We are saved only by God's grace, but we need to cooperate with that grace if we want to get to Heaven. Father Chris Alar, MIC, explains how we can do this. 

In today’s Gospel reflection from Luke, Fr. Chris Alar explores the profound lesson of persistent prayer. Jesus shares the parable of the man who, despite a late-night visit, is convinced to provide for his neighbor’s need. Fr. Chris reminds us that prayer is our way of acknowledging God’s authority in our lives and asking for His help. Even when our prayers seem unanswered, God always responds with love and wisdom, sometimes in ways we may not immediately understand.

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011226.cfm Father Daniel Klimek, PhD reflects on the beginning of Christ’s public ministry and the radical call of discipleship. When Jesus calls the first apostles, He does not simply invite admiration, but demands surrender. Peter leaves his nets behind—his livelihood, his security, his safety—to follow Christ. Those nets, Fr. Daniel explains, symbolize the attachments and “safety nets” that often keep us from deeper freedom in God.