Accept the Hard Truth

Accept the Hard Truth

In this Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us of a vital lesson: we must accept the hard truth and courageously speak it. Often, we tend to accept the Word of God only when it is pleasing to our ears, conveniently rejecting the painful truths that Jesus teaches us. However, it is essential to learn to accept even those truths that hurt, for such hurts are part of God’s plan to mold us into His intended image. In today’s world, we face a gloomy reality that often rejects the truth. Many shy away from accepting the hard truth because it may lead to persecution or discomfort. Yet, true transformation requires an act of God — a change that must happen within us and be spoken aloud. Following Jesus is not easy; in fact, it is far from simple. We may lose many things we hold dear — our money, power, and possessions. But one thing remains certain: we will never lose our souls. Jesus promises to destroy and transform our lives. We must invite Him into our hearts to remove everything that does not come from Him. By choosing to accept the hard truth, we allow ourselves to be cleansed, burning away ungodly principles and replacing them with His perfect goodness.   20th Sunday in Ordinary Time- August 17, 2025 First Proclamation- Jeremiah 23:23-29 Second Proclamation- Hebrews 12:1-6 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 82 Gospel Reading: Luke 12:49-56 Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/accept-the-hard-truth/?feed_id=511&_unique_id=68a15569ec3ef

Faith: Believing in What We Don't See

Faith: Believing in What We Don't See

In this Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Parish in Kalibo, Bishop Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us of the true essence of faith—especially faith in the things we do not see. He emphasized that our faith should not be limited to personal prayers or petitions. Rather, it must also be anchored in our hope and preparation for God’s second coming. Moreover, we are called to remain steadfast as we wait for Christ’s return. This means having unwavering faith that God will indeed come again, even if we do not know when. But how do we prepare our hearts for such a promise? The answer lies in doing good to others. Faith is not just about trusting in God; it is also about believing in the unseen goodness within the people we encounter. Too often, we are quick to judge others or assume the worst, which directly contradicts the teachings of Jesus. He calls us to see the good in others—even when it is not immediately visible. By cultivating kindness and goodness in our own hearts, we begin to recognize the presence of Christ in those around us. This is a powerful act of faith: believing in the goodness we do not always see. So, if Jesus were to return today, what should we do? The answer is simple yet profound: love others. For in loving those we may not fully understand or immediately trust, we are living out the very heart of faith—believing in what we do not see. 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time- August 10, 2025 First Proclamation- Genesis 15:1-6 Second Proclamation- Hebrews 11:1-2,7-13 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33 Gospel Reading: Luke 12:32-37 Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/faith-believing-in-what-we-dont-see/?feed_id=502&_unique_id=689813f198728

God is the Source of Everything

God is the Source of Everything

In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Parish in Kalibo, Fr. Erel Villanueva reminded us of a powerful truth: God is the Source of Everything. From our talents and opportunities to the material blessings we enjoy, nothing truly belongs to us—it all comes from Him. Moreover, Fr. Erel warned that covetousness, driven by greed, is not only displeasing to the Lord but also destructive to our relationships. When we allow greed to take root in our hearts, it leads us away from the peace and harmony that God desires for us. Therefore, we should not exhaust ourselves chasing after things that hold no value in God’s eyes. While earthly possessions may seem important now, they lose all meaning at the end of our lives. In contrast, a heart centered on God and generosity reflects true spiritual wealth. Consequently, we are called to live each day with the awareness that God is the Source of Everything we have. Let us use His blessings not merely for personal comfort but to bless and uplift others. Ultimately, everything we do should point back to Him. Let us strive to live in a way that brings glory to God, who alone provides, sustains, and fulfills. 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time- August 3, 2025 First Proclamation- Ecclesiastes 2:18-23 Second Proclamation- Colossians 3:1-11 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 49 Gospel Reading: Luke 12:13-21 Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/god-is-the-source-of-everything/?feed_id=493&_unique_id=688ed7a1878e4

Do Not Stop Praying

Do Not Stop Praying

During this Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Parish in Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa offered a timely and heartfelt message: do not stop praying. In today’s fast-paced world, we tend to want everything instantly—even in our spiritual life. As a result, we may rush through prayers or neglect them altogether. However, +Bp. Peñalosa reminded us that we must intentionally make time for prayer, whether in quiet moments alone or together in the celebration of the Mass. More importantly, Jesus Himself taught us how to pray. He encourages us to P.U.S.H. — Pray Until Something Happens. In other words, persistence in prayer is key. When we do not stop praying, we open ourselves to God's grace, trusting that He is not reluctant but fully willing to hear and respond. Furthermore, +Bp. Peñalosa explained that God answers our prayers in four ways: Directly, Through denial, With delays, or In a different way—a way that only God, in His infinite wisdom, understands. Therefore, whatever situation we find ourselves in, we must continue to approach God with faith. After all, He is able to do far more than we could ask or even imagine. Ultimately, prayer is our direct line of communication with the Father. So, do not stop praying. Come before Him daily. Pour out your heart. Trust in His perfect will. Because in prayer, we grow closer to God—and in persistence, we grow stronger in faith. 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time- July 27, 2025 First Proclamation- Genesis 18:20-33 Second Proclamation- Colossians 2:8-14 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 138:1-8 Gospel Reading: Luke 11:5-13 Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/do-not-stop-praying/?feed_id=484&_unique_id=6885a0813101f

Jesus at the Center

Jesus at the Center

In this Sunday Mass Homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa delivered a powerful reminder: keep Jesus at the center of your life. Drawing from the Sunday Readings, he emphasized three essential points that can help us live with Jesus at the Center every day. 1. Know how to recognize His presence. The first step in making Jesus the center of your life is learning to recognize His presence. This awareness is a spiritual gift. Abraham recognized the presence of God in the three visitors who appeared to him by the trees of Mamre. As soon as he realized who they were, he responded with urgency. Likewise, when God calls, we must respond immediately. Don’t delay what God wants you to do. As Scripture says, “If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” Being attentive to His presence keeps Jesus at the center of your actions. 2. Know our priorities. Next, evaluate your priorities. Life becomes chaotic when we don’t know what truly matters. To keep Jesus at the Center, we must value and prioritize Him above all else. Jesus should never be just another task on your to-do list—He should be the foundation of everything you do. In the Gospel, Martha was distracted by many things, while Abraham gave his full attention to God. When you love God fully—100%—you’ll be able to love everything else in your life in the right way. When you put Jesus first, everything else finds its proper place. 3.Know that when God visits you, He wants to give us something. Finally, recognize that when God visits, He comes bearing gifts. When He visited Abraham, He promised him a son. In the same way, God comes into our lives not to take, but to give. He doesn’t need anything from us; rather, He offers everything we truly need in Christ. Sometimes, God may ask us to give something up. But when He does, He always gives back something better. Trust that His gifts are always good, and His timing is perfect. By following these three key points—recognizing His presence, setting the right priorities, and receiving His gifts—you can truly place Jesus at the Center of your life. Let this homily be a guiding light in your spiritual journey. 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time- July 20, 2025

First Proclamation- Genesis 18: 1-10

Second Proclamation- Colossians 1:15-23

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 15

Gospel Reading: Luke 10: 38-42

Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless!

https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/jesus-at-the-center/?feed_id=475&_unique_id=687caa1e9974d

Love God and your Neighbor

Love God and your Neighbor

During this Sunday Mass Homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, Bishop Romie-Jun Peñalosa urged us to love God and our neighbor. He stressed that the Lord remains close to us, and grasping His Word doesn't demand exceptional intelligence. Rather, what truly matters is our willingness to obey.

The Gospel reading centered on the Parable of the Good Samaritan. This powerful story teaches not only compassion but also our calling to love one another—just as God commands. From this Gospel, Bishop Peñalosa offered two key reflections.

First, we need to recognize and fully receive God's love. Only when we understand this deeply can we begin to love Him in return—from the core of our hearts.

Next, we must put that love into action. Simply knowing that we should love our neighbor isn’t enough—we must practice it daily. Love should not remain a concept or a feeling; it demands to be lived out. This means showing compassion to all, not just to those who are easy to love, but to everyone we meet.

In conclusion, Bishop Peñalosa encouraged us not to be selective in our kindness. Instead, he called us to reflect about God's unconditional love and show it to our neigbors.

  First Proclamation- Deuteronomy 30:9-14 Second Proclamation-Colossians 1:3-8 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 25 Gospel Reading: Luke 10: 25-37   Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/love-god-and-your-neighbor/?feed_id=466&_unique_id=68735038052d2

Receive Jesus Everyday

Receive Jesus Everyday

In this Sunday Mass Homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us to receive Jesus everyday. We are called to give thanks to Him each day, for He is always present—ready to save and guide us. Walking with Jesus everyday means living out His Word. It’s not enough to hear the Gospel; we must apply it in our lives. Blessings follow when we live according to His teachings. By receiving Jesus everyday, we allow ourselves to be reborn into a new and transformed life. Continue to welcome Him daily—until eternity. But how do we truly receive Jesus? We do so by living according to the Gospel. This means actively participating in His life: immersing ourselves in the life of the Church, extending a helping hand to others, and being instruments of His love. If you have already received Jesus into your life, remain rooted in Him. Abide in His presence. Pray for the grace to carry out what He has taught us, for being entrusted with His mission is a great responsibility. We must strengthen ourselves through prayer. Finally, go where God sends you. Be His love made visible to the world.   First Proclamation- Isaiah 66: 10-16 Second Proclamation-Galatians 6:12-18 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 66 Gospel Reading: Luke 10: 1-3, 17-20   Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/receive-jesus-everyday/?feed_id=457&_unique_id=6869f84060ca7