Continuing The March For Life

Posted on January 27, 2013 by Gary Zimak

 

I’ve just returned from Washington, DC where I had the honor of participating in a 2 day book signing at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. On January 24 & 25, I signed copies of A Worrier’s Guide To The Bible, along with fellow Catholic authors Teresa Tomeo, Dan Burke, Fr. Michael Gaitley, EWTN’s Brother Leo, Regina Doman and Dr. Monica Miller.

I had the opportunity to sign lots of books and meet many friends but, most importantly, I was able to be with hundreds of thousands of people who believe in the sanctity of life! As I sat at my table outside of the book store, I witnessed an endless stream of individuals who journey to the nation’s capital to attend the March For Life. Clergy, religious and lay people all came to make a statement that ALL life is sacred and needs to be protected. I felt an incredible sense of unity as well as frustration as so many people were there to protest the killing of innocent babies. Something about that thought just boggles my mind…we were there to protest the legal murder of the unborn. Huh? Isn’t it true that we live in a “civilized” society?

Rather that get depressed, however, we need to keep doing what 650,000 of us did that day in Washington. We must continue to stand up for life, which means telling the truth about abortion. It’s up to us to do the job that the mainstream media refuses to do. We need to continue to speak up for the silent victims of this modern day holocaust. Take it from me…our workplaces, schools and even our Catholic churches are filled with people who have been tricked into thinking that abortion is simply “the right to choose”. We have to inform them that it is nothing more than violent, bloody and gruesome murder. Since abortion was legalized in the United States, 55 MILLION BABIES have been legally murdered. 55 MILLION! Although it’s important that so many of us came together to visibly march on behalf of life, it should not be a one day event. We should continue to “march” as we return to our homes. The stakes are high, my friends, and it’s up to us to spread the word. Please continue to pray, fast, volunteer and speak out on behalf of those little ones who can’t speak for themselves. Let people know what abortion really is. As Bishop Farrell proclaimed in his homily during the closing Mass for the March for Life, we are making a difference and we WILL one day win the battle. Until then…

we MUST continue to fight!

Posted in abortion, Christian Living | 2 Comments

I Didn’t Care Too Much About Abortion, Until One Day…

Posted on January 22, 2013 by Gary Zimak

 

I’m convinced that the majority of people who support legalized abortion don’t really understand what it involves. Although I’ve been a practicing (more or less) Catholic for my entire life, I was EXTREMELY apathetic about abortion. Yeah, I guess I was pro-life, but I never gave it too much thought. After all, I had my own problems. One day, approximately 20 years ago, something drastic happened and it changed my outlook forever. I saw a picture of an aborted baby in a trash can. A precious life that was intentionally snuffed out and discarded like a piece of garbage. From that moment on I became strongly pro-life.

Many questions have arisen about whether or not graphic pictures of aborted babies should be used by those in the pro-life movement. As I mentioned, it worked for me. I saw all that I needed to see and I’ve done all I can to avoid seeing another such picture. When I originally wrote this post, I included a link to a gruesome photo gallery on the Priests for Life website. After reviewing my comments and reading an excellent blog post from Simcha Fisher on the subject, I decided to modify my post and remove the link. What changed my mind? The fact that it never really dawned on me that the aborted babies used in these pictures were human beings who deserved to be treated with respect and dignity. My zeal for proclaiming the truth about the evil of abortion caused me to lose sight of the bigger picture. Although the use of the pictures can be very effective in some cases, I agree that using them could show a lack of respect for the dignity of the victims.

As a result, I’ve decided to link to another Priests for Life photo gallery, one containing photographic images of fetal development through the first 6 months of pregnancy. I think it makes the point in a much better way. Am I copping out? I don’t think so. Rather, I’d like to think that I learned something today. If we’re really going to win the battle and convert people to the side of life, we all have to be willing to constantly reevaluate our approach and make sure that we don’t let our pride get in the way. Is it wrong to use graphic pictures in certain limited cases? I can’t say for sure, especially since so many lives are at stake. For me personally, however, I’ve decided to go a different route. The important thing is that we continue to expose the myth that abortion is all about choice and let others know what it really is…

Murder!

http://www.priestsforlife.org/resources/abortionimages/fetaldevelopment.htm

Posted in abortion | 2 Comments

Coming Soon…Listen To Your Blessed Mother!

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Gary Zimak

 

I’m excited to officially announce my second book, Listen To Your Blessed Mother (Mary’s Words In Scripture). Coming in August 2013 from Liguori Publications, it will be a reflection on Mary’s words in the Bible. Matt Swaim, author and producer of EWTN Radio’s Son Rise Morning Show, has graciously agreed to write the foreword.

This book has been a labor of love and I’m anxious to share my thoughts on my Blessed Mother with you. The idea started when I did a series of blog posts and segments on The Son Rise Morning Show. When we listen to Mary’s words and observe her actions, we can learn more about our Faith than from a library full of books. I can personally attest to the fact that the more we love Mary, the more we will love Jesus.

I’d appreciate it if you’d keep this project in your prayers and help me to spread the word. I’ll provide more details as soon as I can.

Posted in Bible, Blessed Mother, books, Gary Zimak, Gary's Book, Marian, Mary, Mother of God | Comments Off on Coming Soon…Listen To Your Blessed Mother!

Worrying About Finances? Here’s A Message From Jesus…

Posted on January 4, 2013 by Gary Zimak

 

As the author of a book on anxiety, I do a lot of speaking about the topic. As a result, I’ve met many people who are worried about lots of things. Somewhere near the top of the list are those who are struggling financially. Many people don’t know how they will pay their rent, buy food or pay their bills. Jesus has a clear message about this matter. It has nothing to do with financial irresponsibility or burying one’s head in the sand. Rather, it’s a reminder that we should place our trust in God’s providence. The road may be bumpy, there could be lots of twists and turns, but the Lord really does understand that we have material needs. Read this passage, over and over if necessary. In the meantime, keep praying and trust…

?Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat [or drink], or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? 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. 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, you of little faith? So do not worry and say, ?What are we to eat?? or ?What are we to drink?? or ?What are we to wear?? All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.” (Matthew 6:25-33)

Posted in A Worrier's Guide To The Bible, anxiety, fear, finances, worry | 24 Comments

New Themes For The Following The Truth Radio Show!

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Gary Zimak

 

As we prepare to welcome the new year, there are some changes in the works for the Following The Truth radio program. Designed to help you get the most out of the Year of Faith, these new themes will help set you on fire for your Catholic Faith!

For those who are not familiar with the show, Following The Truth (with Gary Zimak) airs each Monday – Friday at 8 PM Eastern on BlogTalkRadio. Once the show airs, all podcasts are available (free of charge) in the BlogTalkRadio On Demand Archives and on iTunes. Adhering to the “2 S’s” (Simple and Substantial), Gary strives to present the AUTHENTIC teachings of the Catholic Church in an entertaining and understandable way.

Before discussing the changes, one thing that will not change is the reading and discussion of the daily Mass readings. This is an important feature of the show and will remain as is. The new themes for each day are as follows:

Monday (What Catholics Really Believe) – A basic discussion of the teachings of the Catholic Faith, direct from the Catechism, Vatican documents and other reliable sources.

Tuesday (The People of the Gospels) – The Gospels are filled with many interesting people. Each week, we’ll look at a different one. John the Baptist, Nicodemus, the Rich Young Man, the Ten Lepers, and many more individuals will be discussed in depth.

Wednesday (Imitating Christ) – One of the most important things that the Holy Father wants us to do in this Year of Faith is to LIVE the Faith. There is no better way to do this than to imitate Christ. Every Wednesday, Gary will reflect on a passage from The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis. If you’re not familiar with this book, you’ll be astonished by its clear and profound teaching. Be prepared to be challenged!

Thursday (Listen To Your Mother) – Mary is the model Christian and has a message that she’d like to share with us. Each week, Gary will discuss a different APPROVED Marian apparition. By listening to Our Lady’s message, we’ll be able to better live our Catholic Faith!

Friday (Double Header) – Fridays are BIG days on Following The Truth. In the first half of the show, we’ll look at the “Greatest Stories Ever Told” – the parables of Jesus. These simple stories were designed to help us better understand Our Lord’s teaching and we’ll discuss a different one each week. In the second half, the Mass Readings for the upcoming Sunday will be read and discussed. God speaks directly to us through the Bible and this feature will help you better prepare to receive His message.

2013 promises to be an exciting year for Following The Truth. The new format begins on Wednesday, January 2nd. Be sure to tune in and let your friends know!

Posted in Following The Truth, Gary Zimak, radio | 1 Comment

Merry Christmas!

Posted on December 24, 2012 by Gary Zimak

 

After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way. (Mt 2:9-12)

Once the magi met Jesus, they traveled back to their country by “another way”. That encounter with the Lord changed their lives forever. This Christmas, I pray that each of you will be able to experience that same life changing meeting with our Lord and Savior. May you and your families have a blessed and holy Christmas. You will be in our prayers.

The Zimak family (Gary, Eileen, Mary and Elizabeth)

Posted in Christmas | Comments Off on Merry Christmas!

Sandy Hook – A Time For Mourning, Not Lecturing!

Posted on December 16, 2012 by Gary Zimak

 

Before I begin this post, I want to make a few things clear. I am 100 percent pro-life and have written about the evils of abortion many times. In addition, I pray the rosary with a group of people each week outside of an abortion clinic. I believe, as the Catholic Church teaches, that abortion is murder. No exceptions…it is ALWAYS murder! I also believe that most people who support abortion are unaware of what takes place as unborn children are pulled from their mothers wombs. I feel that there is a great need to educate the world as to what really takes places under the guise of “the right to choose”. All things considered, however, I think it is WAY too early to compare the murders that happen legally in this country every day with the horrible crime that took place on Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut.

Twenty children (between the ages of 6-7) were gunned down at close range, 6 adults unexpectedly lost their lives and faced their judgment (quite possibly unprepared to do so), the lives of those who lost loved ones in this tragedy were shattered at a time of year when peace and joy should be the prevailing message. A community, a country and the entire world is devastated and confused, perplexed as to how God could allow this to happen.

I have been seeing way too many comments on Facebook and other social media sites that are using this tragedy as an argument for many different agendas. In my opinion, this is not the time for Planned Parenthood comparisons, statements about the need for gun control laws or criticism of President Obama for expressing outrage and sorrow for what transpired. Rather, it is a time to pray for our brothers and sisters who lost their lives. It’s a time to mourn along with those who were affected in any way by the tragedy. It’s a time to do what we can to live out our Christian faith every day, which includes loving one another. It’s also a time to remember that there is evil in the world, but that the Prince of Peace, who we are preparing to welcome can and will bring good out of that evil.

There will come a time when we should point out the need to mourn for the many children who are legally murdered every day, but it’s too soon. There will be a time to discuss gun control laws or the need to return God to public schools. However, the victims from the Sandy Hook massacre have not even been buried yet. Let’s first show some respect and compassion for those souls who passed away and for their families, many of whose lives will never be the same.

Posted in abortion, charity, death, peace, pro-life | 1 Comment

Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas!

Posted on December 13, 2012 by Gary Zimak

 

How would you like some great last minute Christmas gift ideas that will also allow you to support my full time work as a Catholic Evangelist? Ordering merchandise from any of the following links will result in a profit for my work at Following The Truth. I’d greatly appreciate your help to keep my apostolate alive. All you have to do is visit any of the following merchants, place an order and that’s it! Your help is GREATLY appreciated.

God Bless,
Gary

For the “Worriers” in your life…

Looking for Catholic Merchandise?

Looking for DELICIOUS coffee?

How about some recordings which will help your children learn about the Faith?

And, of course, there’s Amazon.com…


Posted in fundraising, gifts, merchandise | Comments Off on Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas!

Avoiding Advent Pitfalls

Posted on December 9, 2012 by Gary Zimak

 

We’re all familiar with the main message of Advent:

“PREPARE!”

As we look back on past Advents, however, most of us have done a rather poor job preparing to welcome Christ. Sure, we’ve prepared for Christmas by buying gifts, decorating and baking and we’ve probably reflected on the Lord’s birth, but have we honestly followed the Church’s instructions to “Prepare the way of the Lord”?

I would guess that most of us would have to admit that we’ve often failed to use the season of Advent as a time of preparation. And why is that? After doing some thinking, I’ve identified two big reasons why we fail to prepare to welcome the Lord.

1. No Need To Prepare – “Why should I prepare when Jesus was already born 2000 years ago?” Does that question sound familiar? It’s a very common and reasonable question and one that we have every right to ask. Every Advent, the Church tells us to prepare, but what’s the point? He’s already been born!

A related concern has to do with Our Lord’s second coming. In the gospel for the First Sunday of Advent, Jesus issued a stern warning:

“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.” (Luke 21:34)

When we look at Jesus’ words, we generally think of His glorious second coming. When we do that, the common perception (not one I would recommend, by the way!) is that we’ve got plenty of time. After all, He hasn’t returned for two thousand years, why should we expect Him to return any time soon? When we think like this, just like when we focus on Jesus’ historical birth, we convince ourselves that there is no real reason to prepare for the coming of the Lord.

In reality, the Church gives us the season of Advent so that we will prepare to welcome Jesus spiritually into our lives NOW! Rather than wait to welcome the Lord in the future, we are invited to welcome Him into our hearts right now. Thinking along these lines helps increase our sense of urgency and allows us to use THIS Advent to prepare our hearts to welcome Jesus.

2. We Don’t Have The Time – Certainly, it’s easy to understand why we’re stressed at this time of year. Endless errands, shopping trips and holiday activities leave us little time for our spiritual lives. Although it doesn’t seem to make sense, it’s during the times that we’re busiest that we need to focus on our relationship with the Lord. One of the best Biblical examples of this is found in Jesus’ visit to the home of sisters Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42). While Martha actively served and showed hospitality to Jesus, her sister Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to His teaching”. In reply to Martha’s desperate appeal for assistance, Jesus answered:

?Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.? (Luke 10:41-42)

In other words, taking some time to listen to the Lord (even while there is much work to be done) is more important than running around like a chicken with it’s head cut off. Notice that Jesus never said that Martha was wrong for working so hard to show hospitality. He simply pointed out that Mary has chosen the better part. If we take the time to focus on the Lord during this Advent season, He will reward us with the gift of peace.

We never know if this Advent will be our last. Let’s not make the mistake of being unprepared to welcome Him into our lives. Instead, let’s strive to make it the best Advent ever!

Dear Lord – Please increase my desire to welcome you spiritually this Advent. Help me to pause from the activities of my daily life and focus on my relationship with You. Grant me your supernatural peace and the graces that I need to walk with You each day. Amen.

Posted in Advent, Christmas, faith, Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled | Comments Off on Avoiding Advent Pitfalls

The Saint Andrew Novena Begins Today!

Posted on November 30, 2012 by Gary Zimak

 

One of my favorite devotions, The Saint Andrew Novena, begins today! It is piously believed that whoever recites this prayer fifteen times a day from the Feast of Saint Andrew (Nov 30) until Christmas will obtain what is asked. Does this mean that God will give you anything, even something that may be harmful to you spiritually? Fortunately, no! However, I have received miraculous favors since I started praying this novena a few years ago and I believe in its power.

Here’s EWTN’s Fr. Joseph Mary speaking about his personal experience with the St. Andrew Novena:

Here is the novena prayer:

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother. Amen.

We’ll be praying this novena every night until Christmas on my Following The Truth radio show. In addition to the spiritual benefits, it’s a GREAT way to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Why not give it a try?

Posted in Christmas, devotions, prayer | 2 Comments