Repentance is a Redirection

Repentance is a Redirection

In this Sunday Mass Homily in Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us that repentance is a redirection. The Gospel begins with Jesus addressing the religious leaders who questioned His authority. He then shared the parable of the two sons, reminding us that what matters is doing the Father’s will. By doing His will, we allow God’s grace to transform us. First, God has given us the precious gift of human freedom. He could have created us simply to love and obey Him, but He gave us intellect and the freedom to choose whether to love Him or otherwise. However, we are not free from the consequences of our choices. God offers His vineyard to us, but He will never force us to enter it. Second, the parable emphasizes the relationship between words and actions. Words have power: they can either lift someone up or bring them down. Therefore, our words should find fulfillment through our actions. Our worship must become service. Our communion must translate into community. The forgiveness God has given us must also be reflected in how we forgive others. Lastly, our past does not determine our future. The first son changed his mind. Although he initially refused to go, his actions eventually showed obedience. Repentance allows our hearts and minds to be redirected. Through God’s grace, change is always possible. If God calls you to work in His vineyard today, work today. Your vineyard may be your family, your community, or the people God has placed in your life. Do not wait until tomorrow to repent and change. Return to His vineyard now. Twenty-Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time September 27, 2026 First Proclamation: Ezekiel 18:1–4, 25–32 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 25:1–8 Second Proclamation: Philippians 2:1–4 Gospel Proclamation: Matthew 21:23–32 Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/repentance-is-a-redirection/?feed_id=1024&_unique_id=6ab8b15fac391

Overcome Envy and Jealousy

Overcome Envy and Jealousy

In this Sunday Mass Homily in Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us to overcome envy and jealousy. The first sin that humanity committed was Adam and Eve’s disobedience. This was followed by Cain’s envy and jealousy toward his brother, Abel, which led him to commit the second sin. Jealousy and envy are rooted in dissatisfaction. They make us long for and desire things, achievements, or even relationships that belong to others. Oftentimes, we do not admit that we are jealous or envious of others, but there are signs that reveal it. First, we become overly critical of others. Next, we become resentful of God’s blessings in their lives. Third, we feel happy when successful people fail. Lastly, we mourn when others are rejoicing. Envy and jealousy can become obstacles on our way to heaven and weaken our relationship with God. Instead of simply admiring the success of others, we begin to desire what they have. Envy and jealousy prevent us from congratulating and affirming others, causing us to overlook and stop appreciating the blessings God has given us. Today’s Gospel emphasizes that God does not think the same way we do. His grace is abundant and freely given. We cannot fully live in God’s kingdom if we allow envy and jealousy to rule our hearts. Therefore, learn to appreciate those who are ahead of us. Celebrate their achievements, affirm their blessings, and rejoice in what God is doing in their lives. At the same time, recognize and appreciate the blessings God has given you. This is how we overcome envy and jealousy: by choosing gratitude and appreciation. Twenty-fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time September 20, 2026 First Proclamation: Jonah 3:10-10; 4:1-11 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145:1-7 Second Proclamation: Philippians 1:21-30 Gospel Proclamation: Matthew 20:1-16 Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/overcome-envy-and-jealousy/?feed_id=1015&_unique_id=6aaf5a525d204

Forgive Infinitely

Forgive Infinitely

In this Sunday Mass Homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us to forgive infinitely. We often remember the sins and hurts that our brothers and sisters have caused us because they become deeply etched in our hearts. These may include inherited wounds, painful words spoken against us, friendships that betrayed us, and many others. These wounds can keep us from forgiving, especially when someone hurts us more than once. However, today’s Gospel reminds us that we must forgive “seventy times seven.” This does not mean that we should keep count of how many times we have forgiven someone. Rather, Jesus calls us to forgive every time our brothers and sisters sin against us. Forgiveness is not simply something we talk about; it is something we must practice. God calls us to forgive continually. Yet, for some, forgiveness can seem impossible, especially when they have experienced deep hurt and offense. Nevertheless, forgiveness is a commitment not to seek revenge against those who have wronged us. Furthermore, we cannot fully grow in maturity or experience the freedom that comes with God’s blessings if we refuse to forgive. Everything God has given us comes from His grace and mercy. Therefore, we are also called to extend that same grace and mercy to others. Forgiving does not mean forgetting the pain or pretending that the offense never happened. Instead, it means choosing to release our desire for vengeance and placing our wounds in God’s hands. Therefore, let us take the time to forgive infinitely. As we receive God’s grace and mercy, may we also learn to share them with those who have hurt us. Through forgiveness, we allow God to heal our hearts, strengthen our faith, and help us grow in His love. Twenty-fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time- September 13, 2026 First Proclamation: Genesis 50:15-21 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 103:5-13 Second Proclamation: Romans 14:9-12 Gospel Proclamation: Matthew 18:21-35 Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/forgive-infinitely/?feed_id=1006&_unique_id=6aa62563d5bdb

Speak the Truth with Love

Speak the Truth with Love

In this Sunday Mass Homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us to Speak the Truth with Love. He began by reminding us that silence is not always harmless. Sometimes, failing to confront our brothers and sisters can lead to further misunderstandings that may damage our relationships. Therefore, there are moments when love requires us to speak up and address what is wrong. In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us how to correct those who have sinned. Correction, however, should always come from a heart of love. Peter was chosen by Jesus to lead the Church despite his mistakes because Jesus saw his heart and his love for serving Christ. In the same way, Jesus also looks into our hearts as we serve Him. Therefore, as we disciple our brothers and sisters, we must allow His love to guide us, especially when we need to confront someone who has wronged us. After all, none of us is perfect. Because of this, conflicts will inevitably arise in our relationships. Nevertheless, overcoming these conflicts can help us grow together. As Scripture reminds us, “Open rebuke is better than secret love.” To conclude, let us ask God for courage when love requires us to speak. Let us ask Him for wisdom to know what to say and how to say it. At the same time, may we pray for humility to accept correction when others speak truth into our lives. Lastly, let us ask God for the grace to become instruments of reconciliation. May our words never come from anger or pride, but from genuine love and a desire to restore relationships. When the moment calls for it, let us have the courage to Speak the Truth with Love. Twenty-third Sunday of Ordinary Time September 6, 2026 First Reading: Ezekiel 33:7-11 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:33-40 Second Reading: Romans 13:8-14 Gospel Reading: Matthew 18:12-20 Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/speak-the-truth-with-love/?feed_id=997&_unique_id=6a9ce86d9af4f