Repentance Makes Saints (Father Simon Says)

On Father Simon Says, Fr. Richard Simon takes listeners deep into the world of St. Paul, the Apostles, and the struggles of ordinary believers trying to follow God. As he walks through Acts 13, Fr. Simon paints vivid pictures of Paul waiting on docks for dangerous ships, traveling across the rough waters of the Mediterranean, and preaching in remote corners of the ancient world. These weren’t superheroes. They were real men with fears, disappointments, and conflicts. Fr. Simon reflects on Jesus’ words to Nicodemus about being “born again of water and the Spirit,” explaining that the Christian life is more than a formula or ritual. It is a spiritual rebirth, a reawakening of the soul through the Holy Spirit. The heart of segment centers on King David, whom Scripture calls “a man after God’s own heart.” Fr. Simon points out the surprising truth that David was deeply flawed. He committed adultery, arranged a murder, and failed greatly in other ways. Yet David became holy because he repented. “When the prophet confronted David,” Fr. Simon explains, “David didn’t deny his sin. He admitted it and turned back to God.” That same pattern appears throughout salvation history. Paul once persecuted Christians. John Mark abandoned Paul and Barnabas during a dangerous mission journey. Even the saints struggled, argued, failed, and needed forgiveness. What made them holy was not perfection, but their willingness to repent and be transformed by grace. Fr. Simon reminds listeners that repentance is the doorway to holiness. “We become men and women after God’s own heart,” he says, “when we allow the Holy Spirit to convict us of sin and we turn back to Him.” The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.