We are Called by God

We are Called by God

In this Sunday Mass Homily in Saint Michael Kalibo +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us of an important truth: we are called by God. This divine calling is not just a general invitation—it is deeply personal. In fact, God invites each of us to journey with Him and ultimately to spend eternity in Heaven. Therefore, no matter what form our vocation takes, we must recognize that it comes from Him. For this reason, we are encouraged to ask in prayer: “Lord, what are You calling me to do?” However, despite God’s loving invitation, many of us find it difficult to respond. Oftentimes, we cling to things that hold us back. Whether it’s fear of rejection, discomfort with the unknown, attachment to past responsibilities, or anxiety about letting go, these can all become barriers to answering His call. Nevertheless, what matters most is our decision to follow God wholeheartedly. We must be willing to let go of worldly riches, personal attachments, and even relationships that hinder our spiritual journey. After all, these earthly treasures are temporary; they are not meant to be carried into eternity. In conclusion, while God’s call may not always be easy to follow, it leads us to something far greater than anything this world can offer. Ultimately, saying “yes” to God opens the way to eternal life with Him. Let us remember that though the path may be challenging, the reward is everlasting joy in Heaven. First Proclamation- I Kings 19: 15-16, 19-21 Second Proclamation-Galatians 5: 19-25 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 16 Gospel Reading: Luke 9: 51-62 Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/we-are-called-by-god/?feed_id=448&_unique_id=6860b626006b0

Celebrate the Eucharist

Celebrate the Eucharist

During this Sunday Mass Homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, Fr. Erel Villanueva reminded us to celebrate the Eucharist. Initially, he emphasized that the Eucharist is the very heart of our Christian journey. Each time we gather to celebrate it, we are reminded that Jesus is truly present with us—not only in the sacrament, but in our daily lives. In every Eucharistic celebration, we encounter Christ: we see Him, we hear Him, and we are united with Him. Also, Fr. Erel encouraged us to come to Mass each Sunday with hearts full of joy and gratitude. Christ gave His life so that we might be saved. In return, our most fitting response is to offer lives filled with thanksgiving, even amidst trials and difficulties. To conclude, As we celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi, may we deepen our appreciation for this incredible gift—Jesus offering His Body and Blood for our salvation and reconciliation. Let us thank God for His boundless love, and strive to live each day as a grateful response to His grace. Feast of Corpus Christi- June 22, 2025 First Proclamation- Genesis 14:14-20 Second Proclamation- 1 Corinthians 11:23-30 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 111 Gospel Reading: Luke 24: 30-25   Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/celebrate-the-eucharist/?feed_id=439&_unique_id=68579dbf7bb88

Trinity is the Way to Love

Trinity is the Way to Love

On this Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Bishop Romie-Jun Peñalosa shared a powerful Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Parish in Kalibo, reminding us that the Holy Trinity is not only a central mystery of the Catholic faith, but also a living example of how we are called to love.

Understanding the Trinity

To begin with, the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is one God in three divine persons. While this may seem complex, the Church teaches that these three are not separate gods, but united in perfect love and harmony.

The Trinity Within Us

Moreover, the Trinity is not distant from us. On the contrary, the divine life of the Trinity dwells within us. As Bishop Peñalosa emphasized, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit act as one, forming a dynamic relationship that moves within our hearts. As a result, we are empowered to love—not just in words, but through real action.

Love as a Way of Life

Consequently, this divine love transforms our lives. It enables us to love one another, to build communities rooted in faith, and to show compassion even to those who are difficult to love. In other words, the love of the Trinity becomes our mission.

Experiencing the Trinity Daily

Furthermore, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Trinity not only through prayer, but through real, personal experience. We encounter:

• God the Father as the Creator and source of all love,

• Jesus Christ the Son as the Beloved who redeems us,

• and the Holy Spirit as the living bond of love who unites us.

Living the Trinity

Therefore, as we honor Trinity Sunday, we are invited to live out this love in our daily lives. Remember this simple truth:
God is love. Jesus is the Beloved. The Holy Spirit is the love shared between the Father and the Son—and now poured into our hearts.

Trinity Sunday

First Proclamation- Isaiah 59:15-21

Second Proclamation- Romans 5:1-5

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 29

Gospel Reading: John 16:1-15 Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless!

https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/trinity-is-the-way-to-love/?feed_id=430&_unique_id=684e4618e3fe6

The Holy Spirit is our Helper

The Holy Spirit is our Helper

In this Sunday Mass Homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us that the Holy Spirit is our Helper. On this joyful Pentecost Sunday, we celebrate the powerful moment when God empowered His Church by sending the Holy Spirit to aid us in our mission—to proclaim the Good News of salvation to all people.

To begin with, Jesus has already fulfilled His part of the mission through His life, death, and resurrection. Now, it is our turn to carry that mission forward. However, we cannot do it by our own strength. This is precisely why the Holy Spirit is our Helper. Without Him, we are left to depend on our limited human abilities and understanding.

Furthermore, the Holy Spirit—also known as the Paraclete—walks beside us. He is ever present and ever faithful, leading us in truth and wisdom. As we journey in faith, it is the Holy Spirit who strengthens, guides, and sustains us.

As we commemorate the Feast of Pentecost, let us always remember that the Holy Spirit is our Helper, given to us as a precious gift from God. He empowers us to build His Kingdom here on earth. Therefore, we must open our hearts and minds to His voice. He equips us with the courage, wisdom, and grace needed to carry out the mission entrusted to us.

Finally, today is a moment of decision. Let us choose to step out in faith—with the help of the Holy Spirit—and begin, or renew, the mission God has given us. Let us go forth with boldness, love, and unwavering trust, knowing that the Holy Spirit is our Helper, now and always.

Pentecost Sunday - June 8, 2025 First Reading: Acts 2:1-7,12-21 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 104:3-4,31-32,24 Second Reading: Romans 8:14-17 Gospel: John 15:20-27 Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/the-holy-spirit-is-our-helper/?feed_id=421&_unique_id=684529ef3c1a3

Ascension: Calling of Christ's Witnesses

Ascension: Calling of Christ's Witnesses

In today's Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Church in Kalibo, Fr. Erel Villanueva shared that the significance of the Ascension is the beginning of the calling of Christ's witnesses . We are called to be His witnesses in the world. It was at the Ascension that the Church’s mission truly began, and with it, our personal mission to proclaim the goodness of God. People will always equate our lives in Christ based on our attitude. This calling challenges us to first believe and trust in Jesus ourselves. From there, our lives become a witness of His love. Through our actions, others see the truth of Christ’s resurrection and ascension. Whatever we are doing in life serves as the witness of Jesus' love so that other people may hear and see Him through us. The world mission starts at the Ascension- Christ's time has ended, and it is now our time to continue the footprints that He has started. It is now in our hands to continue the work of Jesus. We are not only called but also empowered and blessed to be His witnesses, carrying forward the mission He entrusted to us. Ascension Sunday- June 1, 2025 First Reading: Acts 1:1-11 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 47:1-9 Second Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23 Gospel: Luke 24:45-53 Homily by Fr. Erel Villanueva Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/ascension-calling-of-christs-witnesses/?feed_id=412&_unique_id=683bf7d5323ca

Live in Peace

Live in Peace

In this Sunday Mass Homily in Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa reminded us to live in peace. Every Sunday under the season of Easter teaches us different values, such as faith and love. And for this Sunday, it emphasize that living a new life comes with peace. Peace is something that we all need, and as we live a new life, we are now living the life with peace. Peace comes when we have our community with us. Hence, the first institution that He developed is family. In our families, we learn that we could only live if we are together. Also, having peace means that we embrace God's love, and embracing His loves comes if we love His Word. When God and Jesus enter in your heart, they will find home in you, making you live with peace. As said by +Abp. Ricardo Alcaraz (+), Peace is the fullness of God's blessing". God is building a home in your heart. The Spirit of God is the Spirit of Peace- teaching us to love God's Word. Sixth Sunday of Easter - May 25, 2025 First Proclamation: Acts 16:9-15 Second Proclamation: Revelation 21:1-2,22-27 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 67:1-3,4-6,7 Gospel Proclamation: John 14:23-29 Homily by +Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/live-in-peace/?feed_id=403&_unique_id=6832e5a62d03f

Experience God's Love

Experience God's Love

In this Sunday’s homily, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminds us to experience God's love. Drawing from the Gospel, he reflects on Jesus’ commandment to “love one another as I have loved you.” This is not merely a suggestion, but a divine standard—we can only truly love others if we love like Christ. This Christ-like love is not easy. Too often, we fail to recognize the fullness of God's love because we only seek Him in times of hardship. But His love surrounds us at all times—even in the midst of our trials and ordinary days. God’s love is rooted in His perfect goodness. He loves us in the best way possible, not based on what we deserve, but based on His mercy. As recipients of such love, we are called to reflect it in our own lives—especially through forgiveness. Just as God forgives us, we too are called to forgive—even our enemies. +Bp. Peñalosa encourages us to manifest Agape love—the selfless, unconditional love that God offers to each of us. Let this love be the foundation of how we treat others, so that in loving like Christ, we become witnesses of His love in the world. Fifth Sunday of Easter - May 18, 2025 First Proclamation: Acts 13:44-52 Second Proclamation: Revelation 21:1-6 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145:1-3,4-6,7-9,10-12 Gospel Proclamation: John 13:31-35 Homily by +Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/experience-gods-love/?feed_id=394&_unique_id=682986bccfd73