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