Father Simon Says

(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

(3:35) Bible Study: Sirach 35:1-12 Father talks about sacrifice and its connection with the liturgy of the hours. Mark 10:28-31 Father talks about fasting and where it comes from (24:39) Break 1 (25:42) Letters: Why should we fast for a particular intention? Are there certain things that open up portals of evil? Are scapulars superstitious? Father answers these and other questions. Send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (34:43) Break 2 (36:08) Word of the Day: 7 fold (37:27) Phones: Norma - If we give up sweets, does that mean we cannot have cake on a birthday during Lent. It is a child's birthday. John - Nowadays it seems many movies are taking the name of God in vain, should I continue watching those movies? Joe - Right after the consecration, we pray to the Blessed mother and her spouse, St. Joseph. Why does the church call her spouse and not husband? Renzo - It is my little sister birthday tomorrow... what can I give my sister that is related with Ash Wednesday/start of Lent?

(3:08) Bible Study: Sirach 17:20-24 Should everything in the Bible been seen as moral? Mark 10:17-27 Should we give up all of our treasure? Father explains.  Luke 6:39-45 Father talks about the humor of this reading. (18:54) Break 1 (19:40) Letters: Father helps a listener who is considering moving in with his girlfriend but with a strange twist, the parents want them to move in together. Can you go to heaven if you are Baptist? Father answers these and other questions. Send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (38:31) Break 2 (40:00) Word of the Day: Camel (42:13) Phones: Sue – Question for Fr. Simon. 'Ashes to Ashes' song. last verse says Christ became 'sin' I don't get this. Frank - what do you think of communion in the hand vs receiving on the tongue? Judy - hard to give up wealth can this reading relate to us giving up other things in our life

(4:02) Bible Study: Sirach 6:5-17 Father discusses the multiple meanings of love. And the meaning of friendship Mark 10:1-12 This gospel reading is often misunderstood, and Father explains the correct understanding. (21:40) Break 1 (22:58) Letters: How do you deal with people mocking you for your faith? How can you describe the afterlife? Father answers these and other questions. Send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (34:55) Break 2 (36:32) Word of the Day: Confidant (38:21) Phones: Gloria - can I receive Communion any time after I arrive during Mass? Roger - been praying for years for daughters to come back to Church. my grandson has a lot of interest in Church. how does God the Father command not to kill but allows killing and even commands people to kill. Joan - Romans 8:26-28. how does the Trinity work in this passage?

(4:40) Bible Study: Sirarch 5:1-8 You are special in God’s eyes, the only eyes that matter. Mark 9:41-50 What is salt? Father explains its hidden meaning (21:11) Break 1 (22:48) Letters: Are the Deuterocanonical books inspired? How does marriage represent the Trinity? Father answers these and other questions. Send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (33:44) Break 2 (34:22) Word of the Day: Little ones (38:41) Phones: Steve - At a wake, sometimes I'll hear Catholic people say, 'that's not Mom's body, that's a shell.'  What does he think about that. Lauren - I heard someone say Jesus called them three times to join him, upon their passing.  Has heard that before? Pat- Could you explain when you said, 'Babies are burnt alive.' He said this about 10 minutes ago. Theresa - In the OT, when Israelites started to worship false Gods, like Baal and Molech, what where those false Gods.  Where they manmade objects, demons, something else. Kevin - Who would the apostles conf

(2:52) Bible Study: Sirach Sirach 4:11-19 Was wisdom actually Jesus? Mark 9:38-40. Some of us never get over being young. Let us not get in the way of Christ as believers, disciples and members in the Church. (22:05) Break 1 (24:19) Letters: Is it okay to practice Tai Chi? What is he answer to the white horse in revelation? Father answers these and other questions. Send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (34:31) Break 2 (35:15) Word of the Day: Over and Under (36:18) Phones: Millie - The gospel of Mark this morning: When the people were talking about Jesus, he said don't chastise them. The priest at Mass quoted from the book of numbers that Moses was chastising his followers. What's the implication for us as Catholics? Mark - Can you explain the 'Fear of the Lord' - Gift of the Holy Spirit? Zoraya - Can you explain the term 'Nephilim' in the book of Genesis? Rocco - When I was taking Tai Chi, I felt like it was the Holy Spirit working through me. What do you think about this?

(4:58) Bible Study: Sirach 2:1-11 God wants to reveal with what's inside you.   Mark 9:30-37 The Apostles should've argued amongst themselves who is the least important.     (22:49) Break 1 (25:25) Letters: What does it mean , "Falling Short of the Glory of God"? How did people know how much to give for a sin offering?  Question about prayers said after communion, including "O Sacrament Most Holy.  Send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (33:56) Break 2 (35:07) Word of the Day: Ligare (42:17) Phones: Roberto: the thief on the cross. was not baptized. how can he be saved? Carl-what does the First Horseman in Revelation represent?

(3:03) Bible Study: Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge.   Jesus casts out demons because he had authority.  Sirach 1:1-10 Mark 9:14-29 (22:22) Break 1 (24:01) Letters: Can you still bring dinner to the priests on Sunday? Question about turning the other cheek in regards to domestic abuse? Why did the NAB translation remove fasting from Jesus' statements?  What does it mean when I offer up my suffering?  (38:31) Break 2 (39:47) Word of the Day: Ligare (44:36) Phones: Kevin-confused about St. Faustina comment about angel hovering over Krakow.  Didn't St. Faustina die before WWII Teresa-Could we go to 2 Masses in a day?  

(3:34) Bible Study: Genesis 11:1-9 Father explains this passage and its historicity. Mark 8:34—9:1 A new take in carrying your cross. (23:15) Break 1 (24:54) Letters: Why was the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles written? Is it okay to pray for the desire to let go of the man I want to marry? Father answers these and other questions. Send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (37:02) Break 2 (37:48) Word of the Day: Tar (38:34) Phones: Frank - I called Fr. Simon 2 years ago. I am housebound all the time. I keep offering it up but this is not working. Can't do anything or go anywhere. I used to be a cop/nurse. Vince - the Holy Eucharist. when I was young was told could only receive once in a day. friend told he could receive 2x in a day. Marie - I was told we don't enjoy full beatific vision when we get to heaven because we don't have our bodies (until Resurrection)? Maria - should I go to Disneyland to celebrate my granddaughter's 2nd birthday. my daughter lost her husb

(2:40) Bible Study: Mark 8:27-33 The true prayer of the Believer. Genesis 9:1-13 What is the law that Noah receives? (18:30) Break 1 (19:31) Letters: What is the full extent of being made in the image and likeness of God? What was Jesus favorite type of music? Father answers these and other questions. Send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (33:10) Break 2 (34:37) Word of the Day: Kibosh  (37:01) Phones: Mary - in Apostle's Creed said that he rose again on the 3rd day. Was he buried for the 3 days? What is the 3rd day? Frank - Do you think there is a crisis in the Church today? Please explain your answer. Susan - A longtime friend called me a hypocrite because I believe in God and support Trump. Steve - When a baptized Catholic dies, are their earthly remains sacred?

(2:45)Bible Study: Psalm 116:12-13, 14-15, 18-19 What does he psalm really say? Mark 8:22-26 What again did Jesus do in this passage? Genesis 8:6-13, 20-22 What was the sacrifice which Noah offered? (19:16) Break 1 (22:42) Letters: Was the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil the same tree? What is the symbolism of wood in Jewish tradition? Father answers these and other question. Send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (32:45) Break 2 (33:40) Word of the Day: Church (37:26) Phones: Kathy - when do we get our guardian angels? is at baptism or when we are first born Casey - Romans 11:26-32. what does this mean? Casey - a friend of mine consults Runes for everything. is that okay? Terence - can you speak about 'The 2 Edged Sword'? can you explain the Old Testament from a historical standpoint?

(2:32) Bible Study: Genesis 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10 Was there really a flood? Father explains and touches on the most important thing. Mark 8:14-21 What is the leaven of the Pharisees? Father Explains (19:32) Break 1 (20:17) Letters: Is there virtue to hording? Is there a Rubric for the Mass for lay people? Father answers these and more. Send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (35:44) Break 2 (36:44) Word of the Day: Parish (41:03) Phones: Joyce - offerings in the Old Testament. how do I understand the difference between the offerings? Paul - Sibling just got married in homosexual relationship. what should my children call this spouse? their aunt or uncle? Jessie - if the flood wasn’t real then how big was the flood. Amy - gratitude call. I have had a lot of struggles with vice. I am sober. Fr. Simon always makes me laugh during the day.

(2:54) Bible Study: Genesis 4:1-15, 25 Why was Abel’s sacrifice accepted, and Cain’s offering was not? Mark 8:11-13 What is the connection between these two readings? Father reveals this. (18:24) Break 1 (20:04) Letters: Is Jesus referring to himself as food in the Gospel of Mark? Why did Paul refer to himself as abnormally born? Father answers these and other questions. Sent him an email at simon@relevantradio.com (35:43) Break 2 (38:55) Word of the Day: Fundamentalism (43:33) Phones: Alvia - my niece having her newborn baptized in Lutheran Church. Can I attend? Mike - why do priests bow to the altar when facing away from the tabernacle? Mario - when God talking to Cain about sin being a demon lurking at your door. what does this mean?

(3:24) Bible Study: Genesis 3:1-8 How do you know if God is asking you to do something? Father explains. (17:52) Break 1 (19:18) Letters: Father talks about the Bronze Serpent in the Desert and its hidden meaning, and answers whether you can attend a wedding outside of the Church. Father answers these and other questions. Send him a note at simon@relevantradio.com (34:10) Break 2 (35:04) Word of the Day: Spit and ephphatha (39:15) Phones: Aaron - heard from priest that we cannot question the Pope. Deedee - who was St. Valentine and why do we celebrate Valentine's Day? Tim - Mary's heart being pierced? is this how she hears all of our prayers? Barb - not going to wedding. if kids no longer practicing for many years could it be ok?

(2:00) Bible Study: Genesis 2:18-25 Why did God take from Adam’s Rib to make Eve? Father explains this interesting passage. And talk about a special new book! (25:12) Break 1 (26:50) Letters: Father talks about the nature that brought about the Holocaust during WWII. Father answers a question about the different types of the Mass. Father answers these questions and others. Send him an email at simon@relevantradio.com (36:45) Break 2 Word of the Day: Dog (42:12) Phones: Maria - Jeremiah verse. about God's plan for us. does this refer to God's plan now in this life or later? Thomas - if a person were to commit a mortal sin and they said prayer of contrition before confession, how does this work if they die before confessing? Ariane - in the Transfiguration, how did Peter know who Elijah and Moses were? Vito - my marriage. 66.5 years was a good marriage because we heeded advice of good people. prayed a lot together and prayed as family. Seek out the Lord. Resources: Doug’s NEW B

This encore is from January 31, 2025 (3:15) Bible Study:  Hebrews 10:32-39 Surprisingly this part of the letter is pretty straight forward, but father has some good insights in this reading Mark 4:26-34 Father talks about the Kingdom of God….again. Father Talks about the ordinary form of the liturgy versus the extraordinary form. (27:29) Break 1 (28:22) Letters: Father talks about how we need to be on the cross with Him and explains what the morning offering is. Father answers these and other questions. Send him an email at simon@relevantradio.com (40:01) Break 2 (40:40) Word of the Day: Lamp (42:42) Phones: Mike - I work for school district. I am a faithful Catholic. I have been reading the Bible. Does the Bible mention praying to Mary? Toby - praying constantly. what do you think about 'the way of the pilgrim?' Bob - what is the best study Bible? Christina - have you ever seen 'The Veil Removed' about happens during Transubstantiation. This happens in both masses.

(7:16) Bible Study: Genesis 1:20—2:4a When studying the bible do you actually study what the text is saying? (23:07) Break 1 (25:32) Letters: Father talks about habits and how to declutter your life, answers some prayer requests and talks about the marriage between Joseph and Mary. Father answers these and other questions on the show today. Send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (35:14) Break 2 (36:20) Word of the Day: Eden (37:26) Phones: Karen - creation and original sin. why does Revelation talk about Mary laboring for birth? how could she have birth pains? Bryan - are people in heaven always happy? Alex - in process of getting baptized and confirmed. when you are living in sin no threat. i feel like I am being tested in many ways. it has been a struggle. Craig - if Joseph and Mary weren't married why would he have to divorce her?