Synopsis
Father Simon Says is your daily bible study hosted by Father Richard Simon, who jokingly refers to himself as Reverend Know-it-All.
Episodes
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Father Simon Says - April 17, 2026 - Sit Down, Stand Up!
17/04/2026 Duration: 51minCheck out this encore show from April 29, 2022 Acts 5:34-42 Father explains Jewish belief in life after death Letters Father riffs more about silence in church I saw someone selling a relic of John Henry Newman; what should I have done? Can we substitute Psalm 51 for the psalm of the day during Lent? Father answers a question about marriage and communion Word of the Day: Sat Down, going up Callers: How to identify venial sins and what does it mean when my priest says he can't be my spiritual advisor? If Fr. Simon were to sell a relic, would he be 'Fr. Simony'? Can Father explain Matthew 7:21 Can we inset belief in the Eucharist into the Creed?
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Father Simon Says - April 15, 2026 - Heresy!
16/04/2026 Duration: 51minCheck out this show from April 27, 2022 Acts 5:17-26 What is heresy? Jn 3:16-21 Is the Trinity actually easy to understand? Letters Father comments on the need for silence before mass Listener thanks Father for his priesthood and comments on the structure of priesthood Word of the Day: Sadducees Callers My father was cremated. Could I put him in a Church, is that considered a sacred place? Why in the scriptures does it say those who love the world will lose it and those who hate the world will find everlasting life. Yet, God so loved the world.
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Father Simon Says - April 16, 2026 - Don't Ration the Spirit
16/04/2026 Duration: 51minCheck out this show from April 28, 2022 Acts 5:27-33 Father gives context about the book of Acts Jn 3:31-36 Father talks more about the Trinity Letters Father reads a letter from a retired priest friend who bemoans the lack of respect during mass Listener writes in about her marriage and temptation Father clarifies if Jesus had more siblings (*He didn't!) Word of the Day: Ration Callers Is purgatory closed? Could you explain to me Apophatic Theology? Who is the great harlot and who are the ten kings in Rev. 17?
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Born from Above - April 10, 2026
15/04/2026 Duration: 51minCheck out this Encore from April 17, 2023 Bible Study: (1:43) Acts 4:23-31 Father explains some of the meanings of the word 'God' Jn 3:1-8 What does it mean to be born from above? What is religious consensus Letters (28:13) - What does it mean to cast lots? (31:44) - Listener forgave her husband for cheating on her Word of the Day: Rabim (Many) Callers (39:28) - 1 and 2 Maccabees, when was it accepted as canonical before the Council of Trent? (41:20) - Question about the guard's ear who was cut off and Jesus healing the ear, where in the Bible? (42:56) - Who is most responsible for the humiliation and assaulting of Jesus. Was it the Romans? (47:04) - Comment on being saved by salvation alone and about yesterday's 2nd reading? (49:51) - What does he mean by original tongues, like Aramaic and also the diff b/w 'reborn' and 'born above'?
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The Answer is Blowing in the Wind - April 14, 2026
14/04/2026 Duration: 51minCheck out this great show from April 18, 2023 Bible Study: (1:59) Acts 4:32-37 Father explains the governmental structure in Acts Jn 3:7b-15 What does it mean to be born from above? Letters (22:030 Judas & Fulton Sheen's theory (24:29) Who was Thomas' twin? (29:29) Jesus dying for many vs all Word of the Day: Wind & Spirit (32:40) Callers (35:46) Was the Holy Spirit with Mary all the time? (38:38) When they stoned Stephen, why didn't they ask Pilate to approve, like when Jesus was killed? (41:12) The Church is not in touch of reality, and I'm becoming Catholic, but I need to go through an annulment and the paperwork and other interviews are hard to do? (46:24) Divine Mercy Sunday, if you go to confession and communion and pray for Holy Father, remission of all sins? (48:02) Good Friday at Church, shouldn't there be more quiet? I was hearing the choir practicing?
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Plenary Indulgences - Father Simon Says - April 9, 2026
09/04/2026 Duration: 51minCheck out this show from April 24, 2025 (5:53) Bible Study: Acts 3:11-26 Father Explains this Passage and he very important words of St Peter. Luke 24:35-48 The purpose of the Gospels which you probably haven’t thought of. (22:15) Break 1 (24:20) Letters: What does it mean to be incredulous for joy? What will happen to the canonization of Carlo Acutis? Father answers these and other questions. Send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (34:09) Break 2 (37:10) Word of the Day More than these (42:44) Phones: Gene - How do you properly assign plenary indulgences to other people? Therese - What is the meaning behind the word 'Easter'? Tim - On Mother's Day, my family is going to Rome. Do you know how the conclave will impact access to the Vatican?
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Father Simon Says - April 8, 2026 - Living Life by the Clock
08/04/2026 Duration: 51minCheck out this great show from April 20, 2022 Acts 3:1-10 What is the significance of the 3rd hour? Lk 24:13-35 Father breaks down the Road to Emmaus Letters What is the origin of the Stations of the Cross? Question about marriage and holy communion Word of the day: Astonishment! Callers In Luke 16: What does Jesus mean by making friends with unrighteous riches? Is there a difference between Satan and the Devil? Adventists say Jesus didn't convert water to wine, but how do I respond to that?
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Father Simon Says - April 7, 2026 - Easter Tuesday!
07/04/2026 Duration: 51minCheck out this show from April 19, 2022 Acts 2:36-41 What does it mean that 'God made Jesus Lord?' Father discusses and the power of suffering Letters In St. Faustina's Diary, she reveals a confession--isn't that just for sins? Listener disagrees with Father's desire for older altar servers Word of the Day: Don't touch me! Callers: Why can't Catholics have their ashes scattered? Is it okay to have a statue of the Lamb on the altar? Can a Catholic get buried in a non-Catholic cemetery and can Catholics attend the service? Does a priest need to have a stole on when doing confession? How should we approach praying at abortion clinics and confronting with people who are being loud and abrasive toward abortion workers and women getting abortions?
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Confidence in the Resurrection - April 6, 2026
06/04/2026 Duration: 51minCheck out this show from April 10, 2023 Bible Study: 2:20 Acts 2:14, 22-33 Peter's confidence in Christ's Resurrection Father asks how we explain the Resurrection Letters (22:12) - Listener corrects Father Simon's comments on Dr. Brant Pitre (28:47) - Question about what Mary deserves (30:36) - I like the movie, "Is Genesis history?" (32:24) - I heard if you die on good Friday you go straight to Word of the Day: Pentecost (34:36) Callers (37:46) - 2 Questions: 1) Why would Romans want Jesus' blood-stained garments. 2) When they removed Jesus from the cross, wouldn't that have made the Jews ritually impure? (39:41) - How can the Shroud include Jesus' face? (42:40) - Did Jesus appear to Mary his Mother? Why wasn't it mentioned in the Bible? (48:31) - Why was the Devil in the Garden of Eden? (50:20) - St. Faustina's vision of Purgatory
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The Pain of the Cross - Father Simon Says - April 3, 2026
03/04/2026 Duration: 48minCheck out this great show from April 18, 2025 (1:56) Bible Study: Isaiah 52:13—53:12 Jesus didn’t want to get crucified. He didn’t want to do this. The physical pain of he crucifixion was unimaginable. However, so much more was bearing the sins of the world. John 18:1—19:42 The All-powerful became powerless for us. Atonement is to be reconciled. How did Jesus save the world? By showing us the truth, by demonstrating who God is, He gives us an opportunity to become like Him. (22:09) Break 1 (23:33) Letters: (23:37) Dylan asks if there is anything Fr. Simon recommended for him to do during Holy Week since he is to young to watch the Passion. (24:40) Peter asks how the Blessed Virgin Mary Prayed, especially during the times of the Crucifixion and Resurrection. (25:50) Why was the boulder of the tomb rolled away? Send Fr. Simon a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (31:21) Break 2 (32:04) Word of the Day: “Truth”
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Holy Thursday - April 2, 2026
02/04/2026 Duration: 49minCheck out this great show from April 6, 2023 Bible Study: (2:58) Ex 12:1-8, 11-14 Father discusses the timeline of Last Supper Jn 13:1-15 Why are the disciples shocked at Jesus? Letters (22:22) - Question about going to a traditional baptism (25:42) - Importance of beauty in Churches (27:20) - Judas and the morsel (30:42) - A habit of vice is overcome with a habit of virtue Word of the Day : Had never been 'born' (33:13) Callers (33:36) - My son and his family have started attending the Pre Vatican II TLM Mass. It's really causing resentment. Could you help me? (35:36) - There are many Catholic Churches that don't say the prayer to St. Michael? Why is that? (47:40) - Was the apostle Paul ever ordained a priest? (48:28) - Is it okay to go to the gym on Holy Saturday?
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Holy Thursday - Father Simon Says - April 2, 2026 [ENCORE]
02/04/2026 Duration: 49minCheck out this show from April 6, 2023 Bible Study: (2:58) Ex 12:1-8, 11-14 Father discusses the timeline of Last Supper Jn 13:1-15 Why are the disciples shocked at Jesus? Letters (22:22) - Question about going to a traditional baptism (25:42) - Importance of beauty in Churches (27:20) - Judas and the morsel (30:42) - A habit of vice is overcome with a habit of virtue Word of the Day : Had never been 'born' (33:13) Callers (33:36) - My son and his family have started attending the Pre Vatican II TLM Mass. It's really causing resentment. Could you help me? (35:36) - There are many Catholic Churches that don't say the prayer to St. Michael? Why is that? (47:40) - Was the apostle Paul ever ordained a priest? (48:28) - Is it okay to go to the gym on Holy Saturday?
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The Gymnasium of the Soul - Father Simon Says - April 1, 2026
01/04/2026 Duration: 48minCheck out this great show from April 13, 2022 Mt 26:14-25 How could Judas abandon Jesus? Letters Daniel asks about a bruised reed Ana Maria writes in about Jesus exposing Judas as betrayer Listener asks about the vengeance of God Word of the Day: You said so Callers What is the meaning of the word GOD when in all caps as opposed to just 'God' in the Bible. Also how about lower case 'lord' Could there be reversed transubstantiation? How do we know that Jesus was in the cistern the whole night, when that's not mentioned in the Bible How do we deal with questions from Protestants? Comment: What Judas did had to happen or there wouldn't be salvation; is that wrong? Prayer to St. Michael, and say 'cast unto hell Satan'. wouldn't be better to pray for Satan or is he a lost cause?
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Vanity of Vanities - Father Simon Says - March 31. 2026
31/03/2026 Duration: 49minCheck out this great show from April 12, 2022 Jn 13:21-33, 36-38 Father shares his controversial take on today's Gospel Letters Can I receive communion 2x in a day? Listener writes in about Joseph's story--who sold whom to whom? Did the Pope campaign to be elected Pope? Word of the Day: Vanity Callers When I go to confession now, do I need to say those sins I said a couple years when I didn't receive absolution? If Jesus loved Judas, why did he call him the devil?
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Why is Beauty Important? - Father Simon Says - March 30, 2026
30/03/2026 Duration: 49minCheck out this Encore from April 11, 2022 Is 42:1-7 Did Jesus bring justice to the nations? Jn 12:1-11 Why is beautify important? Letters Is there any Catholic understanding that human beings are co-creators with God? When we die are we judged right away or when Jesus comes again? Word of the Day: Nard Callers I'm having trouble with my wife, she cheated on me twice, many years ago and I struggle w/hurt and pain. I love her more than ever. How to get over My wife is Orthodox and my son is an Orthodoxic priest. Why do they do sign of cross they way they do, and why is it called divine liturgy with eastern Christians and the Mass here? Is there a patron saint for those going through divorce, but want the marriage to be saved?
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What Kind of Faith Should We Have? - Father Simon Says - March 27, 2026
27/03/2026 Duration: 49minCheck out this encore show from April 8, 2022 Jer 20:10-13 Why does God give strict laws in the Old Testament? Jn 10:31-42 What kind of faith are we supposed to have? Letters Anna Maria writes about the book Exodus, that she rea Listener asks about a supposed quotation from Mother Teresa Father gives advice to someone whose priest isn't using wine at Mass (who called into the Patrick Madrid Show). Word of the Day: Scripture Callers Can one do confession on the radio? What is mortal sin where I need to go to confession? Can I be on an exercise bike while I am praying the rosary? Or is that wrong?
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The Nature of God - Father Simon Says - March 26, 2026
26/03/2026 Duration: 45minCheck out this Encore show from April 7, 2022 Gn 17:3-9 Was Abraham Jewish? Jn 8:51-59 What's God's nature? Letters: My priest has been reducing masses and eliminating confession--what is going on? Word of the Day: Passion Callers: Is the promised land that God promised Abraham the same land that Moses was leading the Israelites towards? Did ancient Israelites keep stones around? I heard that the Catholic wasn't started till the 4th century. Is that right?
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Annunciation - Father Simon Says - March 25, 2026
25/03/2026 Duration: 49minCheck out this great encore from March 25, 2025 (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?
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Church Rants and Biblical Obscurities - Father Simon Says - March 24, 2026
24/03/2026 Duration: 49minCheck out this great show from April 5, 2022 Nm 21:4-9 What is a seraph serpent? Father explains Jn 8:21-30 Father explains why the Gospel of John is so obscure Letters What was it about the way Jesus spoke that made people believe in him? Father revisits a question about religious education and the sacraments Word of the Day: I AM Callers: What is legally require Catholics to do on Good Friday? Are they able to go to work on this day? Can people in Purgatory pray for each other while there?
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Father Simon Says - Oh Susanna! - March 23, 2026 [ENCORE]
23/03/2026 Duration: 49minCheck out this show from April 4, 2022! Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or 13:41c-62 What's the point of today's reading? Father explains the twelve tribes Jn 8:12-20 Where does Jesus manifest who he is? Letters Our parish doesn't have a youth group, and my child wants to go to the Lutheran youth group. What should I do? Word of the day: Susanna Callers I am discussing marriage with my boyfriend, who is not Catholic. How can I help his family understand the reality of my Catholic faith? What are the main topics of the Old Testament? When should we do Catechesis for those receiving sacraments in the spring?