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!

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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