Father Simon Says

Dn 1:1-6, 8-20 Father dissects the plethora of names in today’s first reading and why we fast Lk 21:1-4 Father shares stories of trusting in God during times of financial need Mass Hysteria: Father talks about the funeral he celebrated over the weekend Letters: Letter asking why Jesus says “why do you call me good?” Father discusses the similarities between Judaism and Catholicism Word of the Day: Lepton Caller: ‘Do not cling on to me’.  That was said to Mary Magdalene after he rose. What did he mean by that? Who does Fr. Simon think are the greatest Catholic mystics?  And could you explain mysticism? Caller has a comment about young people and the liturgy Question about Nebuchadnezzar:  What does he think about it as a name for a baby? Question about the use of chalices during mass

1 Mc 4:36-37, 52-59 Father explains that this section of the book of Maccabees is about Hanukah Lk 19:45-48 Father connects this Gospel with the Maccabees Mass Hysteria: Father tells two liturgical experiences Letters: Tim has a question about purgatory and indulgences Father talks about the nature of superstition Word of the Day: House Callers What are the required days for fasting and required days for Abstinence? The ‘Weight of Revelation’ is a saying from Hildebrand, and does Fr. Simon recognize that or does he know about Hildebrand? is is possible for a loved one from purgatory to communicate with us here?

1 Mc 2:15-29 Father talks about the old religion of mythology Lk 19:41-44 Why does Father think today’s Gospel is problematic? Mass Hysteria: What does the word Catholic mean? Letters:  What is the difference between consubstantiation and transubstantiation? Word of the day: Pallisade Callers: Question about baptism and coming into the Catholic Church. How does Jesus stays with us after Holy Communion? Our pastor just announced he’s going to have drive through communion, for those scared of going inside.  What does Fr. Simon think?

Father talks about the history of St. Elizabeth of Hungary 2 Mc 7:1, 20-31 Father talks about the Mexican Cristeros and exhorts us to have the bravery to live well now. Lk 19:11-28 Father explains how much the talent was worth Mass Hysteria: Father discusses sacred music in the USA Letters: Are the Patriarchs in heaven? Beth writes that Mass Hysteria has made her rethink what hymns should be at mass Do we give God permission when we pray? Word of the Day: Harsh Callers: I’m a convert to the Church.  From a Baptist.  If the church is the true church which I believe, why aren’t protestants flocking to the Church The high priest tore garments from bottom up, symbolizing Satan.  When the temple torn from top, God said no, ‘you have blasphemed me’. Can Father explain? What is Father’s vision of time in heaven?

2 Mc 6:18-31 When do we disobey legitimate authority? Lk 19:1-10 What does it mean to render unto Caesar? Father also explains why no one is beyond the love of God Mass Hysteria: Father muses about the wedding he went to this weekend. Letters: Father talks about St. Gertrude prayers aren’t part of the deposit of faith Letter was disappointed All Saints wasn’t a holy day this year Should I stay married if my husband has a decades-long sentence for murder Word of the day: AS Callers: How do I talk to my pastor, for better music in my parish? Gospel Reading from Sunday on ‘No one knows the day or the hour except for the Father.’ Need clarification.

1 Mc 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63 Father begins Maccabees giving historical details, including what the mark of the covenant was Lk 18:35-43 What are we saved by? Mass hysteria: Father talks about worshipad orientem  Word of the Day: Please Letters: Question about scapular enrollment Father answers a question about Jesus’ two natures Letter talking about proper attire for mass Why do Catholics have to be buried in the ground?

Wis 13:1-9 Father talks about atheism and arguments for the existence of God Lk 17:26-37 What does Dr. Scott Hahn think about these apocalyptic passages? Mass Hysteria: Father opines more about loud organ music Word of the Day: Firmament Letters Father talks about the apocalypse Is the Blood of Christ less important than the Body of Christ? What is the heavenly value of confession? Letter about Jesus and the fulfillment of Jewish law

Wis 7:22b–8:1 What is real wisdom? Lk 17:20-25 Where will God’s royal nature appear? Is Jesus’ Kingdom political? Mass Hysteria: Father reads a letter about some of the church songs from the 70s Word of the day: Cross and Crucifix Letter: Do my prayers count? Question about the three days of darkness; what is it? Father talks about marriage in the ancient world Dad asks about his agnostic son who struggles with the Genesis story

Wis 6:1-11 Father talks about wisdom and politicians Lk 17:11-19 What’s the meaning of leprosy in the law? Mass Hysteria: Father talks about incense at mass Word of the Day: Master Callers Did we all arrive from Noah’s and his family? Does God love everyone? Where does priestly celibacy come from?

Ez 47:1-2, 8-9, 12 What is Ezekiel’s vision about? 1 Cor 3:9c-11, 16-17 Who is the historical Jesus? Jn 2:13-22 Father explains who the money changers of the ancient world was Mass Hysteria: Father talks about ancient temples and Church architecture Letters: Father answers another letter about quoting St. Augustine and St. Francis regarding anger. Father wars about even righteous anger Letter about following mass during ornate organ music Word of the Day: Zeal Callers: Should we pray for aborted babies? How do we get the Church to lower the music at Church? If someone is a non-Catholic, and commits a mortal sin, and couldn’t go to confession, how could he receive grace? How do you know what God wants you to do for your vocation?

Wis 1:1-7 What is justice? Father also explains different kinds of love. Lk 17:1-6 Father talks about the real meaning of scandal and why we should be wary of little scandals Mass Hysteria: Father recommends listeners study 1 Sam 15:23 Letters: Letter about the distinction between performance vs praise during mass Question about who can be a Confirmation sponsor Word of the Day: Stuff Callers: Is there such thing as righteous anger?  Francis de Sales and Augustine said something about anger in your heart.  Some tell me that Jesus was angry when he cleared out the temple.  Is it advisable for a priest to employ righteous anger in his preaching? Can you explain the seal of confession? Is there an age requirement for the validity of faith?

Rom 14:7-12 Father says we’re members of a universal Church; what does that mean? Lk 15:1-10 Father talks about meeting a shepherd turned seminarian who gives insight about going to find lost sheep Mass Hysteria: Father talks a bit more about funerals & a caller Letters Letter regarding the contradiction between faith and works Listener can’t find a book of the bible in her mother’s high school Bible Bridget says she likes Mass Hysteria and says listening Gregorian Chant is good for her! Word of the Day: Let this cup Pass! Callers: The name Jesus is a contraction of two Aramaic words, ‘God Saves’  Could you clarify? I’ve started doing the Holy Souls Novena.  I’ve done cemetery, rosary.  However what mysteries should I be doing?

Rom 13:8-10 Is St. Paul un-American? Lk 14:25-33 What does it really mean to love our parents? Do we have to sell everything to follow Jesus? Mass Hysteria: Father talks more about Church architecture Letters: Can you baptize an aborted baby? Father answers another question about yoga Can I receive communion before confession? Word of the Day: Called Callers: My son and fiancé living together.  When they visit us, they are in separate bedrooms.  But when we visit them for Thanksgiving, are we giving them the wrong message if we stay at their house? What do Jews think about the soul and body separation?  

Wis 3:1-9 Father tells a story of a goldsmith Rom 6:3-9 What does it mean when we give our lives to Christ? PS 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 Father talks about a controversial section of the passage Mass Hysteria: Letter about the physical structure of Churches Letters: Did Jesus reject the teachings of his fellow Jews about heaven and hell? Do Jews believe in reincarnation? Word of the day: Visitation Callers: Can catechumens receive plenary indulgences could receive them? Is it an article of faith that God has a specific plan for your life?

Rv 7:2-4, 9-14 Father explains the mystery of the book of Revelation 1 Jn 3:1-3 What does it mean to be pure of heart? Mt 5:1-12a Father explains what it means to bless God Mass Hysteria: Why do we have the bells at mass? Letters: Father talks about looking up at the people during mass Letter about the orans position at mass Word of the day: Halo Callers: Question about John 19:14 and about Jesus and the Passover Father explains the various calendars present during Jesus’ time Protestant belief in Faith Alone and the word Alone? Was the word ‘alone’ in the original transcript?

Rom 9:1-5 Why are there are rules changed in the Church? What does Isaac represent for Christians? Lk 14:1-6 What is dropsy and Pharisee-ism? Father explains Mass Hysteria: Father goes through the lyrics of the song The Anthem Letters: Question about the sons of Zebedee in the throne of glory Word of the day: Misse Callers Caller asks Father about the nature of papal infallibility Question about the roots of the word prayer Question on origin of the liturgical calendar, and liturgy of the word and who developed it?

Eph 2:19-22 Father talks about inclusive meaning of the term family in the ancient world Lk 6:12-16 What’s the greatest reality in the life of the Father? Where there 3 James’ or 2 in the New Testament? Mass Hysteria: Father listens to a selection from a polka Mass and talks about true worship Letters: Father reads a letter asking about the laws of Moses Word of the day: Kill Callers: Caller had a question about the demon Belial (what does the name mean?) In Hebrews, Jesus is referred to as the image of the invisible God–what does that mean? When was the first Mass celebrated using the basic format we have today?

Rom 8:26-30: Father talks about God’s purpose for us What is the biblical sense of glory? What does the redemption of our bodies mean? Mass Hysteria: Father talks about liturgical practices other than mass Letters: Caller’s brother assists at Byzantine Divine Liturgy and asks if singing was thrust on Roman Liturgy Listener who is converting to Catholicism asks for help defending the Catholic Church Question about Pharisees and Catholic law Word of the Day: I recline Callers: Friend fell away from the faith and he’s convinced he’s going to purgatory. can a non practicing Catholic go to purgatory?

Rom 8:18-25 What does St. Paul and entropy have to do with each other? What is our eternal destiny? Mass Hysteria:  Father talks about the true nature of funerals Letters: Father talks about getting to know one’s pastor at a parish Caller writes about the Filioque clause–did the Church add it to the creed? Word of the Day: Futility Callers: Why do we call him St. Michael the archangel? All saints day is a holy day of obligation, is it one this year? What does it mean to be spiritual but not religious? Why did some some of the words at mass change in 2011? Caller wants to thank father for suggesting she take some RCIA classes; she’s becoming Catholic

Rom 8:12-17 What is natural law? Lk 13:10-17 Who does Luke blame for the woman’s infirmity? Mass Hysteria:  Will the song I’m listening to stand the test of time? Letters Letter about the offertory prayers; Father talks about addressing God at mass Listener disagrees with Father about the cantor volume at mass Word of the day: Flesh Callers: Caller asks about St. Paul’s comments on the flesh If one were to touch the risen Jesus–would he have felt warm? Caller calls in about Chesterton’s Orthodoxy When did the Mass come to be known as the Mass? James son of Zebedee and James the brother of Christ, is there a difference? Question about mathematician Wolfgang Smith I have non-Catholic friends and my friends ask why Jesus is on the cross when you buy a crucifix