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

Pray with Persistence

Pray with Persistence

In this Sunday Mass Homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa encouraged us to pray with persistence. At times, we face situations so heavy they seem beyond hope. Doubt creeps in, and prayer feels ineffective. Yet, we are challenged today to hold on—to keep praying, not occasionally, but consistently, as a daily habit grounded in faith. In fact, the Gospel speaks directly to our hearts: pray always and never lose heart. As beloved children of God, we are not forgotten. He sees our struggles. He hears every word. Unlike the unjust judge in the parable, our God is a just and loving Father. When we pray with persistence, we don’t convince God to act; rather, we allow Him to transform us. Prayer humbles us, sharpens our dependence, and reveals the truth: apart from God, we can do nothing. Certainly, persevering in prayer involves struggle. It’s a spiritual fight—not against God, but with Him. Through that battle, He reshapes our hearts, preparing us to take part in His work of transformation. Therefore, don’t lose heart. Even when heaven seems silent or the waiting feels endless, keep pressing on in prayer. Keep seeking. Keep knocking. Keep believing. In the end, praying persistently not only opens doors but deepens our relationship with the One who holds our lives in His hands. So, pray with persistence. God hears. God acts. And through it all, He changes us. 29th Sunday of Ordinary Time - October 19, 2025 First Proclamation: Genesis 32:22-30 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 121 Second Proclamation: 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 Gospel Reading: Luke 18:1-8 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-persistence/?feed_id=592&_unique_id=68f45a9568c9c

Gratitude is a Commitment

Gratitude is a Commitment

In today’s Sunday Mass Homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us of a powerful truth: Gratitude is a commitment. The Gospel speaks of the ten lepers—isolated, rejected, and stripped of dignity. They cried out to Jesus from a distance, desperate for healing. Like them, we sometimes keep our distance from God, ashamed of our sins and mistakes. Yet even then, God hears us. His mercy reaches beyond our shame and invites us to come closer. But healing is not the end—it’s the beginning. Only one leper returned to thank Jesus. The rest forgot. Isn’t that often the case with us too? When life is hard, we cry out. But when blessings come, we move on without a word. Gratitude isn’t just saying “thank you” when it’s convenient. Gratitude is a commitment—a daily decision to recognize God’s goodness and stay connected to Him. True gratitude involves faith. It requires us to walk with Jesus, to grow in relationship with Him, and to offer our lives in return. It asks us to see beyond our needs and recognize the grace already given. Rather than complaining about what we lack, we are called to count what we have—and praise God for it. When we choose gratitude, we choose commitment. And that commitment deepens our faith, shapes our hearts, and draws us nearer to Christ. So today, let’s not only ask God for blessings. Let’s also return to Him with thanks—and live each day as a response to His mercy. 28th Sunday of Ordinary Time - October 12, 2025 First Proclamation: 2 Kings 5:8-15 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 111 Second Proclamation: 2 Timothy 2:8-15 Gospel Reading: Luke 17:11-19 Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/gratitude-is-a-commitment/?feed_id=583&_unique_id=68eb24a583fb8

Faith Leads to Service

Faith Leads to Service

In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Parish in Kalibo, Bishop Romie-Jun Peñalosa emphasized a powerful message: faith leads to service. Drawing from today’s Gospel, he reflected on how these two values—faith and service—are deeply connected. Faith begins with believing that God is always with us, in both joy and hardship. A life of faith acknowledges God in all things—not just in words, but in daily actions. True faith is not hidden or passive; it actively shapes how we live and how we treat others. Bishop Peñalosa reminded the faithful that faith is good, but it finds its fullest expression through service. When we serve others with love, humility, and no expectation of reward, we reflect the very heart of the Gospel. Service becomes more than a duty—it becomes a natural overflow of a life rooted in faith. Faith should never remain private or stagnant. Instead, it calls us to step out, reach others, and be instruments of God’s grace. A faith that moves us to serve is a faith that transforms lives—both our own and those around us. In the end, Bishop Peñalosa challenged everyone to live out their faith not just by believing, but by doing—by serving. Because when faith is real, service will follow. 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time- October 5, 2025 Theme: Go & Proclaim: "Doing our Duty Faithfully and Willingly” First Proclamation: Habakkuk 1:12-2:4 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 37:1-3,4-6,7-9 Second Proclamation: 2 Tim.1:1-10 Gospel Proclamation: Luke 17:5-10 Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless!     https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/faith-leads-to-service/?feed_id=574&_unique_id=68e1edcd22100

Help the Poor

Help the Poor

In this Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa emphasized the Christian call to Help the Poor. Today’s readings invite us to shape our character—especially by growing in generosity.

God gives us the wisdom to gain wealth, but we must not let it consume us. Instead, we are called to share what we have, particularly with those in need. When handled unwisely, wealth can harden our hearts and draw us away from God. It can blind us to the needs of others.

Generosity begins with empathy—feeling what others feel. That empathy should lead to compassion, moving us to act. To Help the Poor is not just a suggestion; it is a command rooted in love.

The Church teaches three core missions: worship, evangelism, and caring for the poor. Among these, caring for the poor is vital. It goes beyond financial support—it includes helping anyone in need, whether emotionally, spiritually, or physically.

Let us not be trapped by earthly riches. Instead, let us use them as a way to serve. When we give, we free our hearts from materialism and open them to God.

So when should we start? The answer is simple: Help the Poor—start now.

26th Sunday of Ordinary Time- September 28, 2025

First Reading: Amos 6:1-7

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 146:1-3,4-6,7-9

Second Reading: 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Gospel Reading: Luke 16:19-31

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

https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/help-the-poor/?feed_id=565&_unique_id=68d8b5540558b

God Uses the Little Things

God Uses the Little Things

In this Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa powerfully reminds us that God uses the little things to help us grow in faith, wisdom, and responsibility.

The Gospel focuses on the parable of the unrighteous steward. From this story, we draw two powerful lessons—both grounded in the truth that God often works through the small and ordinary.

Be Wise and Purposeful
We are called to be wiser than those who don’t walk with God. That wisdom should show in how we handle money and relationships. Use what you have—no matter how small—to bless others and build friendships that matter in eternity. Even simple choices carry spiritual weight.

Faithfulness Leads to Growth
God pays attention to how we manage the little things. When we act with faith and integrity in small matters, God entrusts us with more. But if we neglect them, we hinder our own growth. Each step of faith, no matter how small, prepares us for greater responsibility.

True Riches Come from God
There are two kinds of wealth: material and spiritual. Earthly riches fade, but spiritual ones last. When we steward our material blessings well, we show God we’re ready for deeper, lasting gifts.

Invest with God’s Purpose
Don’t let fear make you hide your resources. Invest wisely. Spend with purpose. Let every small act reflect God’s principles. God uses the little things—our time, money, words, and actions—to build His Kingdom in us and through us.

25th Sunday of Ordinary Time - September 21, 2025

First Proclamation: Amos 8:4-12

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 113

Second Proclamation: I Timothy 2:1-8

Gospel Reading: Luke 16:1-12

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

https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/god-uses-the-little-things/?feed_id=556&_unique_id=68cf995149b4b