In the past, burning the United States flag has been a hot-button issue. More recently, we’ve seen high profile individuals such as professional football players refuse to stand during the playing of the national anthem. Some have said that the latter gesture is not meant to disrespect our country. Rather, it’s a sign of frustration over the treatment of a certain segment of our population by another segment of the population. How do you feel about these public displays? Should something like flag burning be protected under the banner of “freedom of speech?” Do you believe people like athletes who use their respective platforms to make social or political statements should be told to do so “on their own time?” This discussion could even include the myriad protests and demonstrations that were held during and after the recent presidential election. What has happened to civility and respect for America? Join the conversation with your take on Wednesday.

Several years ago, there was a big dust up surrounding the frustration voiced by people over being bothered by phone solicitors and telemarketers. Remember the so-called “Do Not Call List?” It seems that hasn’t had much impact on people no longer being bothered by solicitors. Do you still get interrupted at all hours – especially the least convenient ones – of the day by people trying to sell you something, get you to sign up for something, or, worst of all, automated calls telling you you’ve won some great prize? What do you do? Do you listen charitably? Do you hang up on them? Do you ask or tell them never to call you again? Some people even engage the person calling in long conversations, even turning the tables on them in terms of their time. Share you take with Jerry and Debbie and the world on Tuesday’s show.

Do you live in a region where there are four distinct seasons? Perhaps you don’t, but you still love the different seasons as they change. It’s often said that the spiritual life is a lot like our earthly lives. We see in both – as mirrored in the changing seasons – dying, rising, sunshine, darkness, storms, calm, etc. Let’s have a lively conversation about this on Monday. Call with your take – 800-585-9396. Or text Jerry and Debbie by sending the letters EWTN to 55000.

POEM ON SHOW:

I love the trees in the wintertime, when they stand bold against the sky
It almost seems like they’re waiting there for our Blessed Lord to pass by.

To renew their life, make them whole again, and clothe them in a beautiful array.
The same as he does with our precious souls when we turn after going astray. 

But we don’t have to wait for the Lord to come like the trees await the spring,
For he’s always there to welcome us back – no matter what transgressions we bring.

It is a shopping nightmare out there!  People pushing, shoving, impatient with one another.  Then, there are the well-meaning families that are struggling to maintain joy while shopping with their kids.  We have all seen and heard it.  The mom or dad shouting at their kids while Christmas shopping.  No! Stop it! Put it back on the shelf! We can’t go eat yet, I am not done getting gifts for everyone on my list!  If you ask me one more time, there will be nothing for you under the tree!  How does it always seem to happen, what should be the most glorious season of the year, instead brings out the worst in people in public. Well, we don’t have to give into this world and lower ourselves any longer.  We can turn our shopping nightmares into spiritual experiences.  Let’s put our ideas together and share them on Friday’s Take 2 with Jerry and Debbie.  1-800-585-9396.

AUDIO ARCHIVE::

Advent is a grace filled, sacred season for us to get ready for the birth of our Savior.  Many people don’t know how to prepare during Advent.  Some don’t even fully understand the purpose of Advent.  Others enter into this time of the Church year with a great sense of anticipation and a prayerful heart.  Our conversation will be about how we can fully embrace Advent so that when Christmas comes our joy and understanding of the Messiah is deep within our hearts.  Share your Advent traditions with us by calling, 1-800-585-9396.

National Catholic Register’s Worst Nativity Scenes Ever ::  www.ncregister.com/blog/matthew-archbold/the-worst-nativity-sets.-ever

Jerry and Debbie are on location at St Mary Basha Catholic School in Chandler, AZ.  They will be speaking with the Junior High students of the school to find out how they incorporate the fruits of the spirit in their academics and activities.  This will be a great show for all the families discerning whether or not to give their children a Catholic school education.  Our number to call in is: 1-800-585-9396.

On Tuesday, Jerry and Debbie welcome your takes on the subjects of isolation and addiction. Does one feed into the other? It seems that it’s much more likely that a person will develop addictions if he or she remains isolated. Similarly, addictive behavior can very often lead a person to want to “isolate” from others. That can be the result of shame, a desire to not be seen indulging in one’s addiction of choice, etc. Join us and call in for what promises to be a heartfelt conversation.

Jerry and Debbie are on location at St Mary’s Church in Chandler, Arizona.  This parish has two church locations and over 4,700 registered families.  One would consider St Mary’s a “mega” parish.  A parish that is vibrant and growing is a blessing to have, but the challenge may be how to keep the community feel.  We will talk about this and more when we visit with this fine community and hear how they are working through this good problem to have, expanding at a fast pace.  Jerry and Debbie will also be speaking at St Mary’s Advent Mission, Monday the 28th through Wednesday the 30th in the evening.  Our call in number for the show is: 1-800-585-9396.

It’s almost a certainty that at some point in your life you have been snubbed. Or at least you thought you were. Passed over for a raise, a promotion, inclusion on the varsity volleyball or basketball team. How did you react to seeing someone else – who was perhaps less deserving or had less seniority – get selected before you? Did you see the hand of God in what happened, especially looking back years later? These circumstances can be difficult to accept. But there’s a valuable lesson in each and every one of them. Share your take with Jerry and Debbie during our last live broadcast before the Thanksgiving Weekend!

On Tuesday, Jerry and Debbie will welcome your takes on the importance of Latin to so many other languages, to the Church, to science, medicine, education, etc. We want to know if you’ve ever studied Latin, how you’ve used it, how much you have retained, if Latin has helped you become better at using the English language (or other languages that derive from Latin), if you think it’s good that Latin is the official language of the Church, etc. Call in and let’s have a lively conversation about this at Noon ET!

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