Five Minutes with Tony Agnesi

FMWT-130 On Father's Day

Father’s Day; it is the one day each year that we honor fathers, a day to tell dad just how much he means to us. But, it is a shame that over 24 million kids, one in three children, growing up in the United States today, have no father present in the household to honor.  In this podcast, Tony discusses the Father crisis in America.

Quote: People “look at a child in need, in poverty or failing in school, and ask, ‘What can we do to help?’ But what we do is ask, ‘Why does that child need help in the first place?’ And the answer is often it’s because [the child lacks] a responsible and involved father.”  –Vincent  DeCaro

Tony’s Prayer:  Heavenly Father,

…Help me to become a better father.

…Make the way I treat their mother be a model for their future relationships.

…May I find quality time to spend with my children and understand that “any time” is better than waiting for the “right time.”

…May I nurture and guide my children, passing along my faith by making God, church, and service to others, a priority.

…Lord, give me the ability to provide for my wife and children and protect them for any harm.

…And, may my kids look at me as a shining example of God’s love, that one day they will say, “I want to be just like dad!”

Amen.

Reflections: How do your kids view your relationship with their mother?  What do you think of Tony’s comment that kids spell father T-I-M-E?  Do you view yourself as a role model?

FMWT-094 What Defines Character

The dictionary defines character as the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. It’s our defining presence, honed by our actions, integrity, honesty, and the choices we make. Our character is one of the few things in life that can’t be taken away from us. In this podcast Tony discusses Character.

Scripture: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father. –Matthew 5:13-16

Be diligent in these matters, be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to everyone. –1 Timothy 4:15

“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.”

FMWT-093 Called to Evangelize

As Christians, as Catholics, we are called to witness. We are called to share our faith with the people around us. So why is evangelization so hard for most Christians? Why are we so afraid to share our beautiful faith with others? In this pod cast Tony discusses the call to evangelize.

Scripture: “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame.” –1 Peter 3:15-16

For, I am not ashamed of the gospel. It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. -–Romans 1:16

Quotes: “Sometimes I ask myself, “Do I have the courage to do the right thing when it matters most?” And that answer, I’m afraid, is silence.” ― Jarod Kintz

Reflections:  Are you reluctant to discuss Jesus for fear of offending someone?  Is evangelization something you take seriously?  Do you leave evangelization to others more qualified?

FMWT-092 Life Lessons on the Journey

Last week, I received a note from a reader who asked, “What are some life lessons you would share with your new grandson?” I replied that I began writing my stories with that thought in mind. Is there anything I can share that might help the next generation avoid some of the pitfalls that I’ve experienced that would help them lead happier lives? In this podcast, Tony discusses life lessons.

Here are 14 life lessons from along the journey of life:

1. Live in the moment. We spend so much of our lives reliving the past or anxiously awaiting tomorrow that we fail to live today. Life is short; it passes us by in the wink of an eye. As the old saying goes, Life is lived in the moment between each breath. We need to live today, enjoy ourselves today, and drink in today’s wonder, savor today’s moments.
2. Relationships are everything. We need to put our relationships ahead of everything else in our lives, before jobs, homes, cars, hobbies, sports, or smart phones. Our relationship with God, our spouse, children, parents, siblings trump everything else. We need to be there for our children when they need us. And, remember, friendships require time and attention. One of the regrets of the dying is they didn’t work at their friendships.
3. Slow down. We live in a world that has no patience. We are always moving at the speed of light, often cramming our calendars with so many tasks and appointments that we never give enough time to anything.
4. Less is more. We are always in the pursuit of more. A bigger house, a more expensive car, a bigger television screen, electronics, gadgets, shoes, and clothes. Whenever you do some house cleaning what you will find is that things just gather dust! If you eliminated everything from your house that is gathering dust, you’ll be surprised at freeing power of less stuff.
5. Giving is better than receiving. This runs contrary to everything we are bombarded with in the media. But, I promise you there is no better feeling that giving to someone that can never repay you and having a positive effect on someone’s life.
6. Practice Gratitude. If we aren’t grateful for what we already have, then how can we expect to be grateful for those things we want? Start the day with thanking our Lord for life, for the day ahead, for family friends and a job. The greater the gratitude to greater our happiness.
7. Be compassionate and show empathy. To have concerns for the sufferings and misfortune of others, and the ability to understand and share the feelings of others will motivate us to desire to help those less fortunate.
8. Be forgiving. Anger and resentment will harm your health, get in the way of your happiness, and cause you to live in the past. It is said that anger and resentment are like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. It will kill you if you can’t find a way to forgive.
9. Be passionate. Over the years I have had the opportunity to hire many people and I can say that passion is the one thing that stands out above everything else. Find something you really enjoy doing, then, be passionate about it!
10. Be Kind. The smallest act of kindness can change a person’s life forever. It costs nothing to be kind, and it sends a powerful message.
11. Say I’m sorry. When you’ve done something that needs an apology, say it! Don’t assume the person knows your feelings. Say I’m sorry, and mean it.
12. Fear is an illusion. Fear will paralyze you, it will cause you hesitate, stay in the wrong situations. The fear of taking action is always debilitating. Take small steps, take pride in your taking action, it builds confidence.
13. Failures are life lessons. If we don’t take action because we fear failure, then we don’t understand that failures are simply lessons. Failure often puts you one step closer to success. History is filled with people who failed many times before they succeeded.
14. Pain is a normal part of life. We all will experience pain in our lives. Physical pain, mental pain, sickness, injury, a job loss, a bad marriage or a financial setback. Embrace pain as part of life. We all will deal with it sooner or later. Our attitude will do wonders to help us get through the pain.

FMWT-091 Friendship Deficiency

One Thursday morning, waiting for 8AM mass to begin, I realized that I was surrounded by eight male friends. Thursday’s are special because after mass we all go to breakfast together. It’s a time to share stories and tell jokes, but it’s also a time for prayer and concern for others. In this podcast Tony discusses friendships.

Scripture: This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another. John 15:12-17

“There are friends who bring ruin, but there are true friends more loyal than a brother.”  –Proverbs 18:24

Reflections:Do you work at making new friends?  Do you feel “Friendship Deficient?” What about accountability, do you like it when a friend holds you accountable?

FMWT-090 Open the Door to Your Heart

One of my fellow jail ministers, George, likes to use the painting “The Light of the World” by William Holman Hunt to make the point of inviting Jesus into our hearts and lives. It’s a wonderful way to illustrate that WE must ask Jesus into our lives. Our Lord never forces himself on us, but is always waiting for an invitation to open the door to our heart.  In this podcast, Tony talks about opening that door.

Scripture: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, [then] I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me.” — Revelation 3:20

Reflection: Are you opening the door to your heart?  Have you made the first move to meet Jesus waiting at the door of your heart? Do you see the symbolism in the painting?

*The Light of the World (1853–54) is an allegorical painting by William Holman Hunt.

FMWT-089 Thank God for Crying Babies

I’ve learned to love it whenever I hear babies crying at church. I like it when a toddler asks his mom a question with a voice to loud to be church worthy. And, my heart is warmed when I hear the cooing, giggling, and silly baby laughter especially during the quiet time following communion. To me, it’s like the angels speaking from heaven.  In this podcast, Tony discusses babies crying at church.

Scripture: “Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked them, but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” –Matthew 19:13-14

“Taking a child he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it he said to them, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the one who sent me.” –Mark 9:36-37

Reflections:  Are you willing to hear some crying to know the church has a future?  Do you ever thank a parent for bringing their kids to mass?  As a young parent, do you ever feel unwelcome at mass?

FMWT-088 Doing vs. Being

Doing is easier that being. Doing is quantifiable. We can measure our productivity in a big promotion, a cleaner house, a better report card or a bigger paycheck. Doing is what we are taught to do from the time we are old enough to understand. But where is the balance in our lives? After all, we are Human Beings, not Human Doings! In this podcast, Tony discusses the difference between doing and being.

Scripture: But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.   Matthew 6:33-34

Quote: “We are warned not to waste time, but we are brought up to waste our lives.” –Eric Hoffer

Reflections:  Are you doing or being?  What do you do to be a more being person?  Do you agree that “Americans tend to worship their work, to work at their play, and to play at their worship?"

FMWT-087 Married and Lonely

Why is it that so many married people feel alone and lonely? They feel like they are living together separately. No love, no kisses, no sex, no communication. Rather than oneness, they feel like ships crossing in the night. In this podcast, Tony discusses what has happened?

Scripture: He said in reply, “Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” Matthew 19:4-6

Quote: “When you make the sacrifice in marriage, you’re sacrificing not to each other but to unity in a relationship.” Joseph Campbell

Reflections: What measures have you taken to keep the fires of unity in your marriage burning? Is Christ at the center of your marriage?  Do you pray together?

FMWT-086 It Only Takes One

have always been impressed with the power in the number one. It only takes one person, one kind word, one thought, or one good deed to change the world.  One is a very powerful number.  In this podcast Tony talks about the power of one.

Quote: It only takes one smile to offer welcome and blessed be the person who shares it. It only takes one moment to be helpful, and blessed be the person who will spare it. It only takes one joy to lift a spirit, and blessed be the person who will give it. It only takes one life to make a difference, and blessed be the person who will live it.   --Amanda Bradley

Scripture: “Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. –Isaiah 41:10

Reflections:  Have you ever been that one person for another?  Can you remember the one teacher, coach or friend that helped you become the person you are today?  Have you ever mentored a friend?