Father Simon Says

Hg 2:1-9: Father thinks that Judaism and Christianity share roots in the Temple of Israel. Lk 9:18-22 Father goes through the bold claims of Christ in today’s Gospel. Is Christ the heart and center of my life? Mass Hysteria: Father explains the Korban Todah Letters: Father reads a letter about a parent who teach the stories of the Bible through the stained-glass windows Why and how is the funeral mass for the dead? Word of the day: Seventh month Callers: My wife and i disagree about abortion and it has become a problem in our marriage. advice? If a Catholic is married to a Jewish person, is the Jewish person sinning by being around statues and pictures of Jesus ? What does the Bible passage mean about not praying like the heathen do?  

Hg 1:1-8 Father begins with a basic Bible timeline Lk 9:7-9 Who was Herod the Tetrarch? Mass Hysteria: Father comments on this article: https://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2021/09/why-the-novus-ordo-needs-gregorian-chant Father talks more about why we go to mass on Sunday Letters: Listener asks about funerals Listener writes in that a song, Oceans, was played during communion A listener asks about going to mass with her protestant mother Father talks about the over-explaining aspects of mass Is it acceptable to sing God Bless America at mass? Word of the Day: Paneled house Callers: What to do when I visit my brother, as his wife practices voodoo? As Catholics, when we’re praying for someone, are we supposed to touch them, like laying on hands? Is it okay to leave the blessed sacrament by itself, if I have to leave? Acceptable to be using old rosaries and some are broken to remake into a necklace? If you are a Roman Catholic, born and raised and go to a Maronite church, do I have to go through RCIA in that Church  

Ezr 9:5-9 Father shares his timeline of the Old Testament Lk 9:1-6: Mass Hysteria: We are the continuation of the worship of the Temple Letters: Father receives a letter commenting on the nature of paradise Can nuns distribute communion? Question about the woman who anoints the feet of Jesus Father explains that Jesus’ family at least the vast majority, thought he was the messiah Word of the Day: Mercy has come to us Callers: My parish is involved in discussing the hymns based on Sacrosanctum Concilium. How do we address the choir on this? What is the Apostolic Blessing? If Christ made His sacrifice once and for all, why do we have to have it represented at Mass?

Mt 9:9-13 Jesus gives us a homework assignment today: “Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” Father explains what hesed means Mass Hysteria: Father talks more about the endurance of chant Letters: What kind of tree did Adam and Eve eat from? Word of the day: Equip Callers: I’m not Catholic, how do I become Catholic? The bloody sacrifice, and in OT, there would be one sacrifice of thanksgiving from rising of the sun to the setting.. Could you clarify? How to receive the promises of the Rosary Seven Sorrows? Question about people entering the Kingdom of God and Eternal Life?

Ezr 1:1-6 Father Simon discusses the Decree of Cyrus the Great. Lk 8:16-18 Mass Hysteria: Prayers that should have been kept in the Novus Ordo Mass. Letters: Gail – Let’s pray more for priests, especially the ones who are deceased. James – I understand any priest can trace their line of succession back to the apostles. How do they do this? Dan – Why do we get angry about what we believe? Word of the day: Modion – The Greek word for a bushel basket. Nobody lights a candle and hides it under a bushel basket Callers: Gary – Was there anti-Semitism around in the year 1900 in the Catholic Church? How do I dispute there wasn’t anti-Semitism in the Church around in the year 1900. Tim – When Jesus was performing miracles, why did he say to them ‘Don’t tell anybody about this?’ Tom – Why is it that with the music in the Mass, they make up words with the same tune and why is their clapping?

1 Tm 6:2c-12 St. Paul is saying that when you begin to see Christianity as a philosophy only, we give up the prize of eternal life. Who were the Nicolaitans? Lk 8:1-3 What is ordination? Mass Hysteria: The concept of obligation Father explains the Beatles and the decadence of contemporary music Letters: Letter thanking Father for chanting the Ketchup bottle Letter about chanting in the original language Letter really enjoys Mass Hysteria Where can you find the apostolic succession of the bishop who ordained you? Letter commenting on the centurion and Herod Word of the Day: Verbal disputes

1 Tm 4:12-16 Father stresses the fact that we’re not pure spirits; we’re incarnate. Lk 7:36-50 What is the significance of the woman anointing Jesus’ feet? Word of the day: Grace Letters: The pronunciation of “collect” Why were communion rails taken out of Churches? Question about burial Should I wait to convert to Catholicism? Question about watching and reading Pilgrim’s Progress Do priests own their own vestments?

1 Tm 3:14-16 Father explains what a Christian assembly is and what the secret of religion is! Jn 19:25-27 Was Jesus’ aunt at the foot of the cross? Mass Hysteria: Home Mass and Coffee Table Mass Letters: Father talks more about altar wine: do’s and don’ts Father reads a letter about Jesus and the Canaanite woman. Word of the day: Sword will pierce your heart Callers: Dustin: Which Bible should Catholics use? Question about today’s reading and would like to know why some translations say ‘which’ instead of ‘who’ as in ‘Our Father (who/which) art in heaven?’ A priest had the laity say the ‘Through Him, With Him and With Him.’ Is this a liturgical abuse? What are Father’s thoughts about the practice of intinction?

Father explains the relics of the true Cross Jn 3:13-17 Father things this verse is the pivotal verse of the Christian faith Why did the Father send his Son? Mass Hysteria: Father reads a letter someone who had difficulty following a chant in NY Letters: Letter saying that liturgical camps are being formed Word of the Day: Grasped Callers: Question of wine at mass Question about the dating of Easter  

1 Tm 2:1-8 Are things strongly held truer? Lk 7:1-10 Trust is something you do. Mass Hysteria: Singing the mass? Letters: Question about Yom Kippur Question about contraception and sin Why do we use Latin in the Church? Shouldn’t we chant the original language? Word of the Day: Wimple Callers: Who decided which readings we use at mass? Penance and confession question Can you recommend a psalm for people struggling with cancer or mental illness

1 Tm 1:1-2, 12-14 When was this letter written and did Paul write it? God gives us an abundance of grace Lk 6:39-42 Was is this text so funny? Mass Hysteria Why do we sing at mass? Letters Is it OK to feel loving and generous when we do good deeds? Certain prayers are meant to be inaudible Question about Joseph’s reference to magic Word of the day: Blasphemy and Arrogance Callers: I am not Catholic but want to be. Does the Catholic Church do open Baptisms? Caller misses Gregorian Chant Have you ever heard that St. Therese wished to become a priest? An article in the New Yorker stated this and that she even received a tonsure. Do you think that with the new transgender laws that they are more brazen?

Col 3:12-1 St. Paul writes with “guts of compassion” for the Colossians. What is real kindness Lk 6:27-38 Christ tells us to not be judgmental Mass Hysteria: The liturgy isn’t for entertainment Letters: Letter about the genealogy of the Tudors Father recommends this book: Bearing False Witness: Debunking Centuries of Anti-Catholic History: Stark, Rodney: 9781599474991: Amazon.com: Books Word of the Day: Spiritual Songs Callers: If we are called not to judge, shouldn’t the guy in Colorado just make the cake for the gay couple? Is it wrong for me to switch parishes because the music is unbearable at my current parish? A friend wants to be baptized but is not ready to be Catholic. Can I baptize him? What should I do?

Rm 8:28-30 The Lord is forming us into his image Mt 1:1-16, 18-23 or 1:18-23 Father explains that one Gospel genealogy is a legal genealogy and the other is genetic. Mass Hysteria: Choir Directors Letters: Question about a prayer from St. Josemaria Word of the Day: Notional Assent Callers Is Adam and Eve a Myth? Can I read this book from a medium? Question about the movie Lady Jane

Col 2:6-15 This passage from Paul invites readers to walk in the Lord Lk 6:12-19 With these two readings, we see that Jesus is more than we can imagine Mass Hysteria: Why is Gregorian Chant so important? Letters: Question about circumcision Letter about predestination Word of the Day: Love of Money Callers: Did Jesus have a last name?

Col 1:15-20 This reading explains the whole NT, Father says. Lk 5:33-39 Fasting is an exercise in freedom Mass Hysteria: Gregorian Chant Letters: Father talks about first communion, confirmation and religious education. Word of the Day: New Callers: Father, can you explain the Church teaching on salvation? Why do Catholics call men Father?

Lk 5:1-11 What does being fishers of men mean? Mass Hysteria: The mass should be done with reverence, and do we like a particular mass just because we like it? https://stlambert.org/documents/2015/1/History_of_the_Hootenanny_Mass.pdf Letters Father tells a reader to think about the never-ending mass on Calvary. Question about John the Baptist as the greatest prophet of the Old Testament Why can’t we keep relics of our own families in our own home if we do so for saints? Word of the Day: Kingdom Callers When Christ rebuked, did he rebuke the spiritual sin of the fall and when rebuking physical things, he rebukes the fall of creation? My daughter is pregnant, but doctors said there’s no heartbeat, and they said she needs to take the abortion pill. What should we do?

Col 1:1-8 Lk 4:38-44 Simon Peter was married? Father described differences between Eastern and Western traditions on marriage and celibacy Mass Hysteria: Father talks about missals in the TLM and ad orientem worship Letters Letter about Traditional mass Letter asking about music at mass Word: Rebuke Callers I went to an SSPX recently, and I find it very reverent. What are Fr. Simon’s thoughts?? If a person is a devout Catholic, but they lose someone, and they get mad at God, and then they die, do they still go to heaven? Why do Orthodox go right to left in sign of cross?

1 Thes 5:1-6, 9-11 When we live with our eyes focused on our spiritual destiny, that keeps us looking up. Lk 4:31-37 What’s the deal with authority and power? Mass Hysteria: Father’s story of being with Greek Sailors Letters: Question regarding Eastern Christians Question about relics Question about openness to life Word of the day: Destiny Callers I am protestant, but converting next year, could I be the Best Man? Do Jewish people go to heaven? How do parishes choose music? Is Mark the Oldest Gospel and when was it written?

1 Thes 4:13-18 Christians have hope in the face of death. We don’t believe in the rapture, we believe in the Parousia. Lk 4:16-30 Fr. Simon explains the familial dynamics between Jesus and his relatives in today’s Gospel Mass: Hysteria: Roman Chant Letters Where did the Latin language come from? Word of the Day: AIR Callers Our Lady of Garabandal and how Mary talks about the warning and great chastisement, and what are Fr. Simon’s comment about that. About John the Baptist, does he have a ballpark figure on how long John the Baptist was in incarcerated before he died? As long as we obey God’s commandments, is it a sin to disagree?

1 Thes 4:1-8 The Lord is coming soon! We should be looking for honor and holiness in a spouse Mt 25:1-13 Oil is a symbol of virtue and of the Holy Spirit Mass Hysteria: The Real Presence Letters Letter about Church music Comment about Church clothing Word : Nimrod Callers Clarification about pre-nuptial agreements Caller thanking Father for Mass Hysteria segments Question about scattering ashes Question about Sunday Obligation in Protestant Churches

Mt 24:42-51 This parable, Fr. Simon says, would have been greeted with humor. Mass Hysteria: Father talks about the document on the Liturgy from The Second Vatican Council. Letters: Letter from someone raised in the Christian Reformed Church Natural Family Planning and Humane Vitae comment Word of the Day: Blameless and Holiness Callers: When it comes to learning Latin, how do you know you’re not making mistakes; Also a question about Nimrod in Book of Ezekiel? What does the sign of the cross mean?

1 Thes 2:9-13 Why was anonymity hard to come by in the ancient world? Mt 23:27-32 What are whitewashed tombs? Mass Hysteria: Bringing Sanity to Liturgical Conversations Father explains that Protestants don’t see mass as a sacrifice Letters Letter from a church musician about church music Word of the day: Whitewashed Callers Why the Jewish people don’t believe that Jesus was God? I’m a product of LifeTeen, and there’s a lot fruit from LifeTeen especially in Phoenix. Could Father comment? Who made the mass entertainment, and who’s responsible for trying to make it entertainment?

Who was St. Bartholomew? And what does Nathaniel mean? Rv 21:9b-14 Father explains a Jewish wedding custom Jn 1:45-51 Why is the fig tree important? Mass hysteria: Father talks about some of the liturgical prescriptions of the Second Vatican Council Letters Letter about wedding garment and baptismal garment and what to wear to mass Is there an appropriate time for applause for mass? Word: to deceive Callers Two Strikes at Birth: Original Sin and then concupiscence. Could you help me understand? During the mass, one Greek response like in Kyrie Elision. Why only Greek part in the mass? Was John the Baptist born without original sin? I was raised Christian Reform and taught about atonement, especially John 6:44 What are Fr.’s thoughts on possibility on limited atonement?

1 Thes 1:1-5, 8b-10 One of the oldest NT documents Mt 23:13-22 Fr. Simon unpacks the drama between the Scribes and Jesus Liturgical musings: Father gives his thoughts about liturgical issues Letters How is it our salvation to give God thanks? What happens if my confirmation sponsor isn’t Catholic? Word: Gehenna Callers: Does Father have an opinion about Kabala?

Jgs 11:29-39a Did God want Jephthah to sacrifice his daughter? Letters Did people really live 900 years old in the Bible? What do we call leaders of other faith traditions Is it sinful to remember the pleasures of previous sinful acts–also, can you sin after death? Do Jews believe in hell? Word Wedding Garment  

Jgs 9:6-15 Father describes the drama of Gideon in Judges Mt 20:1-16 Jesus talk’s about God’s justice in today’s Gospel Letters What is a litany, and why would we need to say it? Question about spirits and Dungeons and Dragons Word: Thy Callers Why does the Lord want us to accept that it is his body and blood? How can I deal with habitual sin?

Jgs 6:11-24a Father explains all of the dynamics of the Book of Judges, including atheism in the Old Testament. Letters; When we die, do we meet God and then go to heaven or hell? Father answers a question about Baptism Letter about 1 Kings, Solomon, and the Blessed Mother Question about the number of children to have Word of the Day: Angel/Messenger

Jgs 2:11-19 Father sees parallels between the situations going on in this passage Scripture and today’s society. Letters Question about Biblical taxes Father explains the importance of Baptism Gesture should we have during the consecration? Word To Guard Callers Are there apparitions about the rise of Germany? Why is there so much suffering in the world? Question about the Schoenstatt Apostolic Movement

Mt 19:3-12 Father explains why God gives so many rules! Letters What happens to your guardian angel when you’re in purgatory? Letter about Catholics and Eastern Churches Word of the Day: Shiboleth Callers Was there a threat to John the Baptist during the slaughter of the Holy Innocents? Does Father like the Catholic Study Bible? Did Mary die and then assumed into heaven? I’m going through the annulment process, and I’m really struggling with it. Could you help me?

Jos 3:7-10a, 11, 13-17 Father explains the Biblical figure, Joshua. Mt 18:21–19:1 The key to understanding this Gospel is understanding the royal nature of God. Letters Letter about Pokémon and Dungeons and Dragons How should we receive communion? Word of the Day: Dulos Callers Question about marriage and re-entering the Church

Dt 34:1-12 Moses knew the Lord face to face Mt 18:15-20 What does it mean to treat our brother as a tax collector? Why should we memorize this Gospel passage? Letters Question about the Book of Enoch Thank you letter about praying for a listener How can I pick a spouse? Can Catholics donate their bodies to a body farm? Word of the day: Name Callers How do we understand Wisdom literature? My mom and sister they’re converting to a Baptist Church. Is it okay for us to attend that ceremony even though we’re Catholics? If it’s possible to be composted in a consecrated compost ground?

2 Cor 9:6-10 What does being a cheerful giver mean? Jn 12:24-26 Jesus is not a philosopher–he’s a sacrifice Letters: Is it sinful to play with Pokémon? Word of the Day: Deacon Callers Comment about Dungeons and Dragons Question about confession

Dt 10:12-22 Father takes a look at Deuteronomy from a bird’s eye view and mentions the importance of welcoming the stranger Mt 17:22-27 What’s the temple tax that Jesus is talking about? Letters Question about judgement Are trials God’s punishment? Word of the Day: ALIEN Callers How Fr. Simon understands Catholics voting decisions What psalm was Jesus reciting on the cross?

Dn 7:9-10, 13-14 This passage is Jesus’ favorite way to refer to himself. 2 Pt 1:16-19 Are Christian stories myths? Mk 9:2-10 There is a close association between today’s story and the Jewish feast of Booths. Letters Letter about the song “Jesus is just alright with me” Letter about the liturgy Comments about teaching a child Biblical Greek Word of the Day: Fulfill the exodus Callers Caller who is ill would like to become Catholic Why does Fr. Simon thinks Jesus chose Peter James and John for special events like today? How did John and Peter know it was Elijah and Moses?

Nm 20:1-13 Why didn’t Moses enter the promised land? What’s the significance of the number 40? Mt 16:13-23 Father explains the significance of the setting of today’s Gospel Letters Is it appropriate to spank children? Question from an Eastern Catholic–her pastor said her black dress was inappropriate for Church. What are the origins of the indulgences? Word of the day: Confession Callers Is Christianity an offshoot of Zoroaster? What’s your response? How do I respond to my non-Catholic friends?

Nm 13:1-2, 25–14:1, 26a-29a, 34-35 Why the story of Moses and the Israelites teach us to not take God for granted! Mt 15: 21-28 Actually, Jesus never uses the word dog in the passage. The crux of the story is about trust! Letters Why didn’t Moses enter the promised land? Question about divorce, marital validity and the Matthean exception. Word of the day: Knife Callers Do I need an annulment? If God regret his creation, why would he create us? Why can’t Catholics have pre-nuptial agreements?

Nm 12:1-13 Was Moses really the meekest man on earth? Mt 14:22-36 Why did Jesus make his disciples get into the boat? Letters Question about liturgy and charity Word of the Day: Hem Callers My 8 year old wants to learn biblical Greek, where should I find books for him? When the Israelites left Egypt, they brought animals, but why didn’t they just eat those? When we offer our masses and our communions up, do we lose that grace or are we compounding it?

Nm 11:4b-15 What does a Christian live for? Mt 14:13-21 Was the story of the loaves really miraculous? Letters Question about re-baptism Why are there 10 commandments? Word of the Day Compadre Callers Do the East and the West have compatible Trinitarian theologies? Where did St. Paul learn about Jesus?

Lv 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34b-37 What do the feasts in today’s reading mean? Mt 13:54-58 Mary was a very common name in the time of Jesus–what does this have to do with today’s Gospel? Letters: Can Catholics donate their body to science? Where’s the location of Heaven and Hell? Is the Mass Passover? Do the Orthodox believe in hell? Word of the Day: wave offering Callers A Coptic priest calls in to talk about an apparition A grandmother asks about Baptism

Ex 40:16-21, 34-38 What’s the cloud of glory? Letters Does God give us what we ask for? What are we going to be judged on? What’s the difference between the Pauline Privilege and the Petrine Privilege? Word of the day: Propitiatory (mercy seat) Callers: Question about Eve and Divorce Why did Jesus have to sacrifice himself and die for us? Did Jesus know he was going to die?

Ex 34:29-35 Did Moses’ face have horns on it? The encounter with the Lord gives radiance Mt 13:44-46 Today’s passage is really about God’s royal nature Letters Father tells a touching story about Angels Question about having another child Word of the Day: Many Callers Question about the Eucharist and the Old Testament A caller asks about angels and death A question about Eve

Ex 33:7-11; 34:5b-9, 28 What is the wandering in Israel actually about? Mt 13:36-43 What was the good that God wants to give? Letters: What does Holy Ghost mean? Question about poverty and someone in need Can we receive communion in the Polish national Church? Is Passover vengeance? Question about veils in Church? Father Simon clarifies a question about slavery Sometimes you have to say no to your children Word of the day: Glory Cloud

Ex 32:15-24, 30-34 Was the Golden Calf a God-platform? Also, what’s a God-platform? Mt 13:31-35 What’s the Kingdom of God? Letters: Questions about apostolic succession, Passover, Eucharistic bread, and biblical views of the family structure  

Ex 20:1-17 Father breaks down the 10 Commandments Letters How do I deal with disappointments in the Church? Question about angels Word of the day: Idol Callers Question about David and Solomon and The Sabbath

2 Cor 5:14-17 Is Paul a real apostle? What are your expectations about Jesus? Jn 20:1-2, 11-18 What’s the significance of the way the burial clothes are laid? Letters Does Our Lady have the imprint of the sacraments? Testimony about Lourdes Word of the Day: Shroud Callers Baby names: Can we name our baby Caeli Why did Jesus tell Mary M. not to cling to him? Can old people have relations if they never married by love each other? Taking a Ti-Chi class. Is that okay?

Ex 16:1-5, 9-15 God is a jealous God? Why are the Israelites being tested? Letters Can I attend this wedding? Question about praying for sinners? Comments about The Veil Removed Could a Catholic baptize in the river? Word of the Day: Manna Callers Why do Catholics baptize infants? Question about Catholic and Protestant Baptism Is Jesus body and soul in heaven?

Ex 14:21—15:1 God really intervened in history. Mt 12:46-50 What’s Jesus trying to say in today’s Gospel? Letters Did God know that Lucifer become the Devil? Question about the Eastern and Western Churches Word of the Day: Glance Callers What do Christians believe about evolution? Where can I find a list of infallible doctrines?

Ex 14:5-18 Can we bargain with God and what happens after Pharaoh has a hardened heart? Mt 12:38-42 What are the purposes of signs? Letters Comment about perfume in Church Father goes into detail about a Eucharistic procession with several ethnic groups Word of the Day: Dewfall Callers Should I stay in my marriage? What does it mean for us to judge angels?

Ex 11:10—12:14 Did God make Pharoah’s heart hardened? Mt 12:1-8 Why does Jesus quote the book of Hosea? Letters Where does the phrase, “Son of Man” come from? Why did the Father give his youngest son the inheritance? Word of the day: Grace Callers: I’m going to Ephsesus in Turkey and a question about Mary’s House. Is it legitimate to go visit? And out tour is offering an ecumenical mass; can I go? Can my dad have buddha at his desk?

Ex 3:13-20 God reveals his name to Moses–everything exists because God speaks its name. Mt 11:28-30 Father talks about humor in The Bible, and about Tapeinos (humble of heart). Letters Question about Sirach and God’s methods Word Worship Callers Mass fashion Why did Peter want to build a tent after the Transfiguration?