Episodes
Wednesday Jul 08, 2020
Trust God, Don't Worry
Wednesday Jul 08, 2020
Wednesday Jul 08, 2020
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 6:30
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?
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Wednesday Jul 01, 2020
In the Blink of an Eye
Wednesday Jul 01, 2020
Wednesday Jul 01, 2020
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 13:5
Quote: 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 Sparks
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“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 Potter
Reflection: 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?
Wednesday Jun 24, 2020
Debbie, the Good Samaritan
Wednesday Jun 24, 2020
Wednesday Jun 24, 2020
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 10:29-37
Reflection: 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?
Wednesday Jun 24, 2020
Special On Father's Day
Wednesday Jun 24, 2020
Wednesday Jun 24, 2020
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 DeCaro
Tony’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?
Wednesday Jun 17, 2020
To Have a Father
Wednesday Jun 17, 2020
Wednesday Jun 17, 2020
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 5:3
Note: *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.
Wednesday Jun 10, 2020
Is Chivalry Dead?
Wednesday Jun 10, 2020
Wednesday Jun 10, 2020
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 19:18
Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:31
Reflection: Do you still open doors or give up your seat for an elderly person? If so, why? And if not, why not?
Wednesday Jun 03, 2020
Who Do You Say that I Am?
Wednesday Jun 03, 2020
Wednesday Jun 03, 2020
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 16:13-17
Quote: “Right is right even if no one is doing it, wrong is wrong, even if everyone is doing it.” St. Augustine of Hippo
Reflection: Who do you say that Jesus is? Who do your friends say that Jesus is? Are you a Christian first, before liberal or conservative?
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Wednesday May 27, 2020
Enjoy the Mangos!
Wednesday May 27, 2020
Wednesday May 27, 2020
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 6:27
Quotes:
“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?
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Wednesday May 20, 2020
“Hi-yo, Silver! Away!”
Wednesday May 20, 2020
Wednesday May 20, 2020
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 6:1-4
Quotes:
Forget about applause, honors, or awards. Do great things simply because it’s the right thing to do! –Tony Agnesi
Reflection:
What can we learn from the code of conduct of the old 1950’s superheroes like The Lone Ranger?
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Wednesday May 13, 2020
Blessed, I'm Blessed!
Wednesday May 13, 2020
Wednesday May 13, 2020
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 5:3-10
Reflection:
If someone asked, “How are you?” Would you answer blessed? Do you feel blessed? What do you think of my friend Ace’s answer?
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Wednesday May 06, 2020
Evening in Paris
Wednesday May 06, 2020
Wednesday May 06, 2020
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?
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Wednesday Apr 29, 2020
To Have a Father
Wednesday Apr 29, 2020
Wednesday Apr 29, 2020
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 5:3
Note: *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!
Wednesday Apr 22, 2020
What Do We Gain From Prayer?
Wednesday Apr 22, 2020
Wednesday Apr 22, 2020
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. –Anonymous
Scripture: Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you. –John 16:23
But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it. –James 1:5
Again, [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 18:19
Reflections: 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?
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Wednesday Apr 15, 2020
The Power of Hope
Wednesday Apr 15, 2020
Wednesday Apr 15, 2020
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 1818
Scripture: “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 15:13
For 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 29:11-12
Quote: “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?
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Wednesday Apr 08, 2020
Leave It at the Altar
Wednesday Apr 08, 2020
Wednesday Apr 08, 2020
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 1:7
Reflections: 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?
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Wednesday Apr 01, 2020
Enter Into My Rest
Wednesday Apr 01, 2020
Wednesday Apr 01, 2020
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 95:10-11
Therefore, 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 4:2
Reflections: 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?
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Wednesday Mar 25, 2020
Making It Through Hard Times
Wednesday Mar 25, 2020
Wednesday Mar 25, 2020
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 4:7
Quote: “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 Emerson
Reflections: How has God helped you through hard times? What is you feeling about suffering? Is there anything we can learn from experiencing hard times?
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Wednesday Mar 18, 2020
A Giving Heart
Wednesday Mar 18, 2020
Wednesday Mar 18, 2020
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 21:1-4
Quote: “The most obvious lesson in Christ’s teaching is that there is no happiness in having or getting anything, but only in giving.” –Henry Drummond
Reflections: 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?
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Wednesday Mar 11, 2020
A Quiet Ego
Wednesday Mar 11, 2020
Wednesday Mar 11, 2020
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 3:18
Quote: “Humility, the highest virtue, mother of them all.”–Alfred Lord Tennyson
Reflections: 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?
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Wednesday Mar 04, 2020
Even Now
Wednesday Mar 04, 2020
Wednesday Mar 04, 2020
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 6:2
Reflections: 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?
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