God Walks with You

God Walks with You

In this Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael in Kalibo, Bishop Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us of a powerful truth: God walks with you, the heart of today’s Gospel. At times, we miss what God asks of us because we choose a different direction. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we sometimes walk away from where God calls us to be. However, even when we take the wrong path, the Lord still comes near and walks with you. He meets us where we are, embracing us with all our flaws and struggles. God loves us as we are, yet He also invites us to grow. He never leaves us; instead, He stays beside us and gently transforms us through His grace. Moreover, Bishop Peñalosa emphasized the importance of attending church every Sunday. Knowing God through His Word is essential, but it is not enough. We encounter His love and mercy most deeply in the Holy Eucharist. In the Gospel, Jesus revealed Himself when He broke the bread before the disciples. In the same way, although we do not see Him physically, we meet Him in Holy Communion and come to recognize His presence in our lives. Finally, he encouraged us to take part in the mission as a way of living out God’s love. Walk with those who cannot come to church. Listen to their struggles and share in their journey. In doing so, they will experience Jesus through you—just as the disciples encountered Him on the road. Indeed, wherever we go, God walks with you, calling us to walk with others as well. Third Sunday of Easter- April 19, 2026 First Proclamation: Acts 2:29-36 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 116 Second Proclamation: 1 Peter 1:13-21 Gospel Proclamation: Luke 24:13-35 https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/god-walks-with-you/?feed_id=817&_unique_id=69e4573f2d9d5

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