Five Minutes with Tony Agnesi

All good things must come to an end. Hi…this is Tony Agnesi.Since 2012 I have done a weekly podcast originally called Finding God’s Grace in Everyday life and for the past few years Five Minutes with Tony. This is the final episode. We have featured 172 episodes here on Breadbox Media and I want to offer my sincere thank you to Pete Socks for adding both Five Minutes with Tony and The Storytellers to the Breadbox Media lineup.Currently, I am converting Five Minutes with Tony to video. So far, we have recorded over 40 on Youtube.com/TonyAgnesi and on Facebook Live and Instagram. In addition, thanks to The Fiat Ministry Network and Patchwork Heart Ministries The Storytellers radio program now has a video version also available on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.All of the programs are available on my web site at TonyAgnesi.com. So give our video versions a try and don’t forget to subscribe and follow us so you don’t miss a single episode. Blessings my friends……This is Tony Agnesi.

In this Five Minutes with Tony, Tony offers seven spiritual resolutions for your new year.  We are either on one of two trajectories, growing in our relationship with God, or frankly, we are growing away from God (toward the devil).  As we are reminded in the book of Romans; we are either moving toward darkness or moving toward the light.

Before I could open the box my parents sat me down and told me that a neighbor boy’s father had been laid off and they couldn’t afford presents for my friend. Wouldn’t it be nice if I gave up one of my toys so that he would have something under his Christmas tree?  In this Five Minutes with Tony, Tony discusses the tough decision he was forced to make on Christmas morning and the Christmas lesson we can learn from little children.

Christmas day is fast approaching.  For many people, it is the happiest and most joyful time of the year.  For others, Christmas can be the saddest time of the year.  In this Five Minutes with Tony, Tony gives some helpful advice if you find yourself sad or lonely at Christmas and what you can do to help others that are alone, lonely, or sad at this time of year.

As we get older, receiving presents at Christmas isn’t quite as important as the people we have around us.  Family and friends become very important at Christmas time.  There is not a parent alive that wouldn’t trade even the biggest present for having their family together at the holidays.  Sons and daughters, grandkids, and friends, who are living far away are the best Christmas gifts.  In this Five Minutes with Tony, Tony discusses how their presence in your holiday is the best Christmas present you could receive.

In this Five Minutes with Tony, Tony discusses Secular Advent. For those of you who are not familiar with the holiday season, it began several years ago and has grown into the biggest secular holiday of the year. But, it’s not OUR Advent!

A palliative nurse wrote an article a few years back about the research she had done with the elderly.  The article talked about the five regrets of the dying.  In this Five Minutes with Tony, Tony’s explains how we can all have a life of no regrets.Scripture: It is not that I have already taken hold of it or have already attained perfect maturity, but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess it, since I have indeed been taken possession of by Christ [Jesus].  Brothers, I for my part do not consider myself to have taken possession. Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus. –Philippians 3:12:14 NABFor godly sorrow produces a salutary repentance without regret, but worldly sorrow produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10 Reflection: How do we live a life of no regrets?  What are the top five things we can do to live a life of no regrets?  Is Tony’s list relevant to your daily life?

In this Five Minutes with Tony, Tony discusses worry.  Americans spend so much time in their lives worrying.  We worry constantly.  We worry about unimportant things, things we have no control over, things that we can’t change. What can we do to stop worrying?Scripture: Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?  Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them.  Matthew 6:27-29“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7“If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?”  Matthew 6:30 Reflection:  Do you spend time worrying about things that are out of your control?  Have you ever worried so much that you made yourself sick?  What do you think of the idea that faith is the antidote to worry?

My friend was an atheist and a struggling alcoholic.  In one of several attempts to overcome his alcohol addiction, he placed a 3X5 card on our shared bulletin board with the words, “That was Yesterday.”  In this podcast, Tony talks about experiencing a metanoia, and turning away from yesterday and looking forward to tomorrow.Scripture: On his journey, as he was nearing Damascus, a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him.  He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”  He said, “Who are you, sir?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.  Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.  The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, for they heard the voice but could see no one.  Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him to Damascus.  For three days he was unable to see, and he neither ate nor drank.  Acts 9:3-9I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. –Romans 8:18 Reflections:  Was there an experience that turned your life around?  Have you put your old self behind you? Can you say “That was yesterday” about a time in your life before Christ?

My friend was an atheist and a struggling alcoholic.  In one of several attempts to overcome his alcohol addiction, he placed a 3X5 card on our shared bulletin board with the words, “That was Yesterday.”  In this podcast, Tony talks about experiencing a metanoia, and turning away from yesterday and looking forward to tomorrow.Scripture: On his journey, as he was nearing Damascus, a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him.  He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”  He said, “Who are you, sir?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.  Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.  The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, for they heard the voice but could see no one.  Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing;so they led him by the hand and brought him to Damascus.  For three days he was unable to see, and he neither ate nor drank.  Acts 9:3-9I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. –Romans 8:18 Reflections:  Was there an experience that turned your life around?  Have you put your old self behind you? Can you say “That was yesterday” about a time in your life before Christ?

One evening, while driving to the jail, I realized that, in my haste, I hadn’t prepared anything to talk about. As I began to reflect on what might be a good theme for the night, Bob Dylan’s old song, Gotta Serve Somebody, came on the radio.

Then, my navigation screen flashed, the car slowed to 40 mph, and the message on the navigation system read, “Powering Down, Seek Service Immediately!” In this podcast, Tony talks about a breakdown in South Carolina on a trip to Florida, and how everything worked out, as if by divine intervention, once he surrendered to God’s will.Scripture: He who plans a thing will be successful; happy is he who trusts in the Lord!  Proverbs 16:20But he who trusts in the Lord will prosper.  Proverbs 28:25The fear of man brings a snare, but he who trusts in the Lord is safe.  Proverbs 29:25Reflections: Have you ever thought you were in complete control and found out you weren’t?  Have you ever been in such a tough situation that you simply had to turn things over to the Lord?  Is is difficult for you to give up control?

 In this podcast, Tony discusses the difference between being healed and cured. He talks about the paralytic and his encounter with Jesus from Luke’s gospel. As we live our lives, with the trials, diseases, and infirmities we might experience, it’s OK to pray for a cure, but more importantly, let’s pray for healing!Scripture: One day as Jesus was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem, and the power of the Lord was with him for healing. And some men brought on a stretcher a man who was paralyzed; they were trying to bring him in and set [him] in his presence. But not finding a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher through the tiles into the middle in front of Jesus. When he saw their faith, he said, “As for you, your sins are forgiven.”  Luke 5:17-20Reflection: Do you understand the difference between healing and a cure? What is more important, you are cured or your sins are forgiven? What do you think was going through the minds of the friends of the paralyzed man following his encounter with the Lord?

 As I pulled into my office parking lot, I was approached by a man with a gasoline can.  “Hey man, can you help me with a few dollars for gas?” He asked. “No,” I replied hurriedly, as I made my way into the office.  What he didn’t know, is that he has approached me three times with the same gas can story, and that he has been observed in our parking lot and a few  of the nearby lots with the same story for the past month.In this podcast, Tony discusses the question of what we should do when approached by a panhandler on the streets.Scripture: And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores.  When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.  Luke 16:20-23Reflection:  What did you do the last time you were asked for money on the street?  Do you ever stop and give a donation to a panhandler on the freeway exit or street corner?  How can you tell if the person is really in need or just a scam artist?

 It was a cold winter day and I decided to stop at the local fast food restaurant for a roast beef sandwich and a coke.  Although it wasn’t yet one o’clock, the restaurant was nearly empty and I was the only person in line. In this podcast Tony talks about what happened next, and how it changed his view of generosity.Scripture: When he looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a widow putting in two small coins.  He said, “I tell you truly, this poor woman put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.  Luke 21:1-4Reflections:  What can we learn from the poor widow in the gospels?  Do you find that the people who have little and more inclined to share what they have than people with more?  The young girl didn’t have much but she offered to share what little she had.  Have you ever been in this position?  How did you react?If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clicking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page.  Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!

 As the season of Advent began, my friend, Jeff, asked if I would facilitate a Bible Study for the homeless on Friday nights, after dinner.“Who would go to a bible study during the cold winter months,” I asked.“I really don’t know,” he replied.  “But we could set it up, announce it at dinner, and see what happens.”  And we did.In this podcast, Tony recalls the miracles that happened during the homeless bible study.Scripture:  God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13Reflections:  Do you ever feel stuck in your current situation without a way out?  Do you trust that God will not test you beyond your strength?  Do you agree that God is faithful?If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clicking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page.  Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!

 Growing up in the 60’s, I realized that no self-respecting bachelor would be caught dead without his little black book. The little black book was the place where he kept track of all the beautiful women he was dating at the same time. I have to admit, I never had a little black book, until now! And, my wife is aware of it and even approves! In this podcast Tony discusses his “Little Black Book” and why you might want one too!Scripture: And the prayer of the faithful will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up.  If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.  James 5:15Reflections: Do you believe in intercessory prayer? Do you keep a prayer list of people you are praying for? Are you a member of a prayer circle? How does praying for others help you in your own faith journey?If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clicking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page. Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!

In this podcast, Tony talks about our personal leap of faith and what are the things keeping up from taking the leap. He discusses the could have, might have and should haves.Scripture: When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once [Jesus] spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how [strong] the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”  Matthew 14:26-31Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1Quote: “The saddest summary of life contains three descriptions: could have, might have, and should have.” —Louis E. BooneReflection: What is keeping you from making a leap of faith? Do you hear God calling you? Do you have enough faith in God to jump? If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clicking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page. Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!

When we think of beautiful people we generally think of physical beauty, a beautiful young girl, a smiling baby, a handsome athletic man.  Beauty, as defined by Hollywood, the cosmetics companies, and clothing lines, are now the norm.  Their image is what most people describe as beautiful. In this podcast, Tony talks about real beauty and beautiful people.Quotes: “The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” — Elisabeth Kübler-Ross“Do not assume that he who seeks to comfort you now, lives untroubled among the simple and quiet words that sometimes do you good. His life may also have much sadness and difficulty, that remains far beyond yours. Were it otherwise, he would never have been able to find these words.” — Rainer Maria Rilke“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.” — Elisabeth Kübler-RossReflection: How do you define true beauty?  Can you name a beautiful person in your life?  Who would that be and what makes them beautiful?  How does the Hollywood version of beauty fail?If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clinking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page.  Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!

A palliative nurse wrote an article a few years back about the research she had done with the elderly. The article talked about the five regrets of the dying. In this podcast, Tony’s explains how we can all have a life of no regrets.Scripture: It is not that I have already taken hold of it or have already attained perfect maturity, but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess it, since I have indeed been taken possession of by Christ [Jesus]. Brothers, I for my part do not consider myself to have taken possession. Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus. –Philippians 3:12:14 NABFor godly sorrow produces a salutary repentance without regret, but worldly sorrow produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10Reflection: How do we live a life of no regrets? What re the top five things we can do to live a life of no regrets? Is Tony’s list relevant to your daily life? If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clinking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page. Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!

Every week, when I tee it up with my buddies, we have an unwritten rule that everyone get a mulligan. A mulligan is basically a do-over, a second chance to redeem ourselves from a really bad shot. God is that way with sin. In this podcast Tony’s discusses forgiveness.Scripture: If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing. 1 John 1:9Have mercy on me, God, in accord with your merciful love; in your abundant compassion blot out my transgressions. Thoroughly wash away my guilt; and from my sin cleanse me. Psalm 51 NABIf you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions. Matthew 6:14-15Reflection: Do you ever think that your sins are unforgivable? We all have core sins, do you confess the same sins over and over again? Does that fact that God forgives a humble sinner give you a feeling that with God you can do all things?If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clinking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page. Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!

In this podcast, Tony discusses worry. Americans spend so much time in their lives worrying. We worry constantly. We worry about unimportant things, things we have no control over, things that we can’t change. What can we do to stop worrying?Scripture: Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. Matthew 6:27-29“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7“If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?” Matthew 6:30Reflection: Do you spend time worrying about things that are out of your control? Have you ever worried so much that you made yourself sick? What do you think of the idea that faith is the antidote to worry? If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clinking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page. Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!

Time flies is an expression we hear all the time. And it’s true. In this podcast, Tony discusses how time flies and how we need to understand that in the blink of an eye things can change. He offers several suggestions. too.Scripture: To your eyes a thousand years are like yesterday, come and gone, or like a watch in the night. You sweep them away like a dream, like grass which is fresh in the morning. In the morning it sprouts and is fresh; by evening it withers and fades. Psalm 90 4:6 (Grail Version)“Let your life be free from love of money but be content with what you have, for he has said, I will never forsake you or abandon you.” Hebrews 13:5Quote: In the blink of an eye, something happens by chance, when you least expect it, sets you on a course that you never planned, into a future you never imagined. –Nicholas SparksIf you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clinking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page. Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!“Life is a preparation for the future; and the best preparation for the future is to live as if there were none.” — Albert Einstein“Happiness, not in another place but this place…not for another hour, but this hour.” –Walt Whitman“Life can change in the blink of an eye. All you have is right now. So don’t ever put off telling someone how you feel about them, don’t assume that they know, because they might not and it might be too late.” ― Alexandra PotterReflection: Have you blinked you eyes and a year has goon by or even a decade? What can we do to savor the time we have together? Do you try to live in the moment? How difficult do you find it?

In this podcast, Tony tells a story of people that crossed the street to avoid a homeless man, yet stopped to help a lost dog. Everyone, except Debbie. Where are our priorities Tony asks in this story.Scripture: But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’ Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:29-37Reflection: Have you ever crossed the street to avoid a homeless person? How did it make you feel? Or, have you ever found yourself in the role of Good Samaritan?

Father’s Day; it is the one day each year that we honor fathers, a day to tell dad just how much he means to us. But, it is a shame that over 24 million kids, one in three children, growing up in the United States today, have no father present in the household to honor. In this podcast, Tony discusses the Father crisis in America.Quote: People “look at a child in need, in poverty or failing in school, and ask, ‘What can we do to help?’ But what we do is ask, ‘Why does that child need help in the first place?’ And the answer is often it’s because [the child lacks] a responsible and involved father.” –Vincent DeCaroTony’s Prayer: Heavenly Father,…Help me to become a better father.…Make the way I treat their mother be a model for their future relationships.…May I find quality time to spend with my children and understand that “any time” is better than waiting for the “right time.”…May I nurture and guide my children, passing along my faith by making God, church, and service to others, a priority.…Lord, give me the ability to provide for my wife and children and protect them for any harm.…And, may my kids look at me as a shining example of God’s love, that one day they will say, “I want to be just like dad!”Amen. Reflections: How do your kids view your relationship with their mother? What do you think of Tony’s comment that kids spell father T-I-M-E? Do you view yourself as a role model?

In this Podcast, Tony relates a story of a young man going to prison for 25 years. How passing judgement on this young man proved to be an eye-opening experience for Tony. Let’s not be so quick to judge. We never know the circumstances that get someone to a particular point in their lives.Reflection: As you listened to the story, did you pass judgement on this young man? Once you understood the circumstances, did it change the way you will approach judgement in the future?Scripture: We have become orphans, fatherless; widowed are our mothers. Lam 5:3Note: *Dr. Ray Guarendi is the father of 10, clinical psychologist, author, public speaker and nationally syndicated radio host. His radio show― “The Doctor Is In” can be heard on EWTN.

In this podcast, Tony discusses the golden rule and how good manners have almost disappeared in this self-centered world we live in. What can we do? Tony offers some suggestions.Scripture: Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against your fellow countrymen. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:31Reflection: Do you still open doors or give up your seat for an elderly person? If so, why? And if not, why not?

In this podcast, Tony talks about the two questions Jesus asks of his disciples at Caesarea Phillipi. They are just as valid today. We need to ask the question, Who do you say that I am? Our answer speaks volumes of our understanding of Matthew’s gospel.Scripture: When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:13-17Quote: “Right is right even if no one is doing it, wrong is wrong, even if everyone is doing it.” St. Augustine of HippoReflection: Who do you say that Jesus is? Who do your friends say that Jesus is? Are you a Christian first, before liberal or conservative?If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clinking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page. Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!

In this podcast, Tony discusses God’s gifts and how sometimes a simple thank you is better than answering every question through worry and anxiety.Scripture:Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Matthew 6:27Quotes:“Aam Khao, ped, kyon ginte ho?” (Enjoy your mango, and don’t worry about what particular tree it comes from.)Reflection:What are you going to do to recognize God’s gifts and enjoy the mangos?If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clinking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page. Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!

In this podcast Tony reminisces about the super heroes of yesteryear and how they remained humble and grateful to do God’s work. We explore what has changed today.Scripture:“[But] take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them;otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. Matthew 6:1-4Quotes:Forget about applause, honors, or awards. Do great things simply because it’s the right thing to do! –Tony AgnesiReflection:What can we learn from the code of conduct of the old 1950’s superheroes like The Lone Ranger?If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clinking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page. Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!

In this podcast, Tony remembers an old friend who when asked, “Ace, how are you?” Would always answer,” Blessed, I’m Blessed!” Let’s look at our blessings.Scripture:“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,for they will be satisfied.Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3-10Reflection:If someone asked, “How are you?” Would you answer blessed? Do you feel blessed? What do you think of my friend Ace’s answer?If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clinking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page. Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!

In this podcast, Tony talks about Mother’s Day and the gift he bought his mother every years, Evening in Paris perfume. Do you have a memory of something thoughtful that someone gave you. Maybe it’s your Evening in Paris!Reflection: Do you have a found memory of your mother on this mother’s day? When you remember your mom, what is the one thing that sticks out above all the rest?If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clinking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page. Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!

In this Podcast, Tony relates a story of a young man going to prison for 25 years. How passing judgement on this young man proved to be an eye-opening experience for Tony. Let’s not be so quick to judge. We never know the circumstances that get someone to a particular point in their lives.Reflection: As you listened to the story, did you pass judgement on this young man? Once you understood the circumstances, did it change the way you will approach judgement in the future?Scripture: We have become orphans, fatherless; widowed are our mothers. Lam 5:3Note: *Dr. Ray Guarendi is the father of 10, clinical psychologist, author, public speaker and nationally syndicated radio host. His radio show― “The Doctor Is In” can be heard on EWTN.If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clinking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page. Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!

An unattributed quote about the benefits of prayer has been making its way across the internet via social media the past few weeks. Reading it, I was moved to reflect on the question, “What do we gain from prayer? In this podcast, Tony asks the question, “What do we really gain from praying?”Quote: Once a man was asked, “what did you gain by regularly praying to God?” The man replied, “Nothing…but let me tell you what I lost: anger, ego, greed, depression, insecurity, and fear of death.” Sometimes the answer to our prayers is not gaining but losing; which ultimately is the gain. –AnonymousScripture: Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you. –John 16:23But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it. –James 1:5Again, [amen,] I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. –Matthew 18:19Reflections: Do you ever ask Jesus for help with your problems? What do you do when you realize you can’t handle a situation on your own? Do you have an example of how God met your needs through prayer?If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clinking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page. Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!

Faith, Hope and Love are the three theological virtues by which we participate in the divine nature of God. But hope is the least understood of these virtues. Hope is often confused with optimism, of an attitude that things will turn out for the best. Hope is not the result of positive thinking, expecting a good outcome, or denying the reality of a situation. In this podcast, Tony discusses hope.Catechism: Into everyone’s heart, God has placed a search for happiness. Hope responds to this desire. It sustains man, frees him from discouragement, preserves him from selfishness, and leads to happiness on earth and in heaven. –CCC 1818Scripture: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” –Romans 15:13For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—oracle of the LORD—plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope. When you call me, and come and pray to me, I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:11-12Quote: “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” –Martin Luther King, Jr.Reflections: Do you understand the difference between optimism and hope? How do we stay positive and still hope for God’s will? What does it mean to have our hope in God’s promise?If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clinking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page. Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!

Today, as many of us get ready to go off to Easter mass we are heavily burdened. Easter, the most joyous day of the year, seems to be tainted by the burdens we are carrying. In this podcast, Tony discusses leaving your problems at the altar this Easter Sunday.Scripture: Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7“Cast your care upon the LORD, who will give you support. He will never allow the righteous to stumble.” –Psalm 55“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7Reflections: What burdens are you laying at the altar this Easter Sunday? Do you place your burdens in God’s loving care? How can we use Tony’s thoughts to have a happier Easter?If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clinking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page. Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!

Every day, as I read Psalm 95 to begin the divine office, the phrase, “enter into my rest” seems to jump off the page. What is this rest that God speaks of? What did the Israelites do to fail to enter into it? And, more importantly, what can we do to enter into God’s rest? In this podcast, Tony discusses Enter into my rest.Scripture: Forty years I loathed that generation; I said: “This people’s heart goes astray; they do not know my ways.” Therefore I swore in my anger: “They shall never enter my rest.” –Psalm 95:10-11Therefore, let us be on our guard while the promise of entering into his rest remains, that none of you seem to have failed. –Hebrews 4:1“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so no one may boast.” –Ephesians 2:8-9“Encourage yourselves daily while it is still “today,” so that none of you may grow hardened by the deceit of sin.” — Hebrews 3:13“For in fact we have received the good news just as they did. But the word that they heard did not profit them, for they were not united in faith with those who listened.” –Hebrews 4:2Reflections: We all need God’s rest. How are you entering into His rest? How would you define God’s rest? How does faith help us enter into God’s rest?If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clinking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page. Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!

Hard times, we are all going to have them. And, some of us get through them better than others. Others don’t do so well. They suffer openly, have a negative destructive attitude and feel that their happiness has been shortchanged. In this podcast, Tony discusses hard times.Scripture: “Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” –Philippians 4:7Quote: “Suffering has to come because if you look at the cross Jesus has his head bending down. He wants to kiss you. And he has his arms opened wide. He wants to embrace you. When you feel miserable inside look at the cross. Suffering, pain, sorrow, humiliation, feelings of loneliness, are nothing but the kiss of Jesus, a sign you have come so close he can kiss you.Suffering, pain, humiliation – this is the kiss of Jesus!” – Blessed Theresa of Calcutta“Life is not the way it’s supposed to be, it’s the way it is. The way you cope is what makes the difference.” –- Virginia Satir “What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.” – Ralph Waldo EmersonReflections: How has God helped you through hard times? What is you feeling about suffering? Is there anything we can learn from experiencing hard times?If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clinking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page. Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!

The father was unemployed, the oldest child was ill, and every penny they had could hardly keep the family together. “Wouldn’t it be nice,” the preacher offered, “if the congregation would all bring in what they could next Sunday and present it to this wonderful family.” In this podcast, Tony discusses The Giving Heart.Scripture: “When he looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.” –Luke 21:1-4Quote: “The most obvious lesson in Christ’s teaching is that there is no happiness in having or getting anything, but only in giving.” –Henry DrummondReflections: Who are the most Christ-like people you know? Do you believe that generosity has little to do with the amount of money involved? How do we measure our generosity?If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clinking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page. Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!

What ever happened to humility? In the past century it has been replaced with the “looking out for number 1” mentality. Americans have become so self-centered, so self-absorbed that they rarely see beyond their own needs. In this podcast Tony discusses having a quiet ego.Scripture: “..With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.” –Ephesians 4:2-3“When pride comes, disgrace comes; but with the humble is wisdom.” –Proverbs 11:2“Humble yourself the more, the greater you are and you will find mercy in the sight of God.” –Sirah 3:18Quote: “Humility, the highest virtue, mother of them all.”–Alfred Lord TennysonReflections: What can you to quiet your ego? How can we be helpful to others and still maintain a healthy ego? What can we do to remain humble?If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clinking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page. Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!

There is something very appealing about Lent. It calls us to cleanse something from within, to burn away or rend those things that keep us from a wholehearted relationship with God. In this podcast, Tony discusses Lent and our relationship with Jesus that can happen Even Now.Scripture: Yet even now—oracle of the LORD—return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God, For he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and relenting in punishment. –Joel 2:12-13 For he says: “In an acceptable time I heard you, and on the day of salvation I helped you. Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. –2 Corinthians 6:2Reflections: What can you do even now to make your lent more meaningful? What do you think of Tony’s list of things to do? Are you trying to make this the best lent ever?If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clinking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page. Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!

“What brought you to mass today,” I inquired? “The ashes,” they responded in unison! In this podcast, Tony recalls an encounter with four Non-Catholic college students at Ash Wednesday mass. In this podcast, Tony explains the power in those ashes.Scripture: Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. –2 Corinthians 6:2 NABReflection: How does receiving ashes change the way you approach lent? Why do you think these students sought out a chance to receive ashes? What does Ash Wednesday mean to you? Are you willing to take the challenge that Ash Wednesday presents as Lent begins?If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clinking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page. Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!

Last year, at Ash Wednesday mass, during the homily, the priest mentioned that he had received several calls in the past few days asking him about the rules for fasting.“How old do you have to be to not be required to fast?” was the question.“Well,” said the priest, “it is 59 which includes 99 percent of you!”In this podcast, Tony discusses giving things up for lent.Quote: “Fasting makes sense if it really chips away at our security and, as a consequence, benefits someone else, if it helps us cultivate the style of the Good Samaritan, who bent down to his brother in need and took care of him.” –Pope Francis“Lent comes providentially to reawaken us, to shake us from our lethargy.” — Pope Francis“As Lent is the time for greater love, listen to Jesus’ thirst…’Repent and believe’ Jesus tells us. What are we to repent? Our indifference, our hardness of heart. What are we to believe? Jesus thirsts even now, in your heart and in the poor — He knows your weakness. He wants only your love, wants only the chance to love you.” –Blessed Mother TeresaReflections: What are you giving up for lent? What can you do differently this year to have your best lent ever? How about doing something different this year?If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clinking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page. Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!

As a youngster, I remember on my birthday every year (in February, during or near lent), I would always receive some article of clothing as a gift. Whether it was a sweater, a new shirt, pair of pants or a jacket, as I opened the gift, my mother would say, “Save it for Easter!” In this podcast, Tony discusses the importance of Easter.Scripture: If there is no resurrection of the dead, then neither has Christ been raised.  And if Christ has not been raised, then empty (too) is our preaching, empty, too, your faith.  …And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is in vain.  1 Corinthians 15:13-14 17Reflections: Is Easter just another Sunday to you and your family? What have you done to make Easter a special day? Have you explained to your kids the real meaning of Easter?If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clinking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page. Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!

Do you ever feel guilty when you take some time to rest? That, somehow, society has convinced you that rest is an indulgence you simply can’t afford. In this go-go society of never ending to do lists, late night text messages from work, and trying to make partner, we are obsessed with the feeling that , “I should be doing something!” In this podcast Tony discusses the importance of rest.Scripture: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” –Matthew 11:28-30“On the seventh day God completed the work he had been doing; he rested on the seventh day from all the work he had undertaken. God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work he had done in creation.” –Genesis 2:2-3“Return, my soul, to your rest; the LORD has been very good to you.” –Psalm 116:7Reflections: What do you do to insure you get some rest? Do you ever feel guilty for downtime? Are you getting enough sleep?If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clinking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page. Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!

Gratitude and grace, they just seem to go together. Both derived from the Latin word gratis, gratitude is our response to grace. When someone does something unexpected for us we express our thanks with gratitude, but if we have a grateful attitude, we say thank you even when things are expected. In this podcast Tony discusses Grace and Gratitude. Scripture: “Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God.” –2 Corinthians 4:15“All good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change.” — James 1:17Quote: “Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.” –Zig Ziglar“Celebrate what you want to see more of,” –Tom Peters.Reflections: Do you see the connection between Grace and Gratitude? What can you do to have an attitude of gratitude? What are you grateful for?If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clinking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page. Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!

We all have a concept of love. From the time we are very young children we have a strong sense of what love is. Our concept of love changes as we get older. But, what is God’s perspective on love? In this podcast Tony discusses love.Scripture: “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him. In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.” –1 John 4:7-10We love because he first loved us.” –1 John 4:19“He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” –Luke 10:27God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him.” –1 John 4:16Reflections: How has your perspective of love changed over the years? What do you do to emulate God’s love? How’s your love life?If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clinking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page. Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!

While on vacation in Florida, I had a chance to talk with one of the neighbors, also a vacationer. We talked briefly about baseball, the beach, and getting away from the winter snow, but then the conversation became serious. n this podcast Tony discusses the loss of a loved one and the grieving process.Scripture: “When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:20-21“Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise.” Martha said to him, “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:23-26“When Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:32“So Jesus said to them, untie him and let him go.” John 11:44Reflections: Does that fact that Jesus wept give you consolation that even He felt the great loss of a friend? Do you need to untie a loved one and let them go free to the arms of Jesus? What is the tomb of your life that has separated you from God?If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clinking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page. Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!

In this podcast, Tony offers seven spiritual resolutions for your new year. We are either on one of two trajectories, growing in our relationship with God, or frankly, we are growing away from God (toward the devil). As we are reminded in the book of Romans; we are either moving toward darkness or moving toward the light.Scripture: And do this because you know the time; it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed; the night is advanced, the day is at hand. Let us then throw off the works of darkness [and] put on the armor of light. Romans 13:11-12Quote: “The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul. –G.K. Chesterton Prayer:O Jesus,through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,I offer You my prayers, works,joys and sufferingsof this day for all the intentionsof Your Sacred Heart,in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Massthroughout the world,in reparation for my sins,for the intentions of all my relatives and friends,and in particularfor the intentions of the Holy Father.                                                                                                                               Amen.Reflections: What are your resolutions for the new year? Have you included some spiritual goals? What is the one things that you can resolve for 2020 that will change your spiritual life for the better?If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clinking the Follow Link on the lest hand side of the page. Don't miss a single Five Minutes with Tony Podcast!

I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolutions, but I do like to take some time at the end of the year to set goals. Resolutions are great; except we rarely follow through on them and that can make us feel like failures. Why not try something different this year? Decide what you want to do less, then, find something opposite and positive that you want to do more. In this podcast, Tony discusses more and less.Scripture: “Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.” — Romans 12:2Only if you thoroughly reform your ways and your deeds; if each of you deals justly with his neighbor; if you no longer oppress the resident alien, the orphan, and the widow; if you no longer shed innocent blood in this place, or follow strange gods to your own harm, will I remain with you in this place, in the land which I gave your fathers long ago and forever.” –Jeremiah 7:5-7Reflections: What do you want to do more and less? What are a few of your more or less goals? What changes do you want to make in 2020?

Our living room is rarely used. It has become a place to go to make a quiet phone call, read or just get away from the noise and activity of the day. It’s our quiet room. It is also the place where my wife, Diane sets up the nativity scene each year, a place where I enjoy going to pray and reflect on the birth of our Savior. In this podcast, Tony discusses the nativity and its relationship to the Eucharist.Scripture: “And she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” –Luke 2:7Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst. –John 6:35Reflections: Have you ever thought about the nativity and the Eucharist? what do you think of Tony’s comparison? Can we truly have Christmas every day in the Eucharist?