Homilies from the National Shrine

Did you know that St. Peter’s Basilica is NOT the Pope’s cathedral? The true cathedral of Rome is the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, known as the “Mother and Head of All Churches in Rome and the World”! In this fascinating teaching, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, reveals the remarkable history of Christianity’s oldest major basilica, dedicated to the Most Holy Savior and honoring St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist. Discover why this sacred church served as the papal residence for nearly a thousand years, why the Pope’s cathedral chair is located here, and how visiting this extraordinary basilica can be connected to the gift of a plenary indulgence under the Church’s prescribed conditions.

But why does the Catholic Church celebrate the dedication of a building with such a special feast on November 9? Because St. John Lateran represents something far greater than stone walls: the Church as the Mystical Body of Christ, built of living stones—you and me! Fr. Chris explains how this beautiful celebration reveals the mystery of God's dwelling among His people, the unity of the universal Catholic Church, and Jesus Christ as its true foundation. Discover why the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica is one of the Church’s most meaningful celebrations and what it teaches us about our identity as God's living temple!
Readings for November 9th 2026: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110926.cfm

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In this powerful teaching, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, explains the Catholic understanding of the Rapture, the Great Tribulation, the Antichrist, and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Drawing from Matthew 24, 1 Thessalonians 4, 2 Thessalonians 2, the Book of Daniel, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Fr. Chris explains why the Rapture cannot be separated from Christ's glorious return. Jesus will come again in glory, and His return will not be a secret event. The Church teaches that believers will face a final trial, including religious deception and the Antichrist, before Christ's Second Coming.

Fr. Chris reminds us that preparation is at the heart of the Gospel message. Jesus calls us to stay awake, remain watchful, and keep our lamps burning, always ready to meet Him, just as He taught in the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1–13). We must keep our lives and souls aligned with the teachings of Jesus Christ, living in God's grace through prayer, repentance, love, and the Sacraments, especially Confession and the Holy Eucharist. The Catholic Church faithfully preserves and interprets Christ's teachings, helping us remain steadfast through trials and suffering. The message is not to live in fear of the tribulation, but to live the Gospel every day, keep our souls prepared, and remain faithful to Jesus through the grace of God until His glorious return.
Readings for November 8th 2026: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110826.cfm

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In this teaching, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, explains the truth and beauty of plenary indulgences. A good father forgives his child, but forgiveness does not always remove every consequence of what was done. In the same way, God truly forgives our sins through Confession, yet the wounds caused by sin may still need purification and reparation. Purgatory is not simply about suffering for our sins; it is a merciful purification that prepares the soul for the fullness of Heaven. Fr. Chris reminds us that indulgences have often been misunderstood. They are not something we buy or a way to purchase forgiveness. Plenary indulgences are graces given through the Church, flowing from the infinite merits of Jesus Christ and the Communion of Saints, to help repair the temporal effects of sins that have already been forgiven.

Fr. Chris Alar teaches that we can obtain a plenary indulgence by completing the indulgenced work and fulfilling the Church’s conditions: sacramental Confession, receiving Holy Communion, praying for the intentions of the Holy Father, and having complete detachment from sin, even venial sin. During the special days established by the Church, we can also visit a cemetery and pray for the faithful departed, offering the indulgence for a soul in Purgatory. Pray for that soul and ask for God’s mercy. When we pray for the dead, we live the beautiful reality of the Communion of Saints: we help souls through our prayers, and those who reach Heaven can intercede for us. As Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, emphasizes, plenary indulgences are an extraordinary gift of God’s mercy and a powerful way to love our brothers and sisters even beyond death.
Readings for November 6th 2026: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110626.cfm

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Jesus calls us to go beyond praying only for ourselves, our families, and those we love. In this powerful teaching, Fr. David Klimek reflects on the heart of Christ for the lost sheep—especially those who seem furthest from God. Heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents, and Christians are invited to participate in that mission by praying even for those whose sins disturb or repel us. True spiritual warfare is not simply about condemning evil, but about pleading for the conversion, liberation, repentance, and salvation of souls trapped in darkness.

Fr. David challenges us to examine whether our spiritual lives have become unconsciously self-centered. Prayer, sacrifice, and devotion are not meant only to secure our own spiritual good; they can become powerful acts of love offered for others. To live the Gospel radically is to desire what Jesus desires: that sinners return, that souls be rescued, and that even the most unexpected people find their way into the Kingdom of God. Who is the lost sheep God may be asking you to pray for today?
Readings for November 5th 2026: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110526.cfm
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In the aftermath of the election, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, offers Catholics a serious reminder: our responsibility does not begin and end at the ballot box. For Catholics, God guides us through Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the teaching authority of the Church. Political decisions therefore should not be based only on personal interests, party loyalty, economic concerns, personalities, or political promises. Catholics are called to form their consciences in the light of the Gospel and the moral teachings of the Church, asking before every important civic decision: Am I seeking only what I want, or am I sincerely trying to understand what is good, just, and consistent with God's law? In a time when Scripture itself can be invoked in confusing or contradictory ways, Catholics must know their faith, pray for clarity, and refuse to allow political rhetoric to replace authentic Christian teaching.
Fr. Chris emphasizes three fundamental moral concerns that Catholics should never treat lightly: the dignity and protection of human life, including innocent life in the womb; the sanctity of marriage and the family, according to the Church's understanding of marriage; and religious liberty, including the freedom to worship God, practice the Catholic faith, and live according to religious conscience. These principles are fundamental because they concern the dignity of the human person and the moral foundations of society. The election results should therefore become an invitation to deeper examination of conscience: Did we understand what the Church teaches? Did we pray before voting? Did we consider the dignity of human life, marriage, family, and religious freedom alongside our other political concerns? Whatever the results, Catholics are called now to pray for those elected, asking God to give them wisdom and courage to do what is good and right for human dignity. We must continue to speak the truth with charity, serve our communities, educate ourselves in the faith, and remain faithful to Jesus Christ. The election may be over, but the Catholic mission is not. Pray. Learn the faith. Form your conscience. Defend human dignity. And stand faithfully with Christ and His Church.
Readings for November 4th 2026: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110426.cfm

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