See Jesus' Light and Love

See Jesus' Light and Love

In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Parish in Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded the faithful to See the Light and Love of Jesus in their daily lives. First of all, miracles begin to happen when we truly listen to God. Today’s Gospel highlights this powerful lesson through the story of the man born blind. In this encounter, we are reminded that God intentionally seeks a relationship with us. He knows every detail of our struggles and understands what is best for us. More importantly, God looks upon us with mercy and compassion. Therefore, every time we listen to His voice and follow His Word, miracles unfold in our lives. During this Lenten season, we are especially invited to make time and space to listen to God more deeply. When we listen and faithfully act on what He says, not only do miracles occur, but something even greater happens. We begin to See the Light and Love of Jesus more clearly. Like the man who was once blind, we receive the grace to see what God sees. Indeed, the greatest miracle is the opening of our physical and spiritual eyes so that we may recognize God even in the midst of our struggles. Furthermore, Bishop Peñalosa emphasized that we need two important lights in life: the Light of Truth and the Light of Love. The Light of Truth allows us to recognize Christ, who sees beyond appearances and looks into the heart. Meanwhile, the Light of Love empowers us to love others as God loves us. Finally, he concluded with the message of 1 John 2:9–11, encouraging everyone to walk in the light—with truth, humility, and love—as we continue to See the Light and Love of Jesus. Fourth Sunday of Lent - March 15, 2026 First Proclamation: I Samuel 16: 1-7 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23 Second Proclamation: Ephesians 5: 1-10 Gospel Proclamation: John 9:1-11 Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/see-jesus-light-and-love/?feed_id=772&_unique_id=69b62880b9cb7

Jesus, the Source of Strength

Jesus, the Source of Strength

In this Sunday Mass Homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, Fr. Erel Villanueva reminded us that Jesus is the source of strength.

In the Gospel, Jesus meets the woman at the well and reveals that He is the Living Water. Through this encounter, we are reminded that Jesus is the source of strength, especially for those who feel tired, empty, or lost. During this Lenten season, we are invited to reflect on our journey of faith and examine the choices we make along the way.

So we must ask ourselves an important question: What is our well? Is it truly Jesus, or do we seek strength from earthly sources such as our own abilities, personal decisions, or financial security? While these things may offer temporary comfort, they cannot fully satisfy the deeper thirst of the human heart.

Therefore, we are called to return to the true well. Jesus is the source of strength, the Living Water who renews and sustains us. Instead of settling for temporary solutions the world offers, we are encouraged to rely on Him completely.

Moreover, we can draw from this source of strength through simple but meaningful practices. By reading the Bible, we listen to God’s voice. Through prayer, we deepen our relationship with Him. Likewise, by living as good examples to others, we allow Christ’s strength to be seen in our daily lives.

Ultimately, this Lent is an opportunity to rediscover that Jesus is the source of strength. When we come to Him with faith, He fills our hearts with the Living Water that truly satisfies.

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

https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/jesus-the-source-of-strength/?feed_id=763&_unique_id=69acef9550616

Lent: Season of Self Examination

Lent: Season of Self Examination

In this Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, Fr. Erel reminded us that Lent: Season of Self Examination calls us to pause and reflect deeply on our spiritual lives. First and foremost, Lent invites us to undergo a spiritual checkup. It challenges us to assess where we truly stand in our faith journey. In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us that to be born again means to receive new life in Him—the One who died and rose again for our sins. We first receive this new life through the Sacrament of Baptism, where we enter into a covenant relationship with God. However, baptism is not the end; it is only the beginning. After receiving this grace, we must ask ourselves: Do we continue to live according to God’s will? Do we trust Him fully—in our finances, decisions, and attitudes? Do our actions reflect His Lordship? Moreover, we express God’s Lordship by surrendering everything to Him and obeying His commands. When we allow God to rule in our hearts, transformation begins. Yet this transformation requires willingness. God does not force His rule upon us; we must freely let Him lead. If we truly trust and obey Him, He will transform our lives from glory to glory. Therefore, during this Lent: Season of Self Examination, let us honestly ask ourselves: Have we fully surrendered to God? Have we allowed Him to shape our hearts? Now is the time to examine ourselves and return wholeheartedly to Him. Second Sunday of Lent - March 1, 2026 First Proclamation: Genesis 12:1-8 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33:6-22 Second Proclamation: Romans 4:1-5 Gospel Proclamation: John 3:1-17 Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/lent-season-of-self-examination/?feed_id=754&_unique_id=69a3ace4654ab

Lent: Season of Going Back to Jesus

Lent: Season of Going Back to Jesus

In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie Jun emphasized that Lent is a Season of Going Back to Jesus- a sacred time to return to the Lord. Although our true home is with God, we are still pilgrims on earth. Therefore, we must live according to the life He has prepared for us. We are called to remain grounded, staying on the path where God wants us to be. However, this is not always easy. Blaise Pascal once observed that we live each day surrounded by distractions. Indeed, God knows what we are meant to do in our daily lives, yet we often allow noise, busyness, and worldly concerns to pull us away from Him. As a result, we prioritize things that are not from God. Moreover, the enemy knows our weaknesses. He understands what distracts us and uses these distractions to lead us into temptation. By turning our focus toward ourselves instead of God, we slowly drift away from the Lord. So, how do we stay grounded during Lent? We return to the disciplines that draw us back to Jesus. First, we pray— listening to Him through Scripture. Second, we fast— with sincere repentance. Third, we give— with generous love. These Lenten practices help us refocus our hearts on Christ. Although the enemy may try to distract us, we must resist his temptations. Instead, let us take up our cross through prayer, fasting, and giving. Above all, let us stay grounded in Jesus, for Lent is truly the Season of Going Back to Jesus.

1st Sunday of Lent- February 22,2026

First Reading: Genesis 2:15-17

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 32:1-11

Second Reading: Romans 5:12-17

Gospel Reading: Matthew 4:1-11

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

https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/lent-season-of-going-back-to-jesus/?feed_id=745&_unique_id=699a76f623945

Transform your Life in Christ

Transform your Life in Christ

In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Parish in Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us to Transform your Life in Christ. On this Transfiguration Sunday, he encouraged us to look at the lives of the saints. Because they devoted themselves completely to Christ, their lives were truly transformed. Their example shows us that when we belong to Christ, change is not only possible—it is certain. As we enter the Season of Lent, a sacred season of transformation, the Gospel of the Transfiguration invites us to hope. Jesus revealed His glory on the mountain, but only after embracing the path toward the cross. In the same way, if we choose to Transform our Life in Christ, we must be willing to walk through trials before experiencing renewal. Transformation is a process. We do not change overnight. Instead, God uses life’s struggles to shape us. Just as Jesus carried His cross, we too must carry ours. Challenges, sacrifices, and even suffering become instruments God uses to transform our hearts. Without difficulties, we would remain the same. During Lent, the Church gives us three powerful ways to Transform our Life in Christ: prayer, fasting, and giving. First, prayer lifts our minds and hearts to God. Through sincere prayer, we gain the strength to carry our cross and allow God to change us from within. Second, fasting teaches self-denial. By letting go of worldly attachments, we make space for Christ and learn what we must surrender. Finally, giving reminds us that our blessings are meant for others. As Christ gave Himself for us, we are called to give ourselves in love. If we faithfully practice these, we will truly Transform our Life in Christ. Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Transfiguration Sunday - February 15, 2026 First Proclamation: Exodus 24:12-18 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 99:1-3, 4-6, 7-9 Second Proclamation: 2 Peter 1:16-21 Gospel Proclamation: Matthew 17:1-9 Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/transform-your-life-in-christ/?feed_id=736&_unique_id=69914eb29e36f

Be the Salt and Light to the World

Be the Salt and Light to the World

In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us of Jesus’ call to Be the Salt and Light to the World, a central message of today’s Gospel. But what does God truly mean by this invitation? Salt, in biblical times, served many purposes. People used it to enhance flavor, preserve food, and even destroy what threatened growth. In the same way, God calls us to be the salt of the earth. We enhance the world by spreading goodness, preserve what is right through faithful living, and actively resist the works of evil wherever we go. We do not accomplish this through grand actions alone, but by consistently living out our faith each day. Moreover, Bishop Peñalosa reflected on the meaning of light. Light brings clarity; it allows people to see what was once hidden. Likewise, as brothers and sisters in Christ, we are called to guide one another toward God by living lives that point clearly to Him. Our words and actions should illuminate the path of faith for others. At times, you may feel small or insignificant. Yet God designed you with purpose—to Be the Salt and Light to the World and a blessing to others. Jesus reminds us that true fulfillment comes from serving, showing mercy, and refusing to oppress others, as proclaimed in today’s First Reading. While this mission may seem challenging, the Second Reading assures us of one powerful truth: we have the Mind of Christ. Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time - February 8, 2026 First Proclamation: Isaiah 58:1-9 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 112:1-3, 4-6, 7-9 Second Proclamation: 1 Corinthians 2:12-16 Gospel Proclamation: Matthew 5:13-20 Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless!   https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/be-the-salt-and-light-to-the-world/?feed_id=727&_unique_id=69880b6055b40

Adapt to the New Kingdom

Adapt to the New Kingdom

In this Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Abp. Ariel Santos reminded us of the call to adapt to the new kingdom. The Gospel for today focuses on the Beatitudes, also known as the Sermon on the Mount. Through this teaching, Jesus clearly announces that the new kingdom is already coming to us. The Beatitudes describe the new life we are invited to receive—but only if we are willing to change our lives. In contrast to the world’s system, the Kingdom of Heaven turns everything upside down. While the world values power, pride, and dominance, Christ calls us to humility, gentleness, and peacemaking. Although the world often sees these traits as weakness, they actually draw us closer to Him. Therefore, to follow Christ means to adapt to the new kingdom He reveals. Moreover, we are blessed even when we are persecuted for righteousness. To inherit the earth, we must choose mercy, humility, purity of heart, and peace. These are not optional virtues; rather, they define life in the new kingdom. As children of God, we must actively respond to this call and adapt to the new kingdom by allowing Christ to transform the way we live, think, and love. 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time- February 1, 2026 First Proclamation: Micah 6:1-8 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 15:1-2, 3-4, 5 Second Proclamation: 1 Corinthians 1:2-5 Gospel Proclamation: Matthew 5:1-12 Homily by +Abp. Ariel Santos Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless!   https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/adapt-to-the-new-kingdom/?feed_id=718&_unique_id=697ecb4151435