God is a Loving Father

God is a Loving Father

4th Sunday of Lent- March 30, 2025 First Reading: Joshua 5:2-12 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34 Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 Gospel Reading: Luke 15:11-24, 25-32 Homily by +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us that God is a loving Father. He is always in pursuit of His people, continually working to reconcile us to Himself. God desires to renew our lives and guide us to live in His ways, so that we may share in His divine life. The Gospel presents the parable of a loving father, showing that, no matter the negative thoughts we may have about God, He remains a constant and loving Father. God's love for us is not based on what we do, but on who we are. You are never so far from God that He could not reach you. May the story of the Prodigal Son push us to reflect on the Goodness of God. Before ending his sermon, +Bp. Romie sings to us a snippet from the song, "Never My Love" by The Association. "You ask me if there'll come a time when I grow tired of you. Never My love."  This is a perfect picture of how much the Father loves us.

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Repentance: Choosing to be with God

Repentance: Choosing to be with God

3rd Sunday in Lent - March 23, 2025 First Reading: Isaiah 55:1-9 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 103:2-4; 5&7; 11-13 Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-12 Gospel Reading: Luke 13:1-9 Homily by +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us that repentance is not just about turning away from sin; it's about choosing to be with God. The first reading tells us that repentance isn't only about leaving God behind, but about finishing the journey He has set for us. We face struggles because we choose to deny ourselves, carry our cross, and follow Jesus. We need to get rid of distractions and focus on God. The Gospel reminds us that God is so good He has already made a way for us to follow. He is not quick to anger and is not scared of our sins. Even though He knows our sins, He still invites us to serve Him. God wants to be our friend. The way to grow closer to Him is by living our best lives, turning back to Him, and always choosing Him so He can guide us to greatness.

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Strive to Enter the Narrow Gate

Strive to Enter the Narrow Gate

2nd Sunday in Lent - March 16, 2025 First Reading: Genesis 15:4-18 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27:2-3; 9-10; 11-12; 13-14 Second Reading: Philippians 3:17-4:1 Gospel Reading: Luke 13:22-30 Homily by +Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us to strive to enter the narrow gate. The Old Testament reading reveals that God is faithful in fulfilling His promises. However, it is not a one-sided covenant; we must also do our part by obeying Him every day of our lives. In the New Testament reading, Saint Paul teaches that following God comes with a cross. We must embrace the challenges we face, for it is in the darkness that we often witness God’s work in our lives. The central message of today’s Gospel is to let go of anything that hinders our journey to follow Jesus. During this Lenten season, it is an opportunity to purify our hearts and reflect His light in our lives each day. Let go of the things that do not glorify God and choose the narrow path—a path that leads to eternal joy. The philosopher Baruch Spinoza once said, “All things excellent are as difficult as they are rare.” Excellence, in all aspects of life, is not easily attained. If something is easy to achieve, it becomes commonplace. We must endure struggle and hardship before we can attain greatness. God desires us to be great, but are we willing to release the things that do not please Him—such as our anger, wealth, and desire for power?

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Walk in the Path of God

Walk in the Path of God

1st Sunday in Lent - March 9, 2025 First Reading: Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 91:1-3; 4-5; 14-16 Second Reading: Romans 10:6b-13 Gospel Reading: Luke 4:1-13 Homily by +Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa In his Sunday Mass Homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun reminded us to walk in the path that God has prepared for each of us. The season of Lent calls us to refocus our hearts on God, inviting us to leave behind old habits and devote ourselves more fully to Him. God leads us into our own wilderness to teach and transform us. Yet, along the way, we face temptations that can draw us away from the path He has set for us—the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. To overcome these temptations, Jesus has given us the commands to fast, give, and pray. We are called to spend extra time in prayer to humble our hearts, to fast from the desires of the flesh, and to give to others in order to overcome the lust of the eyes. Through these acts, we grow closer to God and stronger in our faith.

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Shine the Light of Jesus

Shine the Light of Jesus

8th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Transfiguration Sunday First Reading: Exodus 34:29-35 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 99:1-2, 3&5, 6-7, 8-9 Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 Gospel Reading: Luke 9:28-36 Homily by +Romie- Jun Peñalosa

In his homily at Sunday Mass in Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa encouraged us to shine the light of Jesus. On this Transfiguration Sunday, we celebrate how God reveals the glory we are destined to inherit. When we choose to follow Jesus, He transforms us into His image and likeness.

However, our walk with the Lord is often hindered by sin, which can dim our light. Like a dirty mirror, we cannot fully reflect the brilliance of God’s love. To truly shine the light of Jesus, we must embrace His love and live it out. Although this is not always easy, Jesus calls us not only to love those who love us but also to love our enemies. True love means ordering our lives for the good of others, and it serves as the foundation of our spiritual growth. To love authentically, we must spend time with God—through prayer and by listening to His Word.

Let us shine the light of Jesus every day through our actions and love. As we press forward toward our ultimate goal, let us remember that "the joy of the Lord is our strength." If God can love us unconditionally, surely we too can love others in the same way.

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Walk in Love

Walk in Love

Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time- February 23, 2025 First Reading: Genesis 45: 3- 15 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 37:19- 20, 21- 22, 23-24, 25- 26 Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15: 42- 49 Gospel Reading: Luke 6: 27: 38 Homily by Fr. Erel Villanueva During the Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, Fr. Erel Villanueva reminded us to walk in love. Walking in love is the highest form of being blessed, as anything done without love is meaningless. Yet, loving others can be difficult. We are called to love our enemies, to do good to those who hate us, to bless those who curse us, and to pray for those who mistreat us (Luke 6:27-28). Forgiveness, which is a true reflection of God’s love, is also not easy— it requires deep faith. But if we fail to forgive those who wrong us, it can have a negative impact on our lives. Unforgiveness is equivalent to disobeying God. This unforgiveness also blocks blessings from coming to our lives. Our work and life will be affected. Forgiving my be difficult, but it is not impossible. That is why we need the power of God and the fruits of the Holy Spirit to do this. If we choose to love one another, the Holy Spirit will guide and strengthen us. Let us surrender ourselves to God and grow together in love.

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Trust God, Have Hope, Be Blessed!

Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time- February 16, 2025 First Reading: Jeremiah 17:5-10 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 1:1-2;3;4-6 Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 Gospel Reading: Luke 6:19-26 Homily by +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa

Trust God, Have Hope, Be Blessed! Understanding the True Meaning of 'Blessed'

In his homily at Sunday Mass in Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa shared a powerful message that can be summarized in six words: Trust God, Have Hope, Be Blessed! These words offer us a profound spiritual guide. This will lead us toward a life filled with joy, peace, and purpose.

The word "blessed" in Greek is makarios, which means "joyful." This joy doesn’t depend on our circumstances but rather comes from the deep trust we place in God. By trusting God, we make Him the center of our lives and recognize that our salvation, as well as every aspect of our lives, is entrusted to His care.

Trusting God Brings Hope

When we trust God, we establish the foundation for hope. Without trust in the Lord, hope has no place. As a result, trusting in God removes fear and panic. Trusting in Him fills our hearts with hope, and this hope naturally flows from fully relying on God’s plan for our lives.

Trust, Hope, and Joyful Blessings

As we continue trusting in the Lord and embracing the hope He provides, we experience true joy — the blessings that Jesus designed for our lives. A blessed person overflows with joy, peace, and love, becoming a blessing to others. Moreover, a blessed life is not about perfect circumstances; instead, it’s about the joy that arises from knowing that God is in control.

In conclusion, always remember: Trust God, Have Hope, Be Blessed!

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God Blesses those Who Seek the Truth

Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time- February 9, 2025 First Reading: Isaiah 6:1-8 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 138 Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-3 Gospel Reading: Luke 5:1-11

God Blesses Those Who Seek the Truth

In this Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa shared a powerful reminder that God blesses those who seek the Truth. When God enters our lives, He does not wait for permission—He pours out His grace abundantly, calling us into a deeper relationship with Him. His blessings are not given sparingly but in great measure, overflowing into every aspect of our lives. As our Primate, +Abp. Ricardo Alcaraz, once said, "If God uses you, He will always bless you." This means that when we surrender to His will and allow Him to work through us, we become vessels of His divine purpose. But to fully receive and steward His blessings, we must be obedient to His Word. True blessings come not just in material abundance but in the peace, wisdom, and spiritual growth that arise from walking in His Truth. An encounter with God reveals the Truth, and it is only through knowing the Truth that we are set free. Jesus Himself declared, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Though we are sinners, we are saved by grace, not by our own merits, but through the boundless love and mercy of God. This truth calls us to live out His mission—to love, to serve, and to share His Gospel with the world. When we seek the Truth, we find God. And in finding Him, we receive the greatest blessing of all: a life transformed by His grace. God blesses those who seek the Truth, and in Him, we find our purpose and eternal hope.

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We Are An Offering to God

First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 84:1-12 Second Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18 Gospel Reading: Luke 2:22-35 We Are an Offering to God: A Reflection on the Sunday Homily at Saint Michael Kalibo In his Sunday Homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, Fr. Erel Villanueva emphasized the powerful message that we are an offering to God. Just as Jesus Christ came to earth to be a living sacrifice for all of humanity, Fr. Erel reminded us that we, too, are called to offer our lives to the Lord. Everything we do for the Lord must be done with sincerity, with pure hearts, and without hidden motives. God sees through us when we serve with a selfish agenda. The Bible teaches us that what we offer to God should be without blemish or defect. Blemish can manifest as hatred, unforgiveness, or any other impurity in our hearts. Fr. Erel urged us to examine our hearts before offering anything to the Lord. This will ensure that we are not carrying any hidden faults or unclean intentions. Our efforts to serve God will only be meaningful and acceptable if we present ourselves with clean hands and pure hearts. The beauty of this offering is that it brings joy not only to the Lord but also to us. As we strive to offer ourselves fully to God, remember that the sacrifices we make in His name should be done from the heart. This will create a sweet-smelling aroma that is pleasing to the Lord. Let us all take this to heart and live out the call to be an offering to God each and every day. Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/we-are-an-offering-to-god/?feed_id=259&_unique_id=679f3a4408379

The Power of God's Word

Third Sunday of Ordinary Time- January 26, 2025 First Reading: Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-10 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 19:1-3; 4-6; 12-13 Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-20 Gospel Reading: Luke 4:14-21

The Power of God's Word

Bishop Romie-Jun Peñalosa's Sunday’s Mass Homily at Saint Michael in Kalibo focused on the profound power of God's Word. He reminded us that hearing God’s Word moves our hearts, and reading it every day fills us with joy. We should embrace this truth not only on Sundays but every day. When we listen to God’s Word, it changes our perspective, renews our spirit, and guides us toward greater faith. Hope and Deliverance Through God's Word In the Gospel Reading, we see that God’s Word brings hope to the poor, oppressed, and suffering. It comforts us in our times of need and strengthens us to face life’s challenges. God’s Word also delivers us, for only the truth of His Word can set us free. True freedom comes when we understand and live according to His promises. Seeking and Knowing God's Word As believers, we must seek and understand this truth. God reveals His Word to us, but we must take the time to build a deeper relationship with it. We are called not just to hear it, but to know it. When we do, we experience the full power of God’s Word in our lives. Living and Sharing God's Word The journey doesn’t end with our personal transformation. We must live by the truths we learn and share them with others. The Word that heals, blesses, and uplifts us is meant to heal and bless those around us. The power of God’s Word isn’t for us alone—it’s meant to shine as a light in the world. When we trust in God’s promises, His Word transforms not only us but everyone we meet, spreading healing and hope to all. Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/the-power-of-gods-word/?feed_id=250&_unique_id=6795e40f30f62

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