In what seems like a never-ending saga, the Church continues to be pummeled by allegations of sexual abuse and cover ups by clergy. Of course, this has been talked about at great length on many EWTN Radio and Television shows. On Friday’s Take 2 With Jerry and Debbie, we invite you to call and share with the world your thoughts on the whole mess. Has it caused you to lose confidence in our priests and bishops? To pull back from your practice of the faith? To hold back your financial donations? To be less inclined to display your Catholicism publicly? This sad chapter in the Church’s history impacts all of us. Thus, it should be a very busy and heartfelt conversation.

Each one of us is a beautiful creation of God. We have inherent worth and dignity that doesn’t depend on anything other than our existence. And we’re all different in many ways. Sometimes we wish we were different in some ways. Maybe you’ve said to yourself, “I wish I weren’t so short,” or, “I wish I weren’t so impatient,” or, “I wish I weren’t overweight.” You get the idea. The examples could be endless. On Thursday, that will be our topic for conversation. The goal is not to look at ourselves and point out flaws. It’s just that sometimes we don’t appreciate everything about who we are. Perhaps we can all come away with a better perspective and gratitude to God for being exactly the persons he made us be.

A few weeks ago, we did parts one and two on the topic of the opioid crisis, and how it has impacted you and your family. We have continued to hear from many of you that you believe it’s worthy of revisiting. So, on Wednesday, that’s what we’ll do. Plan to call early to make sure you get on the show and impact the world for good. Jerry and Debbie will also continue the conversation with you on The After Show. Listen for all the details!

Article on St. Mark Ji Tianxiang. Read this!

Every day, priests around the world hear the confessions of people who have been away from the sacraments and a practice of their faith for quite some time. In some instances, it has been as long as seventy years or more. While many factors could keep someone from returning to their faith through the portal of the confessional, it often boils down to shame, embarrassment or fear of what Father might say to them. They get up the nerve, anyway, and, lo and behold, it turns out to be a peaceful, joyous, healing, and even tearful encounter. Have you been down this road? If so, Tuesday is when we ask that you call the show and share your journey with the world. Who knows how many people you could inspire to return to the Sacrament of Confession and an active participation in the life of the Church!

Every person who ever lives will experience it. You want something. You desire something. You believe God is calling you to do something. You’re absolutely certain that you’re supposed to pursue it. Yet, all around you are obstacles. People who disagree or disapprove. Lack of human or financial resources. Physical limitations. You name it. The phrase that’s often used is, “God has to move mountains for me.” One of Debbie’s favorite Bible verses is Matthew 19:26, which rightly points out the limitations of mankind, but notes “with God all things are possible.” Jesus even noted that we can move mountains if we have faith the size of a mustard seed. Has there been a time in your life when God has indeed moved mountains to allow you to achieve something? This will be a lively and vibrant discussion as we celebrate the fourth anniversary of the show on Friday!

A beautiful song about God moving mountains.

Human history is filled with the discoveries and inventions of man. We have always sought to do things better, faster, more efficiently, more cost-effective, etc. If you were to give it a little thought, what do you think has been the single most influential advancement made by man throughout history? The wheel? Fire? Running water? The Internet? Scientific or medical progress? Do you believe the advantages of all of these have outweighed the potential negatives, especially in recent decades? Call with your take on Thursday.

We know that Jesus is coming back. Scripture says – in the words of Jesus – that we do not know the day nor the hour. It could be Monday, or it could be 5000 Mondays from now. The Bible tells us that God’s patience is for our benefit. We all have family and friends who are not practicing their faith. The Book of Revelation exhorts us to pray for Jesus’ second coming. But, what would happen to our loved ones if He returned today? What would our own fate be? How do you handle the tension between wanting Jesus to return soon, and knowing people who might not be ready? On Monday, let’s talk about this, and share with us what you think of this question.