Today's Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112625.cfm As we reach the final days of the liturgical year, the Church invites us to lift our eyes toward the ultimate realities: Christ’s return, the purification of the world, and God’s unshakeable plan for His people. Fr. Chris reminds us that the Scriptures, the Catechism, and the Church-approved Marian apparitions all speak with one voice: we are already living in the “last hour” (CCC 670), and yet God’s mercy remains our refuge and our hope.

Catholicism teaches that we are only saved through God’s grace, but we must cooperate with that grace by living as “another Christ.” That means doing good – and a great way is through the Corporal Works of Mercy. Father Chris Alar, MIC, reveals the seven works of mercy in Scripture and shows how we can perform these in our daily lives. Then be inspired by the example of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability and its outreach to those in need.

It's an age-old question, and there's no perfect answer. While the Church does not teach "dog-matically" that our beloved animals will or will not be in Heaven, some think they will be, as the Scriptures describe animals at peace in the new creation. Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he shares both sides of the topic and gives thanks to God for the gift of our animal companions. Then be inspired by Canines for Christ, a healing ministry which connects therapy dogs with the infirm and homebound, with amazing results.