Advent: Season of Repentance

Advent: Season of Repentance

In this Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us that Advent is truly a season of repentance. He stressed that Advent and Christmas are two distinct liturgical seasons. While we look forward to the joy of Christmas, we must first prepare our hearts during Advent: the season of repentance.

The Gospel highlights this call to conversion. John the Baptist prepares the way for the coming of Jesus, urging everyone to repent. In the same way, we must experience our own Jordan River before we enter the joy waiting for us in Bethlehem. After all, without the message of John the Baptist, we cannot fully welcome Jesus Christ. The word “repentance” comes from the Greek metanoia, meaning “to rethink” or “to change one’s mind.” Therefore, Advent: Season of Repentance invites us to reshape our thoughts so they align with the mind of God. The baptism John offered symbolizes this transformation—a deliberate decision to turn away from old patterns and embrace God’s way of thinking.

As we move deeper into Advent, we are called to make a highway for our God. Yet before we can prepare the world for Him, we must first prepare a path for Him to enter our own lives. This begins by opening our hearts. Advent is also a season of honest evaluation—a moment to examine whether our lives still bear the fruit of repentance. Only through genuine repentance can true spiritual fruit grow. Transformation starts within, and conversion moves outward from a renewed heart.

Thus, let us spend more time with God so we can recognize the changes He brings into our lives. Let us willingly enter the “wilderness” of Advent: Season of Repentance, trusting that this journey prepares us for the profound joy of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

Second Sunday of Advent - December 7, 2025

First Proclamation: Isaiah 11:1-10

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 72:1-2,3-4,5-6,7-8

Second Proclamation: Romans 15:4-7, 13

Gospel Proclamation: Matthew 3:1-12

Homily by +Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa

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Hope in God

Hope in God

In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael, Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us that our true and lasting hope rests in God. As we enter Advent, we prepare for Christ’s coming by holding firmly to the promise that He will return to us. Believing in His coming also means trusting that God continues to heal, protect, and guide us. Therefore, as we begin a new liturgical year, we should choose to do things rightly—starting with our attitude. If we begin the year with a negative spirit, we tend to carry it with us for the rest of the year. But if we start with hope, everything takes a better direction. So how do we continue holding on? We do it by nurturing hope in the Lord. When we hope in Him, we look toward His promises with confidence, knowing that He cares for us and never abandons His people. Hope begins with vision—seeing the future God wants for us and imagining the life we strive to build. After envisioning it, we move to action by creating concrete plans. These plans keep us focused and help us work steadily toward the vision God places in our hearts. Today, as the new Christian calendar begins, we receive a fresh opportunity to pursue our goals. We may have stumbled in the past because we allowed hopelessness to take over. But now, God invites us once again to start anew—this time with renewed hope and with Jesus leading us into new beginnings. First Sunday of Advent - November 30, 2025 First Proclamation: Isaiah 2:1-5 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9 Second Proclamation: Romans 13:10-14 Gospel Proclamation: Matthew 24:37-44 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/hope-in-god/?feed_id=646&_unique_id=692bb9f3cad97

Jesus Reigns Forever

Jesus Reigns Forever

In this Sunday Mass Homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, Fr. Erel Villanueva reminds us of a powerful truth at the heart of our faith: Jesus reigns forever.

As we reach the end of the Liturgical Year, the Church celebrates the Feast of Christ the King, honoring Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords. Fr. Erel emphasizes that our God truly reigns—He is King, and He is always in control.

Nothing happens without the knowledge of our King. No matter what is happening in the world or in our personal lives, God is still in control. Jesus still reigns. Because He reigns forever, there is hope, there is peace, and there is always a solution rooted in His love.

A King Unlike Any Other

What kind of King do we have?
We have a merciful, forgiving, and loving King. Jesus seeks out the lost so He can bring them back into His embrace. He is a humble King, one who did not take advantage of His authority—even as He hung on the cross.

On the cross, Jesus proclaimed, “Father, forgive them.” In that moment, we witnessed a King overflowing with mercy, compassion, and grace. This is the King who invites us to surrender our hearts to Him.

Let Jesus Reign in Your Life

To proclaim that Jesus reigns forever is to allow Him to reign in our daily lives. Fr. Erel encourages us to submit our hearts to Christ the King—He who is faithful, loving, and ever-merciful.

May we always remember: Jesus reigns forever, and in His reign we find hope, healing, and true peace.

Feast of Christ the King - November 23, 2025

First Proclamation: Jeremiah 23:1-6

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 46:1-3,4-6,7-9,10-11

Second Proclamation: Colossians 1:13-22

Gospel Proclamation: Luke 23:33-43

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/jesus-reigns-forever/?feed_id=637&_unique_id=6922a513da8cf

Give Wholeheartedly

Give Wholeheartedly

In this Sunday Mass Homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, Fr. Erel Villanueva reminded us to give wholeheartedly. As Ordinary Time comes to a close, we enter a moment of preparation—an invitation to open our hearts to the blessings God wants to pour into our lives before the new liturgical year begins. Our attitude shapes this readiness. When we offer our whole selves, we not only receive God’s grace but also become instruments of that grace for others. The Gospel clearly teaches that the Lord watches our hearts. Therefore, when we fulfill our responsibilities, we should avoid acting out of pride or self-interest, unlike the Pharisees described in the passage. Instead, we are called to imitate the widow, who gave her all without hesitation. Her humble generosity reveals the kind of heart that God desires. Moreover, the Lord does not measure our offering by its amount but by the love behind it. He looks not for a portion of what we have but for a proportion that reflects our trust in Him. This approach transforms giving from a mere obligation into a sincere act of faith. Thus, our generosity—whether through money, time, or effort—shows the depth of our belief in God’s providence. When we serve others without expecting anything in return, we live out the call to give wholeheartedly. God is never unfair; He sees every act of kindness and values the intention behind each one. Let us then choose to give without reserve, trusting that God notices every sincere offering and blesses a heart that gives wholeheartedly. Come and celebrate Holy Mass with us! 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time- November 16, 2025 Theme: Go and Proclaim: “Give to God What is Due Him: EVERYTHING!” First Proclamation: Malachi:3:16,4:1-2 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1-3,4-6,7-9 Second Proclamation: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 Gospel Proclamation: Luke 20:39-47,21:1-4 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/give-wholeheartedly/?feed_id=628&_unique_id=691943d31dc1a

There is Life After Death

There is Life After Death

  In his Sunday Mass Homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded everyone that there is life after death. This truth, though often difficult to face, lies at the heart of our Christian faith. We all want to go to heaven, yet many of us fear dying. However, death is not the end—it is a passage toward eternal life with God. Accepting that death is inevitable allows us to live with deeper faith, gratitude, and purpose. Bishop Peñalosa emphasized that while death is the last enemy we encounter, Jesus Christ has already conquered it through His resurrection. Because of this victory, we no longer need to live in fear. Death will come for everyone, without warning or exception, but through faith in Christ, we can face it with peace and hope. This short and fragile life teaches us to value every moment. We are called to express love openly—to tell our families and friends that we appreciate them while we still have time. Life after death reminds us that every act of kindness, forgiveness, and compassion prepares us for the life to come. Therefore, while we can still forgive, we must forgive wholeheartedly those who have wronged us. Forgiveness frees our souls and brings us closer to God’s eternal promise. Ultimately, we must live each day ready for Christ’s return. We do not know the hour or the day, but we know His word is true: those who believe in Him will never die but will have everlasting life. Let us live with faith, love, and readiness, always remembering that there is life after death, and it is a life far more glorious than we can ever imagine.   32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time- November 9, 2025 Theme: Go & Proclaim: ”Believe that our Lord Jesus Christ is our Resurrection and Life" First Proclamation: Job 19:13-27 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 17 Second Proclamation: 2 Thessalonians 2:15-17, 3:1-5 Gospel Proclamation: Luke 20:27-38 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/there-is-life-after-death/?feed_id=619&_unique_id=6910119131268

Salvation: A Change of Life

Salvation: A Change of Life

In his Sunday Mass Homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us that salvation is a change of life. Jesus came not only to save us but to build a lasting relationship with each of us. Through His salvation, our lives are transformed, allowing us to taste the goodness of heaven even here on earth. For any relationship to grow, it must be rooted in commitment rather than emotion. Commitment means offering ourselves freely to God. When we truly love Jesus, we go beyond comfort and convenience because our relationship with Him moves us to deeper faith and action. Genuine love involves sacrifice—laying down our own desires and even our relationships for the sake of Christ. Therefore, we must constantly evaluate our relationship with Jesus. Do we treat Him as a friend we only call in need, or as the center of our lives? Our friendship with Him prepares us for heaven because salvation naturally bears fruit in a changed life. Jesus has already saved us; now He desires to dwell in us. When we allow His love to remain in our hearts, our lives reflect His grace and truth. Indeed, Salvation: A Change of Life reminds us that to be saved is not just to be forgiven—it is to be transformed. 31st Sunday of Ordinary Time- November 2, 2025 Theme: "Go & Proclaim: We had been commissioned, empowered and authorized to go to mission" First Proclamation: Isaiah 1:10-17 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119 Second Proclamation: 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 Gospel Proclamation: Luke 19:1-10   Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/salvation-a-change-of-life/?feed_id=610&_unique_id=6906d60a63705

Pray with Humility

Pray with Humility

In his Sunday Mass Homily at Saint Michael, Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded everyone to pray with humility. He shared four ways to make our prayers more effective: having faith, being thankful, remaining persistent, and most importantly, practicing humility. Sometimes, our prayers receive quick answers, while other times, God asks us to wait. Through prayer, God draws us closer to Him. His answers may come as a clear “yes,” a loving “no,” or a gentle call to trust and wait. Each response shapes our faith and reminds us that prayer is not about demanding what we want, but about aligning our hearts with God’s will. Today’s Gospel teaches that true prayer flows from humility. We must recognize who we are speaking to — the Almighty God — and approach Him with reverence, not pride. The Pharisee in the Gospel prayed to boast of his good deeds, while the tax collector humbled himself before God. The Lord favored the humble prayer because it came from a sincere and contrite heart. When pride fills our hearts, we focus on others’ faults and forget our own need for grace. But when we pray with humility, we acknowledge that apart from God, we can do nothing. As Scripture says, “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Let us, then, approach God with a humble heart — one that listens, trusts, and believes that His will is always for our good. Each time we pray with humility, we open our hearts to receive His grace more fully. 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time - October 26, 2025 First Proclamation: Jeremiah 14: 17-22 Responsorial Psalm Psalm 84 Second Proclamation: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 Gospel Reading: Luke 18:9-14 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/pray-with-humility/?feed_id=601&_unique_id=68fd9db7cb053