Father Simon Says

(4:02) Bible Study from Isaiah 49:8-15 and John 5:17-30  (9:43) To work obsessively is to say that God can't do it without me. (23:24) Break 1 (24:21) Letters: Claudine - A question about getting your reward when you go to heaven. What does it mean to get our reward? (33:51) Break 2  (34:50) Word of the Day: Land of Syene (36:31) Frank - Question on Communion In The Hand. (43:08) Francisco - Was my Confession sufficient? (48:15) Kris - What is Purgatory?  

  (3:04) Bible Study: Ezekiel 47: 1-9, 12 and John 5:1-16  Ezekiel The façade of the temple was toward the East which is exactly what is. Ezekial was in exile at the time and died in Babylon. The temple had been destroyed and he describing a Temple that was to be rebuilt. He is describing the rebuilt Temple but not the one that was rebuilt after the return from the exile in Babylon.  John: What Jesus is saying here is that sin is worse than a physical disease.   (20:17) Break    Letters: (23:52) Miles – Please consider an alternative term for “black mass”. It is unfortunate that we use this term. (34:04) Should the Tridium actually be the Quadrum?   (38:56) Break 2   (39:51) Word of The Day – "Bayith"  Phones: (41:11) Margaret - Who is supposed to read the gospel at Mass? Also, why don't we say 'Amen' after the Our Father at Mass? (52) (43:30) Bobby - If God created Satan, and Satan is evil, then di

(4:25) Bible Study:               John 4:43-54 What is Jesus saying about signs and wonders? To understand this you have to back to the first chapter of John. John the Baptist testifies that Jesus is the Messiah and John is not. This helps us understand why the Gospels were written. The story of Christ at the time was well know. The ancients trusted the spoken word more than the written word. Who is the “you” whom the human author wanted to reach with this? The “you” who John was writing to were the followers of John the Baptist. John the Beloved puts the story of the cleansing of he Temple at the beginning of his Gospel because of who he was writing to.  (22:28) Break 1 (27:37) Letters: Does Church Law requiring reception of sacrament of penance apply if there are no mortal sins to be confessed?  (37:27) Break 2 (37:56) Word of the Day  “new heavens and a new earth” Phones: (41:21) Su

(2:41) Bible Study: Hosea 14:2-10 Father explains that the timeline of salvation history which anyone can follow! Mark 12:28-34 Father Explains the great commandments (21:36) Break 1 (24:31) Letters: Father answers a question about the timing of the exile of Israel as well as talks about the sacraments and how they are accepted by Catholics in the Protestant Church. Father answers these and other questions. Send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (33:32) Break 2 (34:00) Word of the Day Far (39:31) Phones: Joseph - I read that the Jews in Spain were from the family of David. What do you think? Marlene - If someone stole a consecrated host for the black mass, wouldn't Jesus take himself out of the host to prevent desecration? Bill - Is the form you are using on the radio a valid Baptism? Leaving out the 'of' and 'and'? Maureen - What is the difference between Sirach and Ecclesiastes?

(2:53) Bible Study: Jeremiah 7:23-28 What does it mean to believe? Luke 11:14-23 Father talks about the need for a sign from heaven. (22:57) Break 1 (24:24) Letters: Father talks about how worship works and what God’s love has to do with worship. Father gives his thoughts on the episode of the Chosen about Lazarus. Father answers these and other questions. Send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (36:03) Break 2 (36:41) Word of the Day: Beelzebul (38:54) Phones: Steve - The name of God is not spoken.  It's only spoken by the High Priest or whoever would go into the Holy of Holies.  They would tie a rope around the ankle of who was elected to go in.  Could you explain? Todd - On The Chosen, my opinion is Jesus relationship w/the Apostles is way too casual. Pat - A priest told me I'm going too much to confession, once a week.  What do you think? Henry - What 'haste makes waste' means and where in the Bible?

(2:49) Bible Study: Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9 Why do we have laws and commandments? Father explains how we can become who we really are. Matthew 5:17-19 This is more confusing than you might think. Father explains. (22:26) Break 1 (23:06) Letters: Father answers what it means to be born again, as well as how to pronounce the vowels spoken in Latin prayers. Father answers these and other questions. Send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (32:38) Break 2 (33:19) Word of the Day: Jot and tittle (35:12) Phones: Lance - Can a baptized Christian non-Catholic go to confession? Derek - I just started attending Catholic mass and was raised Lutheran.  What to do when to start going? Joe - If there is any hope that a gay person be in paradise? Ernie - Catholic perspective on evidence grace, Thomistic view and predestination?

(2:00) Bible Study: Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10 Why is Jesus not named Emanuel? (19:28) Break 1 (20:44) Letters: If the host turns moldy is it still the Eucharist? Can a Catholic priest who leaves the Church consecrate the Eucharist? Father answers these and other questions. Send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (32:59) Break 2 (33:55) Word of the Day: Overshadow (36:53) Phones: Harrison - There are astronomical reasons why Christmas is December 25. Mike - If we have all greatly sinned, why do we get to go to communion? Also, where do we get the consecrated hosts for communion services? Andrew - symbolic meaning of the wafer.  When we partake of the Eucharist, do we represent Christ afterwards or do we let our hearts go moldy? Patrick - How do I reconcile cremation w/the Holy Scripture that says body is the temple of the Holy Spirit?

(3:57) Bible Study: 2 Kings 5:1-15ab If God asked you to do something simple would you do it? Luke 4:24-30 Why do you worship God? Is it only because of your culture or do you know the Catholic Faith is the Truth? (21:30) Break 1 (22:28) Letters: Are people who are divorce committing adultery? When Jesus calls Mary woman, what does that mean? Father answers these and other questions. Send father an email at simon@relevantradio.com (33:06) Break 2 (34:10) Word of the Day: Saint (36:34) Phones: Cathy - What is a good Catholic Church music program? Caden - If your kids have sporting events on Holy Saturday, should we skip it or can we go? Brenda - What kind of a format to say the rosary?  Do we include the Glorious mysteries? Sherry - Husband left Catholic Church, and he wants to know why Jews can't go to Holy Communion, but Jesus was a Jew?

Bible Study (2:19) Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a Fr. Simon discusses the story of Joseph and how he was thrown in the cistern. The site of the house of Caiaphas had a cistern. Reuben wanted to save Joseph, but Joseph was sold to a caravan of Ishmaelites.   Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46 This parable from Jesus is a serious one. The tone that the builders rejected the cornerstone. That is literally true as Cavalry wasn’t a hill, it was a planned out stone quarry. Letters Art – What is your stance or hitting a toddler as a form of discipline? (18:21) What is your understanding of the word, “basilea”? (25:07) My husband and I want to get married in the Church? How can I help him understand the importance of going to Sunday Mass every week? (29:45) Word of the Day: Cornerstone (32:26) Phones: Craig - What does it mean when Jesus told the apostles that they would judge the 12 tribes of Israel? AND what does new heaven and earth? (37:51) Chris - Could you follow up about the origin

Bible Study: Jeremiah 17:5-10 – The verb here for “trust” means “to rely on”. This may seem harsh but this is good advice. Jesus did not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people in John 2. To expect from a human being only what you can get from God is idolatry. You can trust human beings to be human but not God. (10:24) Luke 16:19-31 – This is a joke, this is funny. Who is Jesus talking about, he is talking about the high priest Caiaphas who dressed in purple linens. The high priests were supposed to be descendants of Zadok, but the Maccabees coopted the Monarchy and High Priesthood to which they had no right. Jesus is talking about the Pharisees and he is telling a story of a Sadducee in Hell. Isn’t it curious that Jesus calls his poor man Lazarus? Fr. Simon talks about how Jesus is using humor here talk about the Sadducees. (16:29)   Letters: Anonymous – Why do priests have to wear a stole while hearing Confession? (24:02) Greg – What do

(2:36) Bible Study: Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 –This passage is about God’s power to transform even our sinfulness. Go can take our sinfulness and use it to reform us. Matthew 23:1-12 – Jesus goes up the mountain, sat down and spoke. Rabbi’s sat to teach their disciples. Peter according to tradition had a teaching chair. This idea of a chair of Moses is seen as Moses our teacher. Fr. Simon also explains what a phylactery is and what it means to be a father. (20:06) Break 1 (22:33) Letters: What does it mean to be in a state of mortal sin and how do you know if you are in it? Father answers this question and others. Send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (32:41) Break 2 (33:23) Word of the Day: Finger (35:47) Phones: Ken - I'm 82 years-old, not in best of health, pastor doesn't purify his hands before distributing communion. Last time I got sick for 3 weeks. He doesn't take criticism well. What should I do? Steve - Can you explain the tradition in the Bible of tying a red

(2:43) Bible Study: Daniel 9:4b-10 Can you break the law of gravity by jumping off of a cliff? Luke 6:36-38 What does it mean not to judge? Also, keep giving and be a person who gives. Jesus is telling us to be a person who is not judgmental, who is compassionate and consistently does good. (20:12) Break 1 (21:08) Letters: Latasha and Cicero - Is it possible that the wives and the children of the 12 Apostles travelled with them. Anita – I always thought that Ishmael was the one who Muslims claimed descent from. Deb – Why is someone who is illegitimate punished for the sins of their parents? (31:13) Break 2 (32:04) Word of the Day: Shamefaced (34:47) Phones: Maggie - Question about venial vs moral sin, especially if we forget to say a sin in confession, are our sins forgiven since the priest says: 'I forgive you from all your sins' Bobby - The apostles bringing along their wives . What is the reason why celibacy is so paramount today?

(3:16) Bible Study: Ezekiel 18:21-28 The mercy of God and the justice of God are not unopposed.    Matthew 5:20-26     --Righteousness has to do with the nature of God and it's oriented to the good of the other.    (19:48) Letters: What is the Church's position of cremation? What do you think about Eucharistic Ministers dipping their hands in alcohol? Question about being Jewish but not believing in God? What is the difference between surrender and resignation?  Is celebrating marriage while in mortal sin, another mortal sin and is the marriage invalidated? Father answers these and other questions. Send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (32:27) Break 2 (31:25) Word of the Day: Virtuosness (33:07) Phones: Nicole-where can I find prohibition of gambling in the Bible? Bernadette-Thank you Fr. Simon. I love your program. every comment makes sense. David-gambling. Matthew 7:6 is a verse that can be used against gambling. Shane-how do I discern q

(6:03) Bible Study: Esther C: 12, 14-16, 23-25       —Queen Esther is taking her life in her hand when speaking the truth to the King  Matthew 7:7-12                  —-God will give you what you need.   If I door doesn't open, don't push it open, there's a reason why it's locked.    (21:15) Letters: Should I visit family gravesites? Why did the patriarchs get punished in the Old Testament? How could Sola Scriptura make sense when body language is important? Fr. Simon explains to forgive is to let go.  Father answers these and other questions. Send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com   (32:54) Word of the Day: Nineveh and South  (36:13) Phones: Joseph-I am elderly and cant get to mass without someone picking me up. is there a service that picks people up who want to go to Mass. Elvie-are all of the books in the Bible written by person whose name appears as the author. Pamel

Enjoy this Encore show from March 9, 2022 Jon 3:1-10 Did Jonah exist? Father explains  Lk 11:29-32 What is the sign of Jonah?  Letters: Can I break my Lenten fast on Sundays?  Why do people bow to the priest processing in?  Why do some dioceses have different holy days of obligation? Father talks about the importance of recollection before mass Word of the Day: Altar  Callers  What does 'the Word became flesh' mean? Should I be worried that I wasn't baptized correctly? I'm 82 years old. How do I talk to our priest, as I feel he's disrespectful, because he's always late for mass? Was Jesus in the tomb for three days? 

(2:35) Bible Study: Matthew 6:7-15 Do Catholics babel like the pagans with their many prayers? (19:44) Break 1 (21:39) Letters: Did Peter curse himself when denying Jesus? Father explains the creation of women. Can none Catholics consecrate the Eucharist? Father answers these and other questions. Send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (32:27) Break 2 (33:16) Word of the Day: Word (35:36) Phones: Frank - Purgatory. I was taught it was real. how can people help poor souls? Mary Alice - in conversation with fellow Catholic who believes in Reincarnation. what does the Church teach about Reincarnation? Joanna - a question. if we all pray Surrender Novena. should we accept bad situation in our family? do I have to accept this.

(2:35) Bible Study: Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18 Why is Leviticus such an important book? Father explains Matthew 25:31-46 How does this reading connect with Leviticus? Don’t worry It fits better than you’d think. Luke 4:1-13 Is there importance to the word “if” in this passage? (22:35) Break 1 (26:21) Letters: Does the burnt offering always have to be male in the Old Testament? Do I need to confess a mortal sin if I don’t realize I committed it? Father answers these and other questions. Send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (40:08) Break 2 (40:41) Word of the Day: Minister (41:59) Phones: Judy - Because there are so many religions, I'm concerned that one of them may be wrong, and what is your opinion on that, and set me straight? Pam - Didn't Satan know Jesus was the son of God? Angela - My husband died a couple year ago.  If he's in heaven/purgatory, does he hear me when I call out to him/talk to him? Patty - There's one commandment, about follow

(4:01) Bible Study: Isaiah 58:1-9a – While it may seem like a condemnation of fasting, this is not so as Jesus himself fasted. Taking up your cross and denying yourself means saying no to yourself. Freedom is the ability to do the right thing and that is the point of fasting, to be free and exercise freedom. Matthew 9:14-15 – If your fasting makes you quarrelsome and difficult don’t bother with it. If your fasting gives you the freedom to be charitable that is good. Jesus talks about being the Bridegroom. (17:30) Break 1 (18:14) Letters: Were there actually angels who had relations with humans? The word “Nephilim” means “fallen ones”. Daryl - I was wondering about the DaVinci Code and wanted to know if Mary Magdalene the wife of Jesus? There is no history in the DaVinci Code. Did Judas conspire with Jesus to have him crucified? No, that is nonsense. Be careful what you name your kids and don’t name your kids “Judas”. (33:47) Break 2 (34:5

(4:04) Bible Study: Matthew 4:17 Father talks about the meaning of the word repent and gives some tips on it. Luke 9:22-25 What does it mean to take up your cross and follow Jesus? (20:42) Break 1 (25:19) Letters: Why would a priest change the names of the saints mentioned during the Mass prayers? Why do we put ashes on our heads on ash Wednesday? Father answers these and other questions. Send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (34:15) Break 2 (34:56) Word of the Day: Soul (38:30) Phones: Jessica - Is it okay to hug a priest.  My son gave him a hug and his brother saw that, and was wondering if it's okay.  Worried about gyms? Jim - Could you explain Filial Love? Barbara - Whether you wash ashes off forehead.  A priest told me 30 years ago, and if you're proud of it, wash it off.  If you're ashamed of it, keep it on. Sebastian - Non Catholics use the King James Bible and speak in old-fashioned terms and there's a disconnect, and there's a translation gap.  Wh

(3:00) Bible Study: Joel 2:12-18 Father talks about trumpets which were used for more than just playing music. 2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2 Father explains what an elder is and why they are important. Father also talks about repentance. (22:26) Break 1 (23:30) Letters: Are TVs in church okay to have? How is the Son of Man used in different places of the bible? Father answers these and other questions. Send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (35:36) Break 2 (36:39) Word of the Day: Lent (37:30) Phones: Robert - I'm a recovering alcoholic, and I seem to want to speak to God more when I drink more.   If it's wrong to do that?   Is it the booze speaking?   I feel like I'm more into God when I'm drinking. Andrew - I seem to remember seeing a rubric that explained when screens are being used during mass. Diane - I have a way that the cameras would be good, and if the cameras were pointing at the people and the televisions were pointing at Jesus and Jesus woul