All Children are Great

Feast of the Lord The Giver of Life - January 19, 2025 First Reading: Jeremiah 31:10-17 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 10 Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 Gospel Reading: Matthew 18:1-5 Homily by +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa

All Children are Great

In this Sunday Mass Homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa powerfully reminded us of the profound sanctity of life, calling attention to the sacredness of every human being, particularly the innocent and vulnerable. All children are great. He emphasized that as a Church, we firmly believe in the inherent dignity of all life, from conception to natural death. We stand as advocates for the unborn and the neglected children because their lives represent purity and innocence. Bp. Peñalosa pointed out how these innocent lives, especially the unborn and abandoned children, reflect a deep vulnerability and humility that resonate with the core message of the Gospel: that all children are great precious in the eyes of God. They are not only our future but our present, teaching us the true meaning of greatness. Through their innocence, they offer us a glimpse into the heart of the Gospel, reminding us that greatness in the Kingdom of God is not measured by power or status, but by humility, simplicity, and love. Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/all-children-are-great/?feed_id=241&_unique_id=678ca7b01a611

Baptism: A Privilege and Responsibility

Feast of the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ- January 12, 2024 First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-7 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 29 Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38 Gospel Reading: Luke 3:15-16, 21-22 Homily by Fr. Erel Villanueva

Baptism is both a privilege and a responsibility.

In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael in Kalibo, Fr. Erel Villanueva reminded us that baptism is both a profound privilege and a sacred responsibility. Through baptism, we are accepted and adopted as God’s beloved children, receiving His forgiveness and the gift of new life. While baptism grants us the privileges of God’s grace and the promise of inheritance in His Kingdom, it also calls us to live in obedience to His Kingship and to embody the Christian life. Baptism is not only a gift; it is a covenant with the Lord. We are called to submit to His will, allowing His reign to govern our hearts. As baptized Christians, we are entrusted with the task of being living witnesses of God's love, spreading His hope and truth through our actions. Let us remember that we are, in a sense, "walking Bibles," called to reflect the teachings of Christ in everything we do. This is the essence of our covenant through baptism. But why do we renew our Baptismal Vows? Does the covenant expire? No the covenant does not expire. But it is our obedience and submission that sometimes expires which is why every year, we renew our baptismal vows. Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/baptism-a-privilege-and-responsibility/?feed_id=232&_unique_id=6783637542cab

If We Love God, We will Serve Him

If We Love God, We will Serve Him Second Sunday After Christmas- January 5, 2025 First Reading: Isaiah 40:27-31 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 84:1-2;4-5;10-11 Second Reading: Ephesians 1:3-6 Gospel Reading: Luke 2:41-52 Homily by +Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa

"If We Love God, We Will Serve Him" - A Homily by +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa

In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded the faithful of a powerful truth: "If we love God, we will serve Him." This simple yet profound message challenges us to reflect on how our love for God should directly translate into action—especially in serving Him with all our hearts.

God Gave Us the Best – Jesus

God has given us everything we need to live a fulfilling life. In fact, He gave us the best gift of all—Jesus Christ. This ultimate gift of love and salvation demands a response from us. The best way to show our gratitude is by serving God with our time, talents, and resources. Therefore, as we reflect on this great gift, we should commit ourselves to serve Him in everything we do.

Everything We Have Belongs to God

As God's children, we inherit everything He has. He has already provided us with all we need to become the best versions of ourselves. In light of this, our response to His love and provision should be to love and thank Him through service. We are called to serve the Father with joy and gratitude, recognizing that He has already equipped us with all the tools necessary to live a life that honors Him. Serving God becomes an act of acknowledging His generosity and returning that love through our actions.

Service to God is Not a Burden

Serving God is not a burden but a privilege. If we struggle to love God, it often means we have not fully understood the depth of His love for us. When we truly recognize how deeply He loves us, our desire to serve Him naturally grows. God’s love frees us from any sense of obligation or burden. It becomes an invitation to participate in His divine plan. Moreover, as we experience God’s unwavering mercy, we feel motivated to act in ways that reflect His grace.

God's Tireless Love

In the first reading, we learn about God’s tireless nature. The Lord never grows weary of us. He will never turn away from us, no matter how many times we falter. His love and mercy are unending, and this truth should inspire us to accomplish great things for Him. Despite any challenges or setbacks we may face, we can always rely on God’s enduring love and unwavering support. Thus, His tireless nature should encourage us to persevere in our service, knowing He will always provide the strength we need.

The Grace of God Enables Us to Serve

Our second reading reveals the power of God’s grace. Sometimes, we may feel inadequate or incapable of fulfilling the tasks He calls us to. However, God’s grace empowers us to do what we could never do on our own. When we rely on His grace, we can accomplish things that go beyond our natural abilities. This grace becomes the fuel that enables us to serve Him faithfully, even when we feel overwhelmed or uncertain.

Engaging in the Father’s Business

In the Gospel, we are reminded that we should be about our Father's business. God’s mission is to save souls, and as His followers, we are called to join in this divine work. This involves not only spreading the Gospel but also living out the values of the Kingdom of God in our daily lives. We are His instruments, chosen to be part of His redemptive plan. Therefore, we must actively engage in the mission of salvation by living out our faith through service to others.

Conclusion: If We Love God, We Will Serve Him

Ultimately, the message of today’s homily is clear: If we love God, we will serve Him. Our love for God should inspire us to serve Him joyfully and wholeheartedly. Serving God is not an obligation, but rather a natural response to His boundless love and grace. As we serve Him, we participate in His work of salvation and share His love with the world. In conclusion, let us dedicate ourselves to loving God through service. As we do, we can be confident that He has already provided us with everything we need to fulfill our mission. May our hearts remain open to His love, and may we always be ready to serve Him in all that we do. Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/if-we-love-god-we-will-serve-him/?feed_id=223&_unique_id=677a2ed9cd447

Righteousness comes from a Relationship with God

Righteousness comes from a Relationship with God First Sunday After Christmas- December 29, 2024 First Reading: Isaiah 61:10 - 62:3 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 148 Second Reading: Galatians 4:1-7 Gospel Reading: Luke 2:22-32 Homily by +Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael in Kalibo, Bishop Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us that true righteousness comes from our relationship with God.

He pointed out that God has gifted us with the greatest treasure: the gift of relationship. We must actively cherish and nurture our connections with our community, friends, and loved ones. However, the most important relationship we are called to establish is the one with God, and we do this primarily through prayer. Prayer disciplines us to receive His blessings and share them with others. By strengthening our relationships with others, we actively become living gateways for spreading the love of Christ to the world. The first reading reminds us that God has clothed us with garments of salvation and a robe of righteousness. The second reading teaches us that we are adopted children of God. We didn’t choose God; He chose us. This divine adoption makes us heirs to everything the Father possesses. The Gospel further affirms that God always fulfills His promises, just as He fulfilled His promise to Simeon. Let us delight ourselves in the Lord by walking with the Father every day, trusting that He will grant us the desires of our hearts.

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

https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/righteousness-comes-from-a-relationship-with-god/?feed_id=214&_unique_id=677121a264c87

Surrender to God's Will

Surrender to God's Will First Proclamation: Micah 5:2-5 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 80:1-2,14-15,17-18 Second Proclamation: Hebrews 10:5-10 Gospel Proclamation: Luke 1:39-55 Homily by Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa In his Sunday Mass homily at St. Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us of the importance of surrendering to God’s will. God has abundant blessings in store for us, but in order to receive them, we must first experience a change of heart. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and we must be prepared to face them. This preparation requires us to cultivate faith, hope, joy, and love in our hearts. Changing our hearts is a process that requires discipline and commitment. To open ourselves to God’s blessings, we must surrender to His will. When we do, He can use even the humblest aspects of our lives to bring about something greater. God has the power to do marvelous things in our lives if we choose to surrender to Him. And after we surrender, it is crucial that we share the love we receive with others. In the Gospel, we hear that when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby in her womb leaped, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:41). This is the same effect that occurs when we share God’s love with others. It begins with an act of surrender, a change of heart, and sharing His Word through our actions. Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless!   https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/surrender-to-gods-will/?feed_id=205&_unique_id=6767a928753f7

Joy is Both Gift and a Responsibility

Joy is Both Gift and a Responsibility First Proclamation: Zephaniah 3:14-20 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 85:2-3,8-9,10-11 Second Proclamation: Philippians 4::4-7 Gospel Proclamation: Luke 3:7-18 Homily by Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa In this Sunday's Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, Bishop Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us that joy is both a gift and a responsibility. Joy is a precious gift from God that no one or anything can take away. It is not just an emotion but a deep sense of peace embedded in our hearts. This joy is reflected in every action we take for God, fueling our commitment to Him and empowering us to serve with gratitude. The Gospel teaches us that joy is a fruit of repentance. Through repentance, our relationship with God is restored. To experience true joy, we must transform our hearts by letting go of bad habits, negative attitudes, and wrong mindsets. When we truly love God, we will reject everything that goes against Him, bringing lasting joy into our lives. Joy is not just a feeling; it is both a gift and a responsibility that empowers us to live a life of purpose and service to God. Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/joyisbothagiftandresponsibility/?feed_id=196&_unique_id=675e87e827315

Faithfully Prepare the Way for Jesus

First Proclamation: Malachi 3:1-4 Responsorial Psalm: 12:1-2,3-4,5 Second Proclamation: Philippians 1:3-11 Gospel Proclamation: Luke 3:1-6 Homily by Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa

Faithfully Prepare the Way for Jesus

Faithfully Prepare the Way for Jesus: A Call to Deepen Our Faith In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, Bishop Romie-Jun Peñalosa passionately urged us to faithfully prepare the way for Jesus, echoing the mission of every Christian to ready our hearts and lives for the second coming of Christ. This divine preparation is not merely about outward rituals but a profound, inward transformation fueled by unwavering faith. Bishop Peñalosa reminded us that true Christianity isn’t about comfort. Instead, it’s about courageously embracing the challenges and trials that test our faith. These moments refine us, teaching us reliance on God’s grace as we navigate life’s uncertainties. The bishop also highlighted the importance of gratitude for God’s gifts, which serve as a foundation for our faith journey. Yet, faith must not be stagnant—it should grow, sustain, and inspire us as we await the Lord’s return. As a Church community, we are called to take active steps to prepare the way for Jesus. This mission involves sharing the Gospel, performing acts of love and charity, and living a life of prayer and repentance. Through these actions, we align our lives with God’s plan, becoming instruments of His love and truth in the world. Let us embrace this call with steadfast faith and a heart open to God’s will. Join us in this spiritual journey by visiting our Sermon page, where you’ll find recaps of inspiring homilies and video links to uplifting messages. Together, let us prepare the way for Jesus, faithfully and joyfully. “Faithfully Prepare the Way for Jesus.” May this be our prayer and mission as we walk together in faith. God bless! Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/faithfully-prepare-the-way-for-jesus/?feed_id=187&_unique_id=67556f0cdd045