Kresta in the Afternoon

St. John Chrysostom, whose feast we celebrated yesterday, was known as the “Golden-Tongued One.” He was an eloquent preacher and pastor of souls, and his writings dealt with practical problems that challenge the people of God. We look at his life and teachings with Joe Heschmeyer.

One of the most aggressive pro-abortion slogans is “Abortion on Demand and Without Apology.” People who talk like this believe they are building a good and decent society. And in response, a Catholic could pray the Rosary – In Public and Without Apology – despite claims that it has been “coopted by extremists.” Jennifer Roback Morse joins us.

This Sunday, Jesus tells us the parable in which a lazy and dishonest steward is facing termination, so he settles his master’s accounts by negotiating a reduced balance for his debtors. What is the meaning of this parable for us today? Peggy Stanton opens up the Catechism for the answers.

Yesterday South Carolina Republican Lindsey Graham introduced legislation that would ban most abortions nationwide after 15 weeks of pregnancy, except in cases of rape, incest or when the life of the mother is in danger. What future does it face in Congress? We talk with Michael New.

Pope Francis is currently in Kazakhstan and is the first pope to visit the country since John Paul II in 2001. He sees the trip to the former Soviet country, which is now a majority Muslim, as “an opportunity to meet many religious representatives and engage in dialogue, inspired by the mutual desire for peace.” We get more details from Matthew Bunson.

In the last few centuries, a new focus has been given to the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the work of our redemption. Is she a co-redemptrix, or does this title place her on equal level with Christ? Dr. Robert Fastiggi joins us with a review of how Church leaders have approached the issue.

What is the influence of Classical Liberalism in the world today? One thing we know is that it does not have the influence it did as recently as the 1990s. What has changed? Sam Gregg joins us.

When the Dobbs decision leaked this spring, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer vowed to "Fight like Hell" to protect abortion in her state. In response, Bishop Earl Boyea wants pro-lifers to Fight Like Heaven. He's starting a 54-day novena on Thursday, September 15 which will end the day before voters decide whether to enshrine abortion in the Michigan constitution. He joins us.

For the last several months we have been examining the weekly Gospel readings with Peggy Stanton. It's only natural for her to take a close look at these stories; as storytelling has long been a part of her life and career. During her years as the first female DC Correspondent for ABC News, Peggy traveled the world and met everyone from Julie Andrews to Fidel Castro. She shares her memories with us and how a dramatic visit to Medjugorje changed everything.

At 9:25 am on September 11, the Department of Transportation ordered US airspace closed. Thousands of planes suddenly had no place to go. 38 of them were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland. The tightly-knit community of less than 10,000 suddenly found itself playing host to nearly 7,000 scared and confused travelers. What followed was an incredible display of love and humanity on one of the world's darkest days. Jim Defede shares the story.