Do you characterize yourself as a “giver” or “taker” in this world? Matthew 5:40 uses those precise words. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well. When human beings interact with one another, there is an element of give and take as part of the rhythm of the relationship. As Christians, are we always called to give? Are there certain circumstances when taking is permissible? In a world where selfishness is on the rise, this topic is worthy for discussion. Share with us on Tuesday about your giving and taking tendencies. Maybe you were a taker and now you have grown into being a generous giver. Your spiritual journey may help someone else in a deep and profound way. So call in at 1-800-585-9396.

As Catholics, we understand that many of the Church’s ministries – especially those associated with the liturgy – are reserved for ordained ministers. But even within the liturgy, Church law allows for the involvement of laypeople, especially, as Redemptionis Sacramentum lays out, in roles such as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. But there are a lot of other functions that laypeople can perform in the Church. Are you active in your parish? If so, share your take on Monday, when Jerry and Debbie address this interesting and important topic. The show airs at Noon ET, with a replay at Midnight ET.

It has often been said that the man is the head of the home and the woman is the heart.  Is this the situation in your home?  Let’s talk about this concept of the head and heart of the family.  How important is it to have these roles as parents?  Understanding the dynamics that make up a family, will only assist us as we continue to defend the importance of a Christian marriage in this world.  Call in and share your view of this topic at 1-800-585-9396.

It’s no secret that a lot of Catholics get married without the benefit of the sacrament of holy matrimony. In short, that means they marry “outside the Church.” The reasons for this are numerous. Many couples ultimately come to realize that they would like to have their marriages “blessed” in the Church. What does this entail? Is it a difficult process? What should you do if you are divorced and remarried? If you need an annulment? The Church’s teachings and practices in this area are really very pastoral. Share your takes – and get great insights and advice from canon lawyer Dr. Edward Peters – on Thursday’s show!

RESOURCES:
Catholic Answers 2016 Conference- Restoring Marriage Today. 

Human beings are very resilient.  Even though so many of us have faced possible death through an accident, illness, or medical condition.  It is during those times that we realize just how precious life is and how extremely fragile it is as well.  Have you had to face death on some level?  How has that changed your daily life?  Do you live in the moment, living life to the fullest?  Let’s talk about this experience in a real and unique way.  Call in and share your take at 1-800-585-9396.

Join us Tuesday on Take 2 with Jerry and Debbie as we discuss the importance of a given name.  Names are precious.  They identify us, sometimes define us and may even be a spiritual help to us.  In the Bible, names have been emphasized and also changed to signify a new beginning.  Jewish history has always recognized the importance and origin of a name.  Some people are named after deceased family members.  Others after a beloved saint.  Still there are many that are named simply because parents loved the sound of a unique name.  There is history behind every name, whether it’s biblical history or family history.  Let’s talk about it. Call in at 1-800-585-9396

The Church rightly teaches that there is absolutely nothing wrong with drinking alcohol in moderation. Jesus’ first miracle, as we know, was to turn water into wine. There’s even an allusion in that passage to the fact that wedding revelers at that time were not bashful about consuming wine to the point where they couldn’t tell the difference between the good and the bad stuff. Still, everyone is called to be cautious when it comes to alcohol consumption, if only because, as the Church also teaches, drunkenness is, objectively-speaking, a mortal sin. And history is filled with examples of how alcoholism has ravaged lives, marriages, families, and even souls. On Monday, join Jerry and Debbie with your take on how you balance the consumption of alcohol in your life, if you have battled alcoholism, or if someone you love has experienced this potentially devastating scourge.

Love is the greatest of the three theological virtues.  Yet, we have seen that over time, in couples, this same love can fade or diminish to the point of nonexistence.  How can this happen?  Love between spouses is supposed to be a sacrificial love.  A committed love honoring the sacred sacrament of marriage.  Let’s talk about Valentine’s Day in a whole new way.  Not about the roses, candy and dinners that the world has made us believe is true love.  Let’s enter into a real discussion on love.  Ask yourself this question.  Is your spouse your valentine?

The picture you see on this post, is a real life couple expressing their lifelong commitment of love and togetherness.  This adorable couple is actually Jeff Burson’s parents.  Jeff is our social media expert for Take 2.  See love really does exist for a lifetime!

AUDIO ARCHIVE:

SHORT TAKE:  Caller Jerri:

We read about many miracles in the Bible, especially the ones performed by Jesus. Some contend that miracles ceased after the time of Jesus. But Jesus Himself said in John 14 that his disciples would do “even greater works” than He did. This could be a reference to many things, including, perhaps, Jesus’ miracles. One place (among many) that attests to the fact that miracles still occur is the shrine at Lourdes, where some of the walls are covered with crutches, wheelchairs and other things left behind by those who used them to get to that holy site. Let’s talk about miracles – and share your take if you or someone you know has experienced what you believe is a miracle – on Thursday, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.

RESOURCE:

Restored: True Stories of Love and Trust after Porn (Free Kindle version)

It happens to just about everyone sometime in their lives. You go to Mass on Ash Wednesday, then to work, the gym, the grocery store, a friend’s house. Someone very gently notifies you that “you have a smudge of some kind on your forehead.” There it is! The open door to explain the meaning of Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent. Do you pass through that door and help a searching soul learn more about why Catholics engage in a season of penance and mortification? Or do you change the subject as quickly as you can, not knowing what to say or how the other person will receive the information? Share your take on our Ash Wednesday broadcast at Noon ET, with an encore broadcast at Midnight ET!

RESOURCES:
9 Things to Know and Share About Ash Wednesday

On Fasting

How is Easter Sunday determined? Palm Sunday? Ash Wednesday?

What is Ash Wednesday?