The "antichrist" is already among us
The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/123125.cfm
Father Chris Alar, MIC, confronts a hard but urgent truth drawn from Sacred Scripture and the teaching authority of the Church: the Antichrist is not only a future figure, but a present spirit at work in the world. Reflecting on the First Letter of John, Fr. Chris explains that Scripture speaks of both a singular Antichrist still to come and many “antichrists” already active—those who have departed from Christ by rejecting His Church (1 Jn 2:18–19; NABRE).
This deception is subtle. It often disguises itself as independence, spirituality without authority, or self-made salvation. Yet the Catechism warns that before Christ’s return, the Church must endure a final trial marked by religious deception that offers false solutions at the price of apostasy (Catechism of the Catholic Church §675). To deny the Church established by Christ is to deny Christ Himself, even when His name is still spoken.
Father Chris reminds us that the Church is not man-made, but God-made—founded by Christ, entrusted to the Apostles, and preserved through apostolic authority (Mt 16:18; NABRE). Though imperfect in her human members, she remains divinely protected in her mission. Like Noah’s Ark, the Church may feel uncomfortable at times, but outside of it there is only drowning.
The answer to confusion is not retreat, but fidelity. Through Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist, God sustains His remnant and strengthens them to remain faithful witnesses. Evil has already been defeated, but souls are still at stake. Our task is not fear, but perseverance—praying, teaching, and living the truth so that others may return to Christ through His Church.
“Anyone who knows God listens to us” (1 Jn 4:6; NABRE).
You might also like...
Join Fr. Chris Alar as he "unearths" the true meaning of Halloween and discusses what we have to do for All Saints and All Souls Day.
The Bible attests to the existence of angels. What's their important role? How can we use these powerful intercessors? Father Chris explains.
Despite what the devil wants us to believe, hell does exist! But why, if God is good, would he allow such a thing as hell to exist, with all its suffering and pain? In this episode, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, helps us to understand that hell is a consequence of the gift of free will that God gave us. We also hear the story of former atheist, Howard Storm, who experienced hell in a near-death experience.
