The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122925.cfm Father Chris Alar, MIC reflects on the coming Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and the Purification of Mary — a mystery often misunderstood, and sometimes misused, to challenge the Church’s teaching on Our Lady. What appears, at first glance, to be a ritual of purification reveals instead a profound lesson in obedience, humility, and grace.

Fr. Chris reminds us that today — the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed — is one of the most important days of the Church year. Though it’s not a solemnity or feast, its spiritual weight is immense. Following the glory of All Saints Day, we now turn to the souls who still await their full union with God — the holy souls in Purgatory. Together, these three days — All Hallows Eve, All Saints, and All Souls — form what the Church calls Allhallowtide, or the “Triduum of Death.” It is not dark, but deeply merciful, because it reveals God’s justice and His love.

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010826.cfm Father Chris Alar, MIC reminds us that God’s timing is never accidental. Though the Jubilee Year of Hope formally concluded on January 6, its message—and its grace—did not end. Rooted in Leviticus 25 and proclaimed anew by Isaiah, the Jubilee was always meant to announce freedom, restoration, and mercy. But as Father Chris explains, this freedom is not political or economic. It is spiritual.