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!

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