In spite of a culture that’s awash in relativism, a few things remain almost universally recognized as being wrong. One of them is lying. Just about everyone will admit that it’s morally wrong to tell a falsehood, at least under “normal” circumstances. (This doesn’t get into the ethical situations when it’s not only morally acceptable to lie, but perhaps even morally obligatory; a favorite example being a German citizen lying to the Nazis when asked if he has Jews in his house, in order to save the lives of the Jewish people under his roof). But what about those seemingly “harmless” lies, such as one told to avoid hurting someone’s feelings? Should we be concerned about telling small, or “white,” lies? That’s our topic Wednesday. Call early to be sure you get on the program to share your take with Jerry and Debbie and the world!

We talk about forgiveness and the need to forgive quite a bit in our Church.  In this Year of Mercy that Pope Francis has called forth, maybe it is the perfect time to re-visit this topic and look deeper into the effects that unforgiveness has on the soul.  In this world, holding onto past hurts and resentments seems gratifying on the surface.  But we know from research that over time this attitude reeks havoc on the body and more importantly on the soul.  Join us as we take a fresh look at unforgiveness.  Jerry and Debbie will share from their hearts and we ask you to do the same.  So call in at 1-800-585-9396.

RESOURCES: Forgiveness: A Catholic Approach

It’s Leap Year!   An extra day at your disposal.  Great question to ask…If time was on your side, what would you do with it?  Would you use it for your spiritual formation?  Would you work harder and accumulate more money for your retirement?  Would you spend time with family and friends?  Or maybe you might just want to rest and enjoy the simple things of life.  Jerry and Debbie want YOU to join them in this discussion by calling 1-800-585-9396.  Share your view on this subject.  Remember, something you share may be just the wisdom others need.  See you Monday!

As Bob Dylan once sang, “It may be the devil, or it may be the Lord, but you gotta’ serve somebody.” As Christians, we obviously believe that the devil is real, and that he has designs on our souls. St. Peter wrote (1 Peter 5:8) that our opponent, the devil, is prowling like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Should we be fearful of what the devil can do to us? Just how much influence does he have over us? What can we do to make sure we’re not within his immediate reach? Jerry and Debbie will be joined on Friday by religious demonologist Adam Blai, who works for the Diocese of Pittsburgh. He assists his bishop and others around the country on cases of demonic origin. He also trains priests to perform solemn exorcisms. But he’s very skilled in sharing basic insights with people like us, who simply want to live for Jesus and avoid the lures of the devil. Tune in and call with your questions and takes.

As we prepare to wrap up Black History Month, Jerry and Debbie will be joined on Thursday by Gloria Purvis, a well-known host on EWTN Television and Radio (daily on “Morning Glory” with Brian Patrick and Father Aquinas Guilbeau). Together, they’ll discuss the importance of the Catholic faith to the black community. According to the National Black Catholic Congress – http://nbccongress.org – 25% of the world’s Catholic population is black. But in the United States, that number is only 4%. What is your experience with our black Catholic brothers and sisters? Share your take at Noon ET, with a replay of the show at Midnight ET.

You pull over to the side of the road to let an ambulance go by. You read or hear about the death of a famous actor or athlete. You pass what appears to be a horrific accident on the freeway. While most people slow down and strain to get a glimpse off the wreckage, how many are praying for the people who were injured or killed? If you’ve ever been inspired to pray for someone you didn’t personally know – but you knew that individual was in dire need of prayer – share your take with Jerry and Debbie on Wednesday at Noon Eastern Time, with an encore broadcast at Midnight Eastern Time.

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.