In this episode of Father Simon Says, Fr. Richard Simon explores the Catholic understanding of atonement – the mystery of how Jesus’ obedience on the Cross restores our relationship with God and transforms our hearts. Drawing from Romans 5 and 8, Fr. Simon explains that by one man’s disobedience, humanity fell, but by the obedience of Christ, we are made righteous. Yet, salvation is not just something Christ accomplished for us – it’s something He invites us to participate in.
Fr. Simon reflects that to be truly atoned with God, we must be “conformed to the image of His Son.” That means uniting our own obedience and suffering to the sacrifice of Jesus. Atonement, then, is not a passive acceptance of grace but an active cooperation with it – a daily decision to carry our cross alongside Him. “Where I am,” Jesus said, “there will my servant be,” and Fr. Simon reminds you that where Christ is, is the Cross.
Through faith, trust, and obedience, we become the “new man in Christ,” transformed by grace and joined to the very life of God. It’s a powerful reflection on how love demands imitation, not mere admiration – and that true atonement is found in walking the same road of obedience that led Christ to Calvary.
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.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS