God’s Peace is a Gift

God’s Peace is a Gift

In this Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, Fr. Erel Villanueva reminded us of a powerful truth: God’s Peace is a Gift. Today’s Gospel clearly shows that God’s Peace is a Gift freely given to us. From it, we can learn three important things about this gift of peace.

Peace Begins Within

First, God’s Peace is a Gift that begins internally. We often worry whenever problems arise in our lives. However, we are called to turn inward and receive the peace that God offers. This peace assures us that He remains with us even in the midst of difficulties. Therefore, we must cultivate the mindset that Jesus is alive and present, so we can face our struggles with calmness and trust.

Peace is Rooted in Forgiveness

Second, God’s Peace is a Gift rooted in forgiveness. After Jesus was crucified, the disciples hid in fear, locking themselves away to avoid those who opposed Him. We also sometimes lock the doors of our hearts because of guilt, fear, or pain. Yet, we are invited to open those doors and surrender everything to the Lord, trusting that God has already forgiven us for our sins. In turn, we must also forgive others, just as Jesus has forgiven us. Moreover, just as Jesus renewed and commissioned His disciples, He now calls us to become modern-day disciples- sharing the Good News to others.

Peace Grows Through Trust

Finally, God’s Peace is a Gift that grows through our trust in Him. True peace flows from a deep and abiding trust in God. When we strengthen our faith, we learn to rely on Him in every situation. As a result, we can face life’s challenges with confidence, knowing that God walks with us and fights for us. By fully surrendering to Him, we allow His peace to fill our hearts.

Receiving the Gift of Peace

In the end, God’s Peace is a Gift—an assurance of His presence, a grace rooted in forgiveness, and a fruit of trusting Him completely. Therefore, if we truly want to grow in faith, we must first receive and nurture this gift of peace within our hearts. Second Sunday of Easter- April 12, 2026 First Proclamation: Acts 2:22-28 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 16 Second Proclamation: 1 Peter 1:3-9 Gospel Proclamation: John 20:19-31   Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/gods-peace-is-a-gift/?feed_id=808&_unique_id=69db1980220bc

Clothe Yourself with God's Glory and Power

Clothe Yourself with God's Glory and Power

In this Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa calls us to clothe ourselves with God's Glory and Power. He reflects on a detail from the Resurrection: the neatly folded linen cloth left in the empty tomb. The cloth that had covered Jesus’ body lay separately from the handkerchief that had wrapped His head. First, the linen connects to the practice of the High Priests in the Old Testament. Only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies to offer sacrifice for the people’s sins. After completing the atonement, he removed his vestments. In the same way, Jesus, through His Resurrection—has fully atoned for our sins. The tomb becomes a temple, and through His blood, He brings us salvation. Second, the folded linen serves as evidence of the Resurrection. At that time, false claims spread that the disciples had stolen Jesus’ body by His disciples. However, the orderly arrangement of the burial cloths, witnessed by Peter and John—clearly points to the truth: Jesus truly rose from the dead. Finally, the linen invites a deeper spiritual reflection. When Jesus rose, He left behind garments made by human hands and was clothed instead in the Glory of God. In the same way, we are called to leave behind worldly attachments and clothe ourselves with God's Glory and Power. Therefore, as followers of Christ, we must put on the full armor of God: the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace, the Shield of Faith, and the Helmet of Salvation. God sent His Son to redeem us, so let us set our minds on things above, not on earthly things. Now, the question remains: What garments will you wear? Will you choose the clothing of God’s glory and power, or the passing things of this world? Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/clothe-yourself-with-gods-glory-and-power/?feed_id=799&_unique_id=69d1c3551dd8e

Holy Week: Focus on Inward Reality.

Holy Week: Focus on Inward Reality.

In this Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us that this Holy Week: Focus on the Inner Reality. Today, we celebrate Palm Sunday. In ancient times, processions with branches symbolized a king returning home victorious from battle. Similarly, as Jesus approached Jerusalem, people welcomed Him with palm branches. As we commemorate this day, many of us observe rituals with blessed palms—placing them on windows, doors, or altars to ward off harm. However, this Holy Week: Focus on the Inner Reality calls us to go beyond rituals and symbols. Instead, we must allow Jesus to enter our hearts, remembering that He brings love, justice, and peace. In today’s Passion Gospel, two significant moments appear three times. First, Jesus prays, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.” Though He prays repeatedly, the Father does not take away His suffering. Likewise, there are moments when God seems silent in our prayers. Therefore, we must reevaluate how we pray and learn to depend more deeply on His grace each day. Second, Peter denies Jesus three times. Indeed, none of us can claim to love perfectly as Jesus did, for in many ways, we also deny Him. While we may not deny Him in words, our actions often do—especially when we refuse to forgive. When we reject a neighbor who has wronged us, we also turn away from Christ. Thus, this Holy Week: Focus on the Inner Reality invites us to look within—to renew our prayer, to trust in God’s will, and to stop denying Jesus. Instead, may we repent and sincerely lament our sins. Theme: “We are committed to encourage people to pray because our Lord Jesus Christ never gives up on us. First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9 Psalm 31:9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15 Second Reading: Philippians 2:5-11 Gospel Reading: Matthew 21:1-17   Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless!   https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/holy-week-focus-on-inward-reality/?feed_id=790&_unique_id=69c8a1d86567f

God’s Delay is not God’s Denial

God’s Delay is not God’s Denial

In this Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, Fr. Erel Villanueva emphasized a powerful truth: God’s delay is not God’s denial. From the outset, he reminded the faithful that God always works according to His time, His will, and His purpose—not ours. Therefore, we must learn to develop patience as we wait for Him to fulfill our deepest desires. In the Gospel, Martha expressed her belief that Lazarus would rise again in the resurrection. However, Jesus redirected her understanding by declaring that He Himself is the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in Him will live and will never die. Through this, Jesus revealed that His power is not limited to the future but is present here and now. Likewise, this message applies directly to us. We must believe in what Jesus can do, even when His timing differs from our expectations. In today’s fast-paced world, we often crave instant results—even in our prayers. Yet God invites us to trust and remain faithful. Indeed, God’s delay is not God’s denial; rather, it is an opportunity for us to grow in faith. Furthermore, Jesus’ resurrection is not just a past event; it remains ever-present—alive in the past, active in the present, and certain in the future. Because of this, we can face life with hope and confidence. Every problem we encounter comes with God’s grace and solution. Ultimately, those who truly believe in Jesus should not lose hope. Instead, they must remain faithful and become doers of His Word. As we continue our journey, may we always remember: God’s delay is not God’s denial, but His loving way of preparing something greater. Fifth Sunday of Lent - March 22, 2026 First Proclamation: Ezekiel 37:1-14 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 130 Second Proclamation: Romans 8:8-11 Gospel Proclamation: John 11:18-27 Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless!   https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/gods-delay-is-not-gods-denial/?feed_id=781&_unique_id=69bf5a11b9a18

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!

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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