Father Simon Says

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?

Ex 3:1-6, 9-12 Moses encounters God in the burning bush Mt 11:25-27 What’s the real meaning of the word mystery? Letters Commentary about Mike Aquilina (Scholar) Can I drink ZEN green tea? Word of the Day—Epiginosko (to recognize) Callers Can I go to a Greek Orthodox Church? Should I incorporate Jewish law into my life?

Ex 2:1-15a Father gives some background and context to the story of Moses Mt 11:20-24 What’s the Gospel triangle? Father Simon explains Letters: Are we going to change the text of the Lord’s prayer? A Christian attorney writes to Fr. Simon about the seal of confession Should we ask for mercy and not God’s judgment? Word of the Day: Papyrus Callers: Why did God create things that are bad? Help with the St. Michael Prayer

Ex 1:8-14, 22–Father dives into the story of a new Egyptian King Mt 10:34—11:1–What is the peace that Jesus gives? Letters: Does God lead us into temptation? Question about bishops and the papacy Callers: Question about excommunication and the Eucharist

Gn 46:1-7, 28-30  Father continues the deep dive into the beautiful life of Jacob. Mt 10:16-23 Father comments on the fact that Jesus alerts the disciples that he is sending them into danger and instructs them to be as shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves–but what does that mean? Letters: Question about perfection contrition Esau and Jacob–was the blessing given under false pretense? Does Paul have apostolic succession? Word of the Day: Twelve tribes Callers: Who is allowed to officiate the wedding, besides the priest? Question about generational sexual abuse. What do I do? Story about a prayer to St. Anthony Question about the saints and prayer What did Mary receive in the upper room?

First reading: Gn 44:18-21, 23b-29; 45:1-5 Father explains the dramatic reunion between Joseph and his brothers, an argument for the Exodus’ historicity, and a commentary about miracles. Letters: Prayers for a woman who woman who was diagnosed with cancer Advice for someone going to confession and a teaching on repentance Letter regarding cremation and burial Word of the Day: Pharaoh Callers: Father takes a calls about suffering, prayer, and lapsed Catholics

Bible Gn 41:55-57; 42:5-7a, 17-24a Father explains the dramatic stories of Jacob and Joseph Mt 10:1-7 Jesus sends out his disciples and gives them authority to drive out demons Letters Father reads a letter from a convert from Judaism and a letter about raising kids Word of the Day: At hand (engus) Callers: About Spirits and saints Do Catholics need to have a funeral? Could we take a look at the book of Tobit as a parable? Why would God allow the condo building in FL to collapse?

Readings: Gn 32:23-33 Father explains the tumultuous relationship between Jacob and Esau. Mt 9:32-38  Father explains why the people where like sheep without a shepherd and tells a story about an amazing parish. Letters: Father responds to a letter about Middle Eastern hospitality Father discusses a letter about The Chosen Father discusses a laicized priest and the last rites/confession Word of the day: Prince Callers: Father takes questions about suffering, movies, and fatherhood.

  Readings: 1 Reading: Father explains the familial dynamics in the reading from Genesis. Gospel Father explains the Calling of St. Matthew and what Jesus meant by “I desire mercy not sacrifice.” Letters Does the church allow arranged Marriages? Father gives advice to someone with an addiction to alcohol Word of the day Tax collector Callers Did Jesus invite himself over to Matthew’s house? What is Patriotism?

Bible: Sacrifice of Isaac Why does God test us, Father asks? Father thinks that the reading should be read in the light of the Hebrews On one hand, it’s horrible–but Abraham was ready to offer his only son and believed that God would raise Isaac from the dead. Abraham had a complete trust in God Letters: Gives advice suggesting the listner to ask God what his will is He references the Screwtape Letters–the Devil wants us to focus on what we don’t have Letter thanking father who gave advice about dealing with priests who are moved around a lot–there is a lot of ecclesial and presbyteral instability Letter about some strick KJV readings of the bible that says diving is bad Caller: Did Isaac say anything? Principles vs methods Priest told me I wasn’t truly repentant when I went to confession If I commit a sin like an impure thought–could I still go to confession?