The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031126.cfm
Father Chris Alar, MIC, addresses a common misconception: that the Old Testament portrays God as harsh while, in contradiction, the New Testament reveals a loving Jesus. He explains that the Old Testament functions like parental guidance for children — setting boundaries to protect us — while the New Testament calls adults to a higher standard of love and self‑discipline. Jesus stated He came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it, completing the dietary and ritual requirements through His self-sacrifice on the Cross.
Father Chris clarifies that Christians are no longer bound by Old Testament rules on diet, circumcision, or animal sacrifices, yet the fundamental moral law remains unchanged. The Council of Jerusalem confirmed that Gentile converts must uphold even counter-cultural moral teachings while being freed from ceremonial obligations. This distinction guards against both legalism and license: freedom from ritual law does not mean freedom from moral responsibility.
Father Chris emphasizes that Jesus elevated moral standards to a supernatural level, a level that demands grace building on natural virtue, teaching that anger equates to murder and lust to adultery. Society often misuses Scripture to justify moral relativism, yet Christ’s words to the adulteress — “Go and sin no more” — reveal that mercy demands transformation. Divine Mercy is not permission to continue in sin. The Ten Commandments summarize this dual call: reverence for God and respect for man, or in other words, love of God and neighbor.
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What is Homilies from the National Shrine?
These difficult times demand that we turn back to the beautiful mystery of who God is and what it means to be His cherished children. Listen in to the daily homilies from the Marian Fathers at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy, including Fr. Chris Alar, Fr. Kaz Chwalek, and many more. May they help you to live by God’s will that you may play an active and effective role in a world whose wellbeing requires authentic Christian witness!