college students were asked of their religious affiliation. Over 40% replied “none.” We know that many of these young adults were raised as Christians and Catholics. Now they have either left the faith or are too embarrassed to admit to being Christian. In this podcast, Tony discusses the occupational hazards of being a Christian.
Scripture: Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you. –Matthew 5:01-12
“Whoever believes themselves just and judges others and scorns them is corrupt and a hypocrite. Arrogance compromises every good action, empties prayer, distances from God and others.” –Pope Francis
Reflections: Are you reluctant to call yourself a Christian? Are there people in your life that you avoid sharing your faith? Are you guilty of the charges that society levels against Christians?
Friday Mar 09, 2018
FGG-173 Escape the Noise
Friday Mar 09, 2018
Friday Mar 09, 2018
Distractions, we all have them. They keep us from thinking about those things that are really important in our lives; God, family, and friends. In this podcast, Tony discusses escaping the noise and avoiding distractions.
Scripture: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” –Philippians 4:8
Reflections: What do you do to avoid the noise on social media? Are you spending too much time with fake news and politics? What can you do to keep God from becoming an afterthought?