Jesus said in the gospel that temptations are sure to come. He added, “Woe to the one through whom they come.” In other words, life cannot be lived without temptation. When we think about it, giving in to temptation leads us away from God. Resisting temptation helps us build our spiritual muscles and grow in virtue. Thus, temptations, while no one loves or welcomes them, can be our “friends.” Do you view them this way? Or do you feel helpless in the face of temptations? Do you feel if you’ve experienced temptation that you’ve sinned? There is a distinction between the two. Share your take on Wednesday with Jerry and Debbie.

It seems from human experience that God allows certain temptations and sin patterns to be especially difficult for people to overcome. For one person, it might be lying. For another, gossiping. Another person might struggle mightily to avoid pornography or other forms of sexual impurity. Someone else might display their anger, even though they know it’s not healthy and they want more than anything to move beyond it. Are there times when you cry out to God and ask, “Why won’t you remove this thorn from my flesh?” We have St. Paul as an example that there are instances where God says no, He won’t take away our particular weakness, but instead calls us to rely on His grace, which Scripture assures us is “sufficient” for dealing with it.

Let’s talk about this and more by calling, 1-800-585-9396.  Jerry is traveling on Tuesday so call in to keep Debbie company. 😉

In all human relationships, we want to share what’s on our heart with others. Unfortunately, our own fears, uncertainties, etc., sometimes keep us from speaking our minds. Not necessarily to be mean to others. It can be at the bedside of a dying parent, with whom you want dearly to make peace about a certain situation. Or perhaps when a boss wants us to go in a direction we’d rather not go. Life is full of moments when we bite our tongues, only to later wish we had said what we were thinking at the time. Share if this has been your experience, by calling 1-800-585-9396.

James 3:9 says, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.” One of the most difficult human disciplines is holding back words when we’re inclined to say something. When have you exercised this patience and caution, and quickly realized that what you didn’t say could have injured someone else or your relationship with that individual? Share your take on this with Jerry and Debbie on Friday’s show.

In 1 Peter 4:8, our first pope writes that “love covers a multitude of sins.” He’s referring to how our love for others is pleasing to God and can help to atone for our sins. The Ten Commandments also “cover” a multitude of sins, but in the sense that there are countless sins that fall within the parameters of each of the commandments. This is so important to know, so that we can be aware of how serious certain actions are, and can work to eliminate them from our lives. Join Jerry and Debbie – and their guest, Fr. Thomas Petri, O.P. – for a discussion about this on Thursday.

We can often go through life interacting with friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc., not knowing that they – like us – are Catholic. It can transform a friendship into a deep and dynamic Christ-centered relationship. Is there someone in your life you discovered is also a Catholic? How has that taken that friendship or relationship to another level? Share your take with Jerry and Debbie on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Debbie will be traveling and Jerry will be hosting the show by himself. He wants to hear from our friends and listeners in Canada about their experience of living the faith in their “home and native land.” It’s always interesting when we share experiences that might help shape our view of the universal Church. So, if you live in Canada, are a Canadian who now calls the United States home, or are a snowbird who spends the winters south of the border, be sure to call and share your take with Jerry!

Jerry is traveling on Monday to assist with a pledge drive, so I have decided to take on the topic of extreme couponing. You may be scratching your head right about now and asking, how does this relate to our faith? Well, it can certainly play a part in our faith journey.  See, on the surface extreme couponing sounds like what every Christian should do, to be good stewards of the gifts God has bestowed to us.  To save where we can, to go to great lengths to not overspend, so that we can use the savings to give to the poor, donate to charities, etc.  Let’s talk about this and more, because remember, Take 2 is about taking a second look at things, a fresh look!  It should be an interesting show if you call in to 1-800-585-9396.  Please don’t leave me all alone to cut out my coupons by myself. 😉

In the gospel, a blind man approaches Jesus seeking a favor. Jesus asks him, “What do you want me to do for you?” This shows a very merciful and gentle side of Jesus. If he asked that blind man this question, why would He not ask you and me the same thing? With that in mind, do you approach Jesus with the confidence that He will do for you what you request? Apparently, the blind man did believe, because Jesus said his faith had brought about the healing of his sight. The man immediately began to follow Jesus, which tells us that we likewise should be grateful for all of His gifts. Share with Jerry and Debbie on Friday what it is you would like Jesus to do for you.

In life, most of us have it together. At least as far as getting by and being successful is concerned. But we also all have our “achilles heel,” a particular weakness that keeps us honest. What is yours? Even a giant like St. Paul wrote about the thorn in his flesh that kept him humble. It’s time for some honest reflection and sharing with Jerry and Debbie on Thursday’s broadcast.