Hope in the End Times - Fr. Chris Alar | 11/16/25
Homilies from the National Shrine · The Marian Fathers
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Show Notes
In today’s homily, Fr. Chris invites us to confront a reality many avoid: the Church teaches that we are living in the “end times”—not because the world is ending tomorrow, but because public revelation closed with the death of the last Apostle. As the liturgical year ends, the Gospel readings turn our attention to eschatology: the destruction of the Temple, the trials that precede the end, and the Second Coming of Christ. Jesus warns that earthly securities crumble, but the true Temple—His Eucharistic Presence and the soul living in grace—endures forever (cf. 1 Cor 3:16).
Scripture is clear: “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim 3:12). Fr. Chris explains how persecution purifies both the innocent and the guilty in the Church, reminding us that the Church is both divine and human—perfect in her doctrine, yet wounded in her members. Even so, Jesus promises that faithfulness leads to eternal life, even when earthly suffering seems overwhelming.
Drawing on the witness of modern martyrs, especially Christians in Nigeria, Fr. Chris shows that God grants particular graces to those who suffer for the Gospel. Their serenity in the face of death mirrors the peace of the early martyrs, reminding us that Christian hope is not shaken by earthly violence. As Jesus told St. Faustina, He offers the world this “time of mercy” before the time of justice (Diary, 1160). Now is the moment to return to Him with trust.
Whether through persecution, family tensions, daily misunderstandings, or the crosses we quietly bear, Christians are invited to unite their sufferings to the Cross, fulfilling St. Paul’s words: “I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body” (Col 1:24). Remaining faithful in a world of confusion is not fearmongering—it is the path to peace, hope, and eternal life. We belong to a Kingdom that cannot be shaken.
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