Podcast appearances and mentions of chris alar

We all grew up with Lent, but are we currently living it? What does Lent mean and where is it commanded in the Bible? What exactly is optional and what is mandatory for us to do? Join Fr. Chris Alar as he explains in this new talk what you need to know about Lent and why it is so important.

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022226.cfmFather Chris  Alar, MIC, invites us to reconsider the Genesis story in light of both tradition and modern discoveries. He notes that scientific genealogy now points to a single ancestral woman, reinforcing the plausibility that Adam and Eve were actual historical persons. He stresses that the biblical account employs symbolic language to convey theological truth, not to serve as a scientific textbook. The garden, he explains, symbolizes the state of grace—a divine communion that humanity originally shared with the Father. By locating the entrance of Eden to the east, the ancient tradition connects the garden with the tabernacle and the Holy of Holies, the most sacred space where God dwelt among his people.Father Chris distinguishes the two creation narratives, showing that one offers a chronological outline while the other provides a vivid visual metaphor of God shaping man from the earth. He reiterates that humanity is a unique composite of matter and spirit, endowed with a rational, immortal soul that separates us from animals. The episode of the tree of knowledge, according to Fr. Chris, is less about acquiring moral awareness and more about the tragic attempt to seize God's legal authority over good and evil—a theme that mirrors contemporary attempts to legislate morality.Father Chris also links the garden imagery to the Church's Sacramental life, describing the tabernacle as a miniature Eden where the Holy of Holies resides. He reminds listeners that the Sacraments are the ordinary channels through which God continues to offer the grace first granted in Eden. By understanding these layers, we can love our faith more deeply and recognize that the Our Father, the Mass, and the Sacraments are extensions of that original divine intimacy.During this Lenten season, Fr. Chris encourages the faithful to use the disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to enter more fully into the mystery of Eden, allowing the heart to be transformed by the same grace that first animated Adam. ★ Support this podcast ★

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022426.cfmFather Mark Baron, MIC, invites us to move beyond a superficial recitation of the Our Father and let this prayer become the heartbeat of our Lenten journey. He reminds us that the season of Lent began with Ash Wednesday, calling us to the three classic practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These disciplines are not ends in themselves; they are pathways that lead us into a richer relationship with the Holy Trinity.Father Mark stresses that Jesus warned against “babbling like the pagans,” whose prayers were empty repetitions aimed at manipulating distant gods. In contrast, our Father knows our needs before we ask, and He invites us into an engaged, relational dialogue. Father Mark explains that God created us as image‑bearers so that we can reflect His holiness in our words, deeds, and community life. When we pray the Our Father slowly, ruminating on each petition, we align our will with the Father's, asking that His kingdom come; that His will be done; for daily bread, forgiveness, and protection from temptation.He points out that true prayer ordinarily requires the support of the Sacraments — the Eucharist, Confession, and the other means of grace that sustain us when our human strength falters. By receiving the Sacraments, we open ourselves to the grace that makes our repeated prayers meaningful rather than mechanical.Father Mark also addresses a common misunderstanding: that repetitive prayer is “babbling.” He notes that Scripture itself contains beautiful repetitions (e.g., the Psalms) and that Jesus Himself prayed repetitively the night before His Passion, demonstrating that sustained, heartfelt prayer deepens faith. Likewise, contemporary worship songs often repeat refrains to embed truth in the heart. ★ Support this podcast ★

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022326.cfmFather Chris  Alar, MIC reminds us that works do not earn salvation; only God's grace saves (CCC, 1987). Yet the Church teaches that we must co‑operate with that grace. As Fr. Chris explains, each soul faces a particular judgment at death, meeting Christ in His human nature, and later a general judgment when Christ returns to judge all humanity (see Jn 5:22‑23). The Scriptures picture this final assembly in the “valley of Jehoshaphat,” drawn from Joel 3:2, where angels separate the good from the bad.Father Chris contrasts David's flight from Jerusalem with Jesus' deliberate return to be judged, showing that avoidance leads to condemnation while Christ embraces the sacrifice for our redemption. He cites the familiar parable of the wheat and the weeds (Mt 13:24‑30) and the separation of sheep from goats (Mt 25:31‑46) to illustrate the ultimate sorting of souls.A central point is the necessity of Confession. Unconfessed sins are exposed at judgment, whereas confessed sins are sealed (CCC 1451). Father Chris stresses that God's justice is always tempered by mercy: “The greater the sinner, the greater the right he has to My mercy” (Diary of Saint Faustina Kowalska, 723). This mercy flows through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose prayers unite with ours and draw us toward the divine will (CCC 2675).Father Chris also addresses contemporary objections that “Jesus did it all, so there is no hell.” He refutes this by affirming human free will: God's love respects our freedom, and those who freely reject Him choose separation, which is the reality of hell (CCC 1037). As C.S. Lewis observed, “The gates of hell are locked from the inside,” underscoring that the choice belongs to the soul. ★ Support this podcast ★

Of marriage, Jesus said, “What God has joined together, let no one separate” (Mt 19:6). But is divorce always a sin, and is it ever allowed by the Church? How does it differ from annulment which, contrary to popular belief, is not a “Catholic divorce”? Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he sheds light on this important subject.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022126.cfmFr. Gabe  Cillo, MIC challenges us to examine the condition of our souls: “Who here wants to be healthy spiritually?” The Gospel reminds us that “those who are well need no physician, but those who are sick do” (Lc 5:31; NABRE). In this Lenten moment the priest points to the universal sickness caused by sin, emphasizing that our only cure is the grace of God initiated in Christ.The Catechism teaches that justification is “the free and unmerited gift of God's grace” (CCC 1987). As Fr. Gabe explains, the first instant of conversion is wholly God's initiative; human effort alone cannot bring the dead in sin to life. This aligns with Saint Augustine's insight that the “doctor of grace” must be empowered by divine mercy, for without Christ's sacrifice even the Immaculate Conception of Mary rests entirely on His redemptive work.Turning away from God is likened to turning one's back on a parent—a gesture of profound disrespect. The priest uses this vivid image to illustrate that rejecting Christ is a betrayal of the Father, while conversion is the act of turning back. Scripture affirms this: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice…that they may turn and be saved” (Hos 6:6; NABRE). The Holy Spirit, moved by love, calls us to repentance, yet the power to change resides in Christ alone.In practical terms, the homily urges believers to recognize their spiritual illness, to seek the physician of Christ through the sacraments, prayer, and sincere repentance. By embracing the divine bridegroom's invitation, we exchange the “hand that turns away” for the “hand that reaches out,” experiencing the healing that only God can provide. May this Lenten season become a genuine turning‑back, restoring our health in the Spirit and preparing us for the wedding feast of the Lamb. ★ Support this podcast ★

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022026.cfmFather Tyler Mentzer, MIC, invites us to confront this penetrating question, “What are you hungry for?” On the first Friday of Lent, this inquiry becomes a mirror for our own souls, urging us to examine the cravings that dominate our hearts.The Gospel's wedding feast imagery frames fasting, not as a punitive rite, but as a preparation for the ultimate celebration of the divine Bridegroom. Jesus asks, “Can the wedding guests mourn while the bridegroom is with them?” (Mk 2:19; NABRE). When the Bridegroom remains present, the feast of love outweighs the austerity of fasting. Yet He also foretells the inevitable departure of the Bridegroom, announcing that “then they will fast” (Mk 2:20; NABRE). This duality reveals fasting as medicinal: a temporary giving up of earthly food that readies us for the future sorrow of the Passion and the ensuing joy of the Resurrection.The “Catechism” teaches that “fasting is a penance that draws us closer to Christ, the source of true nourishment” (“CCC,” 2043). By denying ourselves food, drink, or sinful habits, we create interior space for the Spirit, allowing the hunger for God's will to replace the hunger for fleeting pleasures. As Fr. Tyler notes, the Lenten season is a “time of intentional communion with the suffering Christ,” echoing the ancient Jewish practice of fasting on the Day of Atonement (see Lev 16) and its fulfillment in the New Covenant.Saints Jacinta and Francisco of Fatima exemplify this sacrificial love. Even as children, they offered their meals to the poor, endured bitter suffering, and embraced fasting as a conduit for the conversion of sinners. Their witness reminds us that fasting, when rooted in love for the Bridegroom, transforms personal deprivation into communal charity.Thus, the Lenten call is threefold:- Identify the hidden cravings that enslave us — power, pleasure, control, or even the illusion of self‑sufficiency.- Rebuke those cravings through disciplined fasting — whether by abstaining from meat on Fridays, limiting meals, or refraining from harmful thoughts and words.- Redirect the resulting emptiness toward the love of Christ, the true Bridegroom who satisfies every longing (see Jn 6:35; NABRE). ★ Support this podcast ★

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021926.cfmFather Matthew Tomeny, MIC invites us to contemplate today's Gospel in light of the witness of St. Thomas More and St. Anthony the Great.Jesus warns, “Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Mt 16:24; NABRE). In the same breath He calls us to “pick up our cross daily and follow Me” (Lk 9:23; NABRE).The drama of Thomas More, who refused King Henry's demand for a divorce and chose fidelity to Christ above crown and comfort, illustrates the cost of true discipleship. When Rich perjured himself for worldly gain, the saint reminded him that “the whole world is fleeting; what truly matters is the kingdom of God.” This echoes the “Catechism”: “The Christian is called to die to self and live for God” (CCC 1033).Saint Anthony the Great taught the same radical love: “Die daily, if you wish to live eternally.” Our lives are like a house on fire — clinging to material treasures ensures our destruction, while abandoning them opens the path to everlasting life. As Moses declared, “I have set before you life and prosperity, death and doom” (Dt 30:15; NABRE).Thus, each day presents a choice: hold fast to the fleeting comforts of this world, or lay them down at the foot of the Cross. The cross is not a burden to be avoided; it is the gateway to the resurrection. By surrendering our will to God's will, we align ourselves with the divine plan and secure the promise of eternal life.Let us, like St. Thomas More, abandon pride, ambition, and fear, and like St. Anthony, practice the daily death to self. In doing so, we fulfill Christ's invitation: “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (Jn 14:15; NABRE). ★ Support this podcast ★

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021826.cfmThe world has its “small-g gods”: sex, money, and power. In this powerful Lenten homily, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC explains how the consecrated religious counter them through poverty, chastity, and obedience—but what about the laity?The answer is the Church's timeless Lenten call: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.Fasting disciplines the flesh and breaks the grip of pleasure. Almsgiving loosens our attachment to money by giving not from surplus, but from sacrifice. Prayer humbles our desire for control and power, reminding us that God is in charge—not us. These are not random practices; they are spiritual weapons.Father Chris reminds us that Lent occurs 46 days before Easter, with 40 days of fasting (Sundays excluded). Ash Wednesday—first named in 1091 under Pope Urban II—flows from ancient Jewish penitential practice and early Christian public penance. The ashes, made from burned palms, are sacramentals, not the Eucharist itself. They symbolize our mortality: “Remember you are dust.”Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting (ages 18–59) and abstinence (14+). All Fridays of Lent require abstinence from meat. Fridays throughout the year remain penitential days.Lent is 10% of the calendar year—a perfect tithe of time. As Father shares, the currency of friendship is time. If we love God, we give Him time.This Lent is not about giving up bad things. It's about surrendering lesser goods to seek the Greatest Good. Deny yourself. Take up your cross. Follow Christ. ★ Support this podcast ★

We all know about St. Valentine's Day - but do we really? Was he a real person? What did he do that became stories of legend and historical truth? Join Fr. Chris Alar as explains who this saint was, what the spirituality of St. Valentine's Day really is, and how is love really defined. 

February 16th, 2026 - We welcome back Mike Koeniger to discuss preparations for Lent. Then, we welcome back Fr. Chris Alar to examine what we know about the antichrist, who is not only a future figure, but a present spirit at work in the world. TheStationOfTheCross.com/ACT

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021526.cfmFresh from a visit to the Holy Land, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC reflects on standing atop the Mount of Olives, praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, walking the Via Dolorosa, and entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre—the very places where Christ taught, suffered, and redeemed us.Looking out over Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, he recalls how Jesus wept over the city. Why? Because people would not receive His teaching.The Sermon on the Mount is not a suggestion. It is a way of life. Jesus, the New Moses, does not merely interpret the law—He fulfills and perfects it. When He says to “cut off” what leads you to sin, He speaks in holy urgency. Sin has consequences. Grace is free—but it must be received and cooperated with.Father Chris tackles misunderstood teachings head-on: • Why Catholics read Scripture as literally true—but not literalist. • What Jesus' words reveal about purgatory and accountability. • Why annulment is not a “Catholic divorce,” but a declaration about sacramental validity. • Why the Sacraments are our sure path to grace and salvation.He also pleads for prayers—prayers for persecuted Christians in the Holy Land, and for his dear friend Giuseppe recovering from a stroke. When the Church teaches clearly, it is not to restrict us, but to save us.Christ wept over Jerusalem. May we not ignore His voice today. ★ Support this podcast ★

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021626.cfmFather Chris Alar, MIC, reminds us of a truth the world constantly tries to obscure: Your soul is immortal — and it matters more than anything you own, achieve, or experience in this life. Jesus asks a question that cuts through every distraction: “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?”We spend enormous energy protecting our bodies, careers, reputations, and comfort. But how attentive are we to the state of our soul? Physical suffering, financial loss, or public misunderstanding may wound us temporarily. Mortal sin wounds eternally. And yet, in His mercy, Christ never leaves us without remedy.Through Confession, the Eucharist, and Eucharistic Adoration, the Divine Physician continues to pour out the same healing grace that flowed from His pierced Heart. No sin is too great for His mercy. The only true tragedy is refusing the grace that is offered.Father Chris challenges us not to live casually, but consciously — aware that eternity is not abstract. It is approaching. The saints understand this. They live with urgency, not anxiety; conviction, not fear of creatures. They knew that losing everything in this world is survivable. Losing your soul is not.Run to mercy. Stay in the state of grace. Nourish your soul. And remember: The Lord desires your salvation even more than you do. ★ Support this podcast ★

Do you know that the Church teaches there are the three objectives of marriage? In this episode, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, explains exactly how and why God defined marriage as He did. Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

Whether or not you're a sports fan or not, you know a sports fan. So what does the Church teach about sports? Is it okay to watch or participate on Sundays? What about the Superbowl? When does it cross the line from recreation to sin? Hear Fr. Chris summarize this in a fun and easy-to-understand way!

Fact or fiction? The Spanish Inquisition of the 13th and 14th centuries was instituted by the Catholic Church to torture, burn, and kill millions of heretics. Get the real story as Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, sheds light on the truth about this period in history.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020326.cfmThe Church remembers St. Blaise as a powerful intercessor for those suffering from ailments of the throat — but his witness points far beyond physical healing. In this homily, Fr. Matthew Tomeny, MIC, draws us into the heart of the Gospel, where Christ's miracles transcend the physical.From the blessing of throats after Candlemas to the healing of the woman with the hemorrhage, Scripture reveals a consistent truth: God desires our complete healing, yet He always aims first at the salvation of our souls. Physicians, medicine, and created goods are true gifts from the Lord — but there are moments when only divine grace can reach the deepest wounds. Physical cures may come or not come, but spiritual healing is always offered.The woman who dared to touch the hem of Christ's garment knew she could not approach Him openly. Unclean by the law, exhausted by years of suffering, she reached out in faith — and power went forth from Him. Her healing becomes a sign of what Christ longs to do for every soul that is “bleeding out” through sin, despair, or distance from God.The Gospel does not deny suffering. It reveals its meaning. Jesus restores life not only to bodies, but to souls cut off from grace. Through Confession, Holy Communion, and Eucharistic adoration, He continues to pour out the same mercy that flowed from His pierced side — blood and water that cleanse, revive, and nourish us for eternal life.Saint Blaise understood this truth, and demonstrated it with his life and martyrdom. So do the other saints whose relics remind us that even the smallest contact with the truly holy — like touching the hem of a garment — can become a channel of grace when done with faith.Whether we seek physical healing or carry unseen wounds of the soul, the invitation is the same: Run to the Divine Physician. Do not be afraid. Reach out. He still heals. ★ Support this podcast ★

Every Sunday at Mass we pray the Nicene Creed. But do we "pray" it or do we only "say" it? Join Fr. Chris Alar as he explains the meaning of what we profess in our faith by looking at each sentence. For example, why doesn't the Creed mention Jesus descent into Hell but the Apostles' Creed does? When we profess that we believe in "one, holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church" do we mean the Roman Catholic Church? Actually not. This and many other insights await you in this video.

What does science have to say about a saint's body when it is found to be incorruptible? Why do Catholics venerate relics? Is this science or superstition? Is it faith or paganism? Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, to hear about this fascinating subject.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020126.cfmAs our nation approaches a historic milestone, Fr. Mark Baron, MIC invites us to look deeper than slogans, documents, or even the American Dream. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are good aspirations—but they are incomplete unless they are rightly ordered. True happiness, as St. Thomas Aquinas teaches, is not rooted in possessions, power, or comfort, but in communion with God Himself.Father Mark contrasts worldly definitions of happiness with the radical vision Jesus offers in the Beatitudes. Happiness is not a passing emotion or a collection of achievements; it is the deep peace that comes from desires rightly ordered toward God, who alone can satisfy the human heart. When our loves are disordered, we build inverted kingdoms—measuring success by wealth, status, or pleasure. Christ comes to overturn that logic.The Beatitudes show us how to live as citizens of the Kingdom of God in the midst of a wounded world. Poverty of spirit reminds us that God is God—and we are not. Mourning gives us eyes to see the pain of sin and injustice. Meekness governs our anger so it does not become vengeance. Hunger for righteousness fuels a desire to do God's will. Mercy, purity of heart, and peacemaking flow from a life reconciled with God. And yes, living this way may bring persecution—but it also brings freedom.This is not an escape from the world, but a way to live in it rightly. The Beatitudes are Jesus' answer to a restless age: how to be truly happy, even now, by ordering our lives toward heaven. ★ Support this podcast ★

Father Gabe Cillo reflects on St. John Bosco's deep love for young people—and his clear-eyed realism about the world they're growing up in. Formation isn't just about information. It's about helping hearts face a real battle: the pull of culture, personal wounds, and the enemy who wants to distract, numb, and divide.Saint John Bosco knew something essential: young people don't need watered-down truth—they need truth presented with love, joy, discipline, prayer, and mercy. They need to know that life includes work, recreation, suffering, temptation, and grace—and that none of it makes sense without God at the center.At the heart of this homily is a powerful dream of St. John Bosco: a serpent defeated not by strength or fear, but by a rope that becomes the words Ave Maria. The Rosary. A simple prayer that heaven uses to conquer what we cannot on our own.Father Gabe also reminds us never to despair—especially when a life looks broken at the end. God's mercy can move in the final moments. The prayers of a mother. The intercession of Our Lady. A single cry for help whispered years earlier. Grace is never wasted.Teach the truth. Pray the Rosary. Trust Our Lady.And never stop hoping—for yourself, or for the young souls God has placed in your care.“Let us pray, hope, and don't worry.” ★ Support this podcast ★

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/013026.cfmFather Jason Lewis, MIC, leads us into one of Scripture's most sobering and hope-filled accounts: the fall and repentance of King David. Chosen, anointed, and beloved by God, David nevertheless sins gravely — through sloth, lust, deceit, and murder. Yet this story is not preserved to excuse sin, but to reveal the astonishing depth of Divine Mercy.David's crimes are real and devastating. He abuses power, betrays trust, and orchestrates the death of an innocent man. But when confronted by the prophet Nathan, David does not justify himself. He repents. From the depths of that repentance comes Psalm 51: “Have mercy on me, O God, in your kindness; in your compassion blot out my offense” (Ps 51:3; NABRE). This cry becomes the prayer of the whole Church.What follows defies human logic. God does not abandon His covenant. From this broken history comes restoration. From repentance comes mercy. And from this wounded lineage comes Solomon — and ultimately Jesus Christ Himself. As St. Paul teaches, “where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more” (Rom 5:20; NABRE). Mercy does not deny justice; it transforms the sinner who turns back to God.This is the heart of The Divine Mercy message entrusted to Saint Faustina: no sin is greater than God's mercy when met with repentance and trust (“The Diary of St. Faustina,” 699). The Catechism affirms that God's mercy is infinite and offered to every contrite heart (“Catechism of the Catholic Church,”1847).This homily invites us to hope. No past is irredeemable. No repentance is wasted. God is always working — not against us, but with us, for our salvation.Watch the full homily on DivineMercyPlus.org, the no-cost, ad-free Catholic streaming platform with exclusive Catholic content. ★ Support this podcast ★

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012926.cfmWhen Jesus speaks of a lamp placed on a stand, He reveals how God works in history. What God makes known is meant to give light, and what He reveals is never accidental or incomplete.Father Mark Baron, MIC, shows how the Gospel and the First Reading proclaim a single, unified plan of salvation. The promise given to King David of a kingdom without end was never about political survival or earthly dominance. Even when Israel's kingdoms fell, God's promise did not fail. It was fulfilled in a way far greater than David could have imagined.At the Annunciation, the eternal kingdom promised to David takes flesh in Christ. God does not establish a political empire; He establishes a spiritual kingdom meant to rule hearts. From Abraham to Moses, from David to Christ, God's covenants expand His family until all are invited in. Israel is not discarded or replaced, but fulfilled. The Church is the continuation and completion of God's plan — the universal family gathered under Christ the King.Father Mark also clarifies modern misunderstandings that divide salvation history or reduce God's kingdom to end-times speculation. Catholic teaching proclaims one continuous plan, guided by the Holy Spirit, entrusted to the Church, and ordered toward charity, justice, and conversion of heart.Christ already reigns — in the Eucharist, in the Sacraments, and in every heart willing to receive His grace.Watch the full homily on DivineMercyPlus.org, the no-cost, ad-free Catholic streaming platform with exclusive Catholic content. ★ Support this podcast ★

On the Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, reflects on a decisive moment in his own vocation and on the gift the Church receives through reason rightly ordered to faith. Saint Thomas shows us that clarity about God's will is not opposed to intellect but illuminated by it. As the Catechism teaches, “God can be known with certainty from created reality by the light of human reason” (“Catechism of the Catholic Church” 31).Father Chris explains several of St. Thomas Aquinas's classical proofs for the existence of God, especially the arguments from motion and efficient cause. Nothing moves or comes into being on its own. Because nothing causes itself, reason leads us to a First Mover and First Cause who depends on nothing else. As Scripture affirms, “Ever since the creation of the world, his invisible attributes… have been able to be understood and perceived in what he has made” (Rom 1:20; NABRE).Saint Thomas reminds us that faith is never blind. God invites us to love Him with our minds as well as our hearts, using logic, observation, and wonder at creation to recognize an intelligent Designer. Father Chris emphasizes that doubt can become a doorway to deeper trust when it is met with honest reasoning and grace, echoing Saint Faustina's call to trust in God's providence (“Diary of Saint Faustina,” 1578).Watch the full homily on Divine Mercy Plus, the free, ad-free Catholic streaming platform. ★ Support this podcast ★

The Marians' mission is inseparably tied to two great spiritual weapons: the Blessed Virgin Mary, under the title of the Immaculate Conception; and Divine Mercy (“Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska,” 164). Blessed George Matulaitis-Matulewicz (1871–1927) exemplified this mission, guiding the Marians through persecution in Europe and establishing their presence in the United States. Father Chris Alar, MIC, emphasizes that Bl. George's holiness was practical and humble: “Let me be thrown away like a dirty, worn out dish rag … so that Your house may be a little cleaner and brighter afterwards.”Blessed George's life intersected with St. Faustina's mission, supporting her in writing the “Diary” and spreading Divine Mercy worldwide. Father Chris explains the importance of personal sanctity in renewing the Church: The sanctity of its members makes for a holy Church and holy world (see 1 Cor 12:12-27; NABRE). In a time of social unrest and ideological division, Fr. Alar calls us to overcome evil with good, defending truth and living mercy daily.Join the Marians in this mission by becoming a Marian Helper, supporting the spread of Divine Mercy through prayer and action. Watch the full homily on Divine Mercy Plus, the ad-free Catholic streaming platform that delivers exclusive content and YouTube videos without interruptions. For deeper insight, explore Fr. Chris's book Understanding Divine Mercy to understand the spiritual legacy of Blessed George and the modern Marian mission. ★ Support this podcast ★

Everyone loves Hawaii, but what many don't know is two of the most significant saints of our modern times shaped the world in mercy from one little island. The story of their work and the conditions is utterly fascinating and unbelievable by today's standards. St. Damien of Molokai and St. Marianne Cope changed the world and they can change you, too. Hear Fr. Chris Alar tell their amazing story!

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012626.cfmFather Chris Alar, MIC addresses one of the most misunderstood teachings in all of Scripture: Is there truly a sin that God will not forgive?Jesus warns that a house divided cannot stand (cf. Mk 3:25), and Fr. Chris explains that the most dangerous division is not political or cultural — it is spiritual. It is the division that occurs when a soul refuses mercy. The Church teaches clearly: there is no sin beyond the mercy of God — except the refusal to ask for it.Drawing from Sacred Scripture, St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1864, Fr. Chris explains the meaning of the sin against the Holy Spirit. Traditionally called final impenitence, it appears in three forms: presumption (“I don't need forgiveness”), despair (“God won't forgive me”), and refusal (“I will not ask”). Though they look different, all share the same root — a hardened heart that rejects mercy.Fr. Chris then deepens the teaching using Aquinas' framework. Sins of weakness (against the Father) and sins of ignorance (against the Son) are forgivable. But sins of malice — the deliberate choosing of evil against goodness itself — are said to be against the Holy Spirit. Even so, the homily offers powerful reassurance: the very moment a soul repents, mercy is already at work. Simply walking into the confessional is proof that the unforgivable sin is no longer present.The homily concludes with hope drawn from Aquinas and St. Faustina: while this sin is unpardonable in itself, we must never stop praying for mercy — for ourselves or for others. God's mercy is not limited by our past, only by our refusal.If you fear that you are beyond forgiveness, this teaching is not meant to condemn you — it is meant to call you home. ★ Support this podcast ★

How was our nation founded? At its beginning was it intended to be a Christian nation? What is the real reason for the concept of “separation of Church and state?” In this episode, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, shares the answers to these and other questions about the founding of our great nation.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012526.cfmFather Chris Alar, MIC addresses one of the deepest wounds of our time: division. Scripture asks plainly, “Is Christ divided?” (1 Cor 1:13; NABRE). The answer is no. Yet division arises when truth is rejected and replaced with opinion. Christ Himself warned that His coming would cause division—not because division is good, but because some would refuse the truth He reveals.Father Chris explains that unity is not built on compromise or competing viewpoints. True unity can exist only where truth is shared. Jesus declares, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (Jn 14:6; NABRE). When individuals or societies abandon objective truth, division becomes inevitable. Violence, confusion, and unrest are symptoms of a deeper problem: the refusal to stand on what is true.The Church, established by Christ and entrusted with His authority, exists precisely to safeguard and proclaim that truth. While her members can fail in their human weakness, the Church cannot err in her divine teaching when she definitively proclaims matters of faith and morals. As the Catechism teaches, “It is part of the Church's mission to pass moral judgments even in matters related to politics, whenever the fundamental rights of man or the salvation of souls require it” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2246).Father Chris reminds us that division ends only when we surrender our will to God's will. The first commandment is not merely about avoiding false gods; it is about refusing to make ourselves the arbiter of truth. When we submit to Christ through the teaching of His Church, unity becomes possible—not a shallow peace, but a peace grounded in truth.This call is demanding, but it is also merciful. Truth is not meant to crush us; it is meant to free us. Only by standing together on the truth can the divisions of our world begin to heal.To deepen your understanding of how Christ guides His Church and communicates saving truth through the Sacraments, explore Understanding the Sacraments at ShopMercy.org. ★ Support this podcast ★

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012426.cfmFather Jason Lewis, MIC confronts a question that has echoed since the time of Christ: Who is Jesus, really? As the Gospel recounts, some of Jesus' own relatives believed He was “out of his mind,” while the scribes accused Him of acting by the power of evil. Yet Jesus' works—healing the sick, casting out demons, forgiving sins—force a decision that cannot be avoided.Father Jason draws on the classic trilemma, popularized by C.S. Lewis: Jesus can only be one of three things—lunatic, liar, or Lord. A mere “good moral teacher” is not an option. As Lewis argued, a man who claimed divine authority and spoke as Jesus did could not simply be misunderstood or exaggerated. Either His claims were false, making Him gravely deceptive or delusional, or they were true, demanding our faith and obedience. Scripture itself bears witness to this truth: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (Jn 1:1, 14; NABRE).The Church has always proclaimed this same confession of faith. Saint Peter declared, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Mt 16:16; NABRE), not by human reasoning alone, but by revelation from the Father. Father Jason reminds us that the fruit of Christ's life and teachings confirms this identity. Lies do not produce saints. Deception does not transform the world through sacrificial love, truth, and mercy across centuries.Because Jesus is Lord, He does more than teach—He gives Himself. In the Eucharist, entrusted to the Apostles and handed down through the priesthood, Christ remains truly present to nourish His people and draw them into divine life. This is the heart of the Gospel and the foundation of Christian faith.To grow deeper in your understanding of how Christ continues His saving work through the Sacraments, explore Understanding the Sacraments at ShopMercy.org. ★ Support this podcast ★

Father Gabe Cillo, MIC, reflects on the witness of St. Marianne Cope, an immigrant and religious sister who did not hesitate when the call came to serve those suffering from leprosy on the island of Molokai, in Hawaii. While dozens of religious communities declined to send their members to serve, her community said yes. Saint Marianne went without fear, spending decades caring for the sick and dying, including St. Damien of Molokai in his final days. Her courage was not rooted in human strength, but in a supernatural certainty: Every person, especially the abandoned and suffering, bears the image and likeness of God.As death draws near, what remains essential becomes unmistakably clear. Father Gabe reminds us that in moments of illness, isolation, or approaching death, the soul longs for God with a new urgency. The Eucharist, a priestly blessing, and the presence of someone who comes “in the name of Jesus” are no longer small consolations; they are lifelines. Jesus tells us, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever” (Jn 6:51; NABRE).The saints understood this with great clarity. Saint Marianne Cope and St. Damien found their strength in the same source that sustains the Church today: the Most Blessed Sacrament. At the Last Supper, Christ entrusted Himself to the Apostles, commanding them, “Do this in memory of me,” handing on the gift of His Body and Blood through the priesthood across the ages. In the Eucharist, Christ remains truly present — Body, Blood, soul, and Divinity — faithful to His people until the end of Time.This living presence of Jesus is what steadies the heart when eternity comes into view. It is where the saints found courage, and where we, too, are invited to find our hope.To deepen your understanding of the Sacraments, explore Understanding the Sacraments at ShopMercy.org. ★ Support this podcast ★

As headlines stir anxiety about the possibility of global conflict, Fr. Matthew Tomeny,MIC, turns our attention to a war already raging — one that has claimed more innocentlives than any battlefield in history. While nations prepare for external enemies, theChurch is called to confront a deeper crisis: the systematic destruction ofhuman life in the womb.Scripture teaches that peace is never merely political. It is moral and spiritual, what St.Augustine called the “tranquility of order.” When life is no longer received as a gift,society drifts into darkness. Jesus warns us plainly that without Him, humanity remainslost, but with Him we find “the way, the truth, and the life” (Jn 14:6; NABRE). TheCatechism affirms that human life must be respected and protected absolutely from themoment of conception (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2270). This is not optionalteaching; it is foundational.Father Matthew explains that even where legal victories have been achieved, thedeeper battle continues in hearts and in culture. Laws alone cannot restore what hasbeen lost. A culture of life requires conversion, sacrifice, and reparation. Saint Faustinaunderstood this when she offered suffering for grave sins against life, appealing to theDivine Mercy to hold back judgment and bring repentance. Her Diary reveals that nosin, however grave, is greater than God's mercy when hearts turn back to Him (Diary ofSaint Maria Faustina Kowalska, 699).The call of the faithful is to pray, especially on days set aside by the bishops, for theprotection of unborn children. True peace will not come through fear or force, butthrough surrender — through trust in the mercy of God and a renewed commitment tochastity, responsibility, and reverence for life.Christ desires life, not death. When the Church proclaims this truth without compromise,she becomes a sign of hope in a world searching for peace.To deepen your understanding of Divine Mercy and reparation for sin, explore the Diaryof St. Faustina available at ShopMercy.org. ★ Support this podcast ★

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012126.cfmMany people struggle with the Bible because they sense a tension between the Old Testament and the New. The God of the Old Testament is sometimes portrayed as harsh, violent, even distant, while the New Testament reveals mercy, healing, and love. Father Chris Alar, MIC addresses this confusion directly by reminding us of the question Christ Himself poses: “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” (Mk 3:4; NABRE).Without Christ, humanity's vision is limited. In the Old Testament, death, war, and violence reflect a world still waiting for the full revelation of divine life. The Catechism teaches that God gradually prepared His people to receive the Gospel through salvation history, leading them step by step toward Christ (Catechism of the Catholic Church §122). The New Testament does not contradict the Old; it fulfills it.This contrast becomes striking when we consider Saint Agnes, whose feast the Church celebrates. Her very name echoes the Latin agnus, meaning lamb. Young, pure, and wholly given to Christ, she chose life in the fullest sense, even when it led to martyrdom. Her witness stands between death and life, between the violence of the world and the light of Christ. As Scripture proclaims, “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly” (Jn 10:10; NABRE).The culture of death persists whenever Christ is rejected, whether in ancient persecution or modern disregard for human dignity. Yet Christ remains the Light of the world, drawing us from darkness into truth, from death into life. In Him alone do we find the way, the truth, and the life. ★ Support this podcast ★

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012026.cfmIn the Gospel, Jesus' repeated conflicts with the Pharisees over the Sabbath reveal not rebellion against God's law, but a restoration of its true purpose. As Father Mark Baron, MIC explains, the Pharisees arose during a time of intense pressure to preserve Jewish identity. Their zeal to protect the Law led them to build layers of manmade regulations meant to prevent even the possibility of sin. What began as devotion slowly became a burden.When the disciples plucked heads of grain, the Pharisees accused them of unlawful work. Yet Jesus responds with divine clarity: “The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath” (Mk 2:27; NABRE). God did not establish the Sabbath to enslave His people in fear, but to sanctify them. The commandment to rest is ordered toward holiness, not anxiety.Scripture confirms this purpose. “Remember the sabbath day—keep it holy” (Ex 20:8; NABRE). The Sabbath is a sign that God sanctifies His people, forming them into a holy nation (ref. Ex 31:13–14). To sanctify means to make holy, to perfect us in goodness. When rest becomes fear-driven rule keeping, the heart of the law is lost.Jesus, as Lord of the Sabbath, restores it to its original intention: human flourishing through worship, surrender, and love. This is fulfilled for Christians in the Lord's Day, when the faithful gather for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The Mass is not a burden imposed by God, but a gift through which He sanctifies us. To neglect it knowingly is not freedom, but loss.God's commandments are always a “yes” to life, goodness, and holiness. When rightly understood, they draw us closer to Him and restore us to what we were created to be.To deepen your understanding of how God sanctifies us through the Sacraments, explore Understanding the Sacraments at ShopMercy.org. ★ Support this podcast ★

We all know what happened at Cana but what is the deeper meaning? It is much more than Jesus just turning water into wine. With so much to understand in this one passage, Fr. Chris Alar breaks it down so it is easy to understand and will help you to understand the significance of the role of Mary as intercessor. It is Biblical! 

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011826.cfmBefore healing the man's body, Jesus heals his soul. The paralytic seeks physical restoration, but Christ addresses a greater paralysis: sin. Sin paralyzes the soul and separates us from God, the source of life. “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” the scribes challenge (Mk 2:7, NABRE). Indeed, only God forgives, yet they fail to see the Divine in front of them. Jesus, God incarnate, reveals His authority not only by perceiving hearts but by forgiving sins and restoring the man.This moment prefigures the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Just as the man's friends interceded for him, Christ extends forgiveness through the Church and her priests. Fr. Chris emphasizes that when a priest declares, “I absolve you from your sins,” it is Christ acting in the confessional (John 20:23, NABRE). Spiritual healing comes first, for sin's weight is greater than any physical ailment.Christ's mercy invites us to rise from the mat of our sinfulness, just as the paralytic stood and walked. Repentance is not mere sorrow—it is transformation, a turning toward God and away from sin. Through infant baptism, God forgives the helpless on behalf of faithful parents and godparents, just as He healed the helpless paralytic by the faith of others. Intercessory prayer is essential; faith shared in community moves God's grace into our lives.We are called to participate actively: pray for one another, confess, and rise renewed. Christ's forgiveness restores, strengthens, and sends forth. The mat is left behind; the soul walks free. By addressing the deepest paralysis, Jesus demonstrates the power of His mercy and the Church's mission to bring all sinners to life.To explore the sacraments and God's work through intercession, visit Understanding the Sacraments (ShopMercy.org). ★ Support this podcast ★

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011626.cfmFather Chris Alar, MIC, draws us into the dramatic Gospel scene of the paralytic lowered before Jesus and reveals why this passage speaks so clearly of the Sacraments of the Church. What Jesus responds to first is not the man's condition, but faith — specifically, the faith of those carrying him. “When Jesus saw their faith” (Mk 2:5; NABRE), He forgives sins before He heals the body.This moment reveals something essential about Catholic belief. Faith is never completely private. We carry one another to Christ through intercessory prayer, just as parents bring children to Baptism and the Church brings sinners to Confession. The paralytic is helpless, yet forgiveness is granted because of the faith of others — an image that mirrors infant Baptism, where grace is given through the faith of parents and godparents. Sin is wiped away, not by personal achievement, but by Christ's mercy working through His Church.Jesus exposes the deeper paralysis beneath the physical one: sin. Before restoring strength to the man's limbs, He restores communion with God. This points directly to the Sacrament of Confession, where Christ continues His ministry of forgiveness through priests acting by His authority: “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them” (Jn 20:23; NABRE). Forgiveness is not the end — it demands a response. Christ commands the man to rise. Mercy empowers transformation.Father Chris challenges us to ask: After Confession, do we stay down, or do we get up? Repentance is not merely sorrow; it is conversion, transformation. The mat that once held us becomes a witness to what God has healed. Christ frees us so that we may walk — changed, restored, and sent forth.To deepen your understanding of Confession and Baptism, explore Understanding the Sacraments at ShopMercy.org. ★ Support this podcast ★

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011526.cfmWhy would God allow Israel to be defeated even while the Levites were carrying the Ark of the Covenant before the army into battle? And why would Jesus heal a leper — then sternly command him to tell no one? In this homily, Fr. Mark Baron, MIC, brings these unsettling questions together and shows that they reveal the same spiritual danger: presumption.Israel treated the Ark as a weapon, a mere tool, rather than a sign of fidelity to the covenant with God. Though God had called them to be “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Ex 19:6; NABRE), the people and their leaders were living in grave sin. Trust in sacred objects rather than trust in God and determined obedience to God led to Israel's defeat. The Ark was holy — but the hearts of the people of Israel had grown hardened.In the Gospel, Jesus heals a leper, yet warns him not to spread the news. Christ is protecting His mission. He did not come as a mere political liberator, but to establish the Kingdom of God within the human heart. Leprosy, Fr. Mark explains, is a powerful image of sin: slow-growing, numbing, disfiguring, and blinding. Sin deadens the conscience and distorts the soul far more than disease ever could.Christ touches the leper without fear. His mercy is stronger than corruption. He desires to cleanse what sin has deformed and restore the beauty lost through disobedience. The true enemy is not external forces, but the sin that takes root within us. Only repentance and humility allow God's Kingdom to reign in our hearts. ★ Support this podcast ★

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011426.cfmFather Chris Alar, MIC, reflects on the heart of the discernment of every vocation: learning to listen to God. Vocation is not just about priesthood or religious life — it is the unique call God has placed in your life. Marriage, single life, priesthood, religious life — each is holy, each is purposeful, and each is a path to sanctity when lived in prayer and trust.God speaks more often than we realize: through Scripture, the teachings of the Church, the Liturgy, the neighbors He places in our lives, and some of the quiet movements of our hearts. But to hear Him, we must create space for silence. Prayer is not only talking to God; it is letting God speak.Father Chris reminds us that God does not waste a single moment. Even seasons that feel uncertain, temporary, or difficult are part of His providential plan. What matters is the courage to say yes, even when the path involves sacrifice. Fruitfulness — not comfort — is the measure of a life lived for Christ.Every vocation requires trust. Every vocation includes a cross. But every vocation, faithfully lived, becomes a powerful witness of God's mercy, truth, and love in the world.Are we listening when God calls? ★ Support this podcast ★

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/0113-memorial-hilary.cfmFather Gabe Cillo, MIC, explains a truth so foundational that everything in the Christian life depends on it: Jesus Christ is truly God. Not partly divine, not a created being, not “like” God — but fully God and fully man.Father Gabe reflects on how the Church has defended this truth from the earliest centuries, especially against the Arian heresy, which claimed that the Son was created and therefore not truly God. The Church rejected this error because salvation itself depends on Christ's divinity. If Jesus were not God, He could not forgive sins, defeat demons, give us the Eucharist, or reconcile humanity with the Father. As Scripture proclaims, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (Jn 1:1; NABRE).This truth gives believers confidence and courage. When we make the Sign of the Cross, invoke the holy name of Jesus, or adore Him in the Eucharist, we are not addressing a mere creature — we are worshiping God Himself. The demons recognize His authority because it is divine. Every knee bends at the name of Jesus because His name is the name of God.Father Gabe reminds us that the Eucharist, salvation, and every Sacrament only have power because Christ is God. Holding fast to this truth strengthens faith, deepens worship, and renews our trust in the Lord who alone can save.To grow in understanding of how Christ's divinity works through the Sacraments, explore Understanding the Sacraments, available at ShopMercy.org. Watch the full homily on YouTube and on Divine Mercy Plus, where Catholic content is free, ad-free, and faithful to Church teaching. ★ Support this podcast ★

With special guest, Maria's daughter, who also speaks! With the world in chaos, major events are unfolding in Venezuela. What prophecy by a declared "Servant of God" gives us the insight to understand what is happening and why? What do we need to do? Fr. Chris Alar explains this and the incredible approved apparitions of Betania, Venezuela.

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011226.cfmFather Daniel Klimek, PhD reflects on the beginning of Christ's public ministry and the radical call of discipleship. When Jesus calls the first apostles, He does not simply invite admiration, but demands surrender. Peter leaves his nets behind—his livelihood, his security, his safety—to follow Christ. Those nets, Fr. Daniel explains, symbolize the attachments and “safety nets” that often keep us from deeper freedom in God.Discipleship always requires sacrifice. Christ asks for totality, not partial allegiance. “You cannot serve both God and mammon” (Mt 6:24; NABRE). Idols must be broken so that Jesus may take first place in the heart. Yet this surrender is not rooted in fear, but in love. God desires intimacy, the love of a divine Bridegroom who wants the whole heart of His beloved.Father Daniel reminds us that true discipleship is not merely intellectual. The apostles were transformed because they spent time with Jesus—resting in His presence, listening, and being sanctified by Him. That same presence remains with us today in the Holy Eucharist. In Eucharistic adoration, Christ heals anxiety, grants supernatural peace, and draws souls into deeper friendship with Him.Even fatigue before the Blessed Sacrament is not wasted. Resting in Christ's presence is still prayer. As Scripture assures us, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28; NABRE). Time given to Jesus is never lost—it is the sacrifice that forms true disciples.To grow in understanding of how Christ works through the Sacraments, explore Understanding the Sacraments, available at ShopMercy.org. Watch the full homily on YouTube, where it is also available ad-free on Divine Mercy Plus, offering faithful Catholic content. ★ Support this podcast ★

The Meaning of the Holy Name of Jesus and why we celebrate it as a Feast on January 3. In this easy-to-understand talk, Fr. Chris Alar explains the symbols of Jesus' name, like IHS, and why using God's name in vain is much more than simply swearing.