Apostolic Succession and Imperfect Shepherds
Apostolic Succession and Imperfect Shepherds
In this powerful homily, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, explains how Jesus gave His twelve Apostles authority over demons and diseases; both spiritual and physical. He sent them out invested with His own divine power to forgive sins and heal. That same authority continues today through Apostolic Succession in bishops and priests.
Though leaders are imperfect and some stray from apostolic teaching, Fr. Alar reminds us even Judas was among the Twelve. We must pray for our shepherds, stand firm on the faith Jesus gave 2,000 years ago, and defend the Church with truth and respect.
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The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011426.cfm
Father 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.
In today’s Gospel, we see the profound blessing of hearing and observing the Word of God—and no one exemplifies this more perfectly than our Blessed Mother Mary. She devoured the Scriptures, rejoiced in the Word made flesh, and prepared the way for Christ. As John the Baptist said, “He must increase; I must decrease.”
As we celebrate St. Francis of Assisi, Fr. David reminds us that true peace and unity do not come from human movements, but from conversion of heart. St. Francis lived a life of radical poverty, clinging only to the Cross of Christ. He owned nothing, desired no prestige, and sought only obedience to God and His Church. His mission was not to reform by revolt—but to rebuild by repentance.
