Five Minutes with Tony Agnesi

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.” –- Virgi...

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 involv...

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? If you have enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe by clinking the Follow Link on ...

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? If you have enjoyed listening to this podc...