Today on Kresta in the Afternoon - February 21, 2012

Talking about the "things that matter most" on Feb. 21

4:00 – Direct to My Desk: The GOP Primary Comes to MI – What Are You Thinking As A Catholic About Your Responsibility As A Voter?
With new polls hinting at a tightening race in the pivotal Michigan primary, Republican presidential contender Rick Santorum is talking to blue-collar workers in the conservative western part of the state and telling supporters in the gritty Great Lakes harbor town of Muskegon that he was anticipating “what could be a sound heard round the world here in Michigan” next week. Romney has scheduled a number of town hall meetings one day ahead of the final nationally televised debate before 14 states choose Republican national convention delegates over the next two weeks. We want to know what you are thinking of this race as a Catholic approaching the voting booth.

5:00 – What Is Abortifacient And What Isn’t
The National Catholic Reporter has printed a story making the case that all contraceptive drugs included in the Obama / HHS Mandate are NOT Abortifacient. We talk with Dr. Marie Hilliard of the National Catholic Bioethics Center

5:20 – Kresta Comments – The Mayan Calendar: 2012
The end of the world is once again nigh. Or so claim interpreters of the so-called Mayan calendar. But Catholics are advised to ignore this year’s end-times fantasy, just as they did regarding last year’s Bible-inspired prediction promoted by Protestant radio-show host Harold Camping. As Regis Martin, professor of theology at Franciscan University at Steubenville, Ohio, and author of The Last Things: Death, Judgment, Hell, Heaven, said “The surest thing we know about the end of the world is what Jesus said about it: ‘No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.’” Al has some comments.

5:40 – I Just Can’t Take It Anymore / The Donkey That No One Could Ride
Bestselling author Anthony DeStefano begins his creative telling of the beloved Bible story of Christ’s triumphant entry by introducing the young donkey who has yet to realize his important mission. The lowly creature believes he can do nothing noble, but that’s before he meets the Master...
Then Jesus said to the donkey,
“It’s time that you knew
About the great thing
That you’re destined to do...”
He hears the sad donkey cry,
“Just leave me alone and cast me aside.
I’m just a poor donkey that no one can ride.”
Richard Cowdrey’s colorful illustrations pair beautifully with Anthony’s charming rhymes. Together, they bring this timeless story of the donkey who carries Jesus into Jerusalem to a joyful finish. While especially appropriate as an Easter gift, this year-round story is for all time and for young and old alike.