Work with the Holy Spirit

Work with the Holy Spirit

During the Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Cathedral, Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us to work with the Holy Spirit. Today, we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, the culmination of the Easter season. Long before Pentecost, the Lord had already been preparing us through the seasons we have journeyed through. First, Good Friday reminds us of death and the reality that our earthly lives will end. Then, Easter proclaims the gift of new life through Christ’s resurrection. After this, the Ascension reminds us that Jesus brought humanity into heaven as He ascended to the Father. This Pentecost, we are reminded that God gives us a new Spirit. In the Gospel, Jesus breathed on His disciples and bestowed upon them the Holy Spirit. However, before receiving this gift, the disciples hid behind locked doors because they feared the Jews. In the same way, we sometimes allow fear, pain, and past wounds to imprison us. Yet Jesus has already conquered and healed these burdens. Therefore, instead of focusing on our fears and struggles, we must work with the Holy Spirit, who continually moves and acts within us. As Christians, we are called to step out, stop hiding, and share our faith with others. Through the Holy Spirit, we receive courage, strength, and boldness to keep our faith alive. Moreover, the Holy Spirit guides the Church’s mission and inspires us to continue serving God faithfully. When we choose to work with the Holy Spirit, we become witnesses of Christ’s love and instruments of hope for others. Pentecost Sunday- May 24, 2026 First Proclamation: Acts 2:1-7, 12-21 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 104:13-24 Second Proclamation: 1 Corinthians 12:3-13 Gospel Proclamation: John 20:19-23 https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/work-with-the-holy-spirit/?feed_id=862&_unique_id=6a12b38f7b813

The Beauty of Ascension

The Beauty of Ascension

In this Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us about The Beauty of Ascension. Usually, saying goodbye can feel painful and emotional. However, today’s Gospel teaches us that goodbyes can also lead to something greater. Jesus told His disciples that the Scriptures had to be fulfilled and that something wonderful would happen as He ascended into heaven. Instead of despair, the disciples experienced joy because Jesus helped them understand The Beauty of Ascension. As a result, they praised and worshiped Him with grateful hearts. Moreover, the Ascension reminds us that Christ’s departure was not the end. Rather, it opened the way for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit, God continues to guide, strengthen, and empower us each day. Therefore, we should pray constantly for deeper understanding and stronger faith. Let this be our prayer: “Lord, give us the grace to understand.” Pray this every morning so that we may realize why Jesus had to go — so that the Holy Spirit could enter our lives and transform our hearts. Finally, let us always remember that we already stand in a position of victory through Christ. If we believe in Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, He will lead us toward our purpose. When we surrender ourselves completely to God, the Holy Spirit empowers us to fulfill our mission and live with lasting joy. Indeed, The Beauty of Ascension lies in knowing that Christ never truly leaves us, because He remains present through the Holy Spirit. Seventh Sunday of Easter- May 17, 2026 First Proclamation: Acts 1:1-11 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 47:1-9 Second Proclamation: Ephesians 1:15-23 Gospel Proclamation: Luke 24:45-53 Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless!       https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/the-beauty-of-ascension/?feed_id=853&_unique_id=6a093e7425108

Love God by Obeying His Commands

Love God by Obeying His Commands

In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael in Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded the faithful that we truly love God when we obey His commands. The Gospel shows Jesus preparing His disciples for the coming of the Holy Spirit. He tells them, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Through these words, Jesus clearly connects love and obedience. God gave His commandments to the Israelites as part of His covenant with them. This covenant was not simply a set of rules but a relationship built on God’s love for His people. Because God loves us so deeply and faithfully, our proper response is to obey Him. We do not follow His commands merely because we are required to do so, but because we recognize His goodness and love. However, obedience without love loses its meaning. If we obey God only out of compliance, our actions become empty and mechanical. God desires more than outward obedience; He wants a genuine relationship with us. Love gives life and meaning to every commandment He asks us to follow. At the same time, we should not obey God out of fear alone. Scripture reminds us that “perfect love casts out fear.” God’s perfect love should guide and shape everything we do. When love becomes the center of our faith, obedience no longer feels burdensome. Therefore, we must love God by obeying Him—not out of fear or mere compliance, but out of sincere love and gratitude for all He has done for us. Sixth Sunday of Easter - May 10, 2026 First Proclamation: Acts 17:22-31 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 66 Second Proclamation: 1 Peter 3:8-20 Gospel Proclamation: John 14:15-21 Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless!   https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/love-god-by-obeying-his-commands/?feed_id=844&_unique_id=6a000176de9db

Jesus: the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Jesus: the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

During the Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. At the heart of our faith lies Christ’s death and resurrection. In the Gospel, Jesus begins with a comforting command: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” Trouble comes from fear—of death. At times, we worry about our health or the uncertainties of life. However, we must not allow fear to dominate our hearts; instead, we are called to choose faith. Moreover, we sometimes feel lost and uncertain, asking ourselves where to go or what path to take. In these moments, Jesus reassures us that He Himself is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Therefore, we are invited to let Christ live in us so that we may fully live in Him. As we grow in faith, we begin to reflect His life in our daily actions. By trusting Him and opening our hearts, we allow His presence to guide our thoughts, choices, and relationships. Consequently, living in Christ becomes a witness to others. When people see His love and truth in us, they come to recognize that Jesus is truly the Way, the Truth, and the Life. This journey begins with sincere faith and deep trust, leading us to walk confidently in His ways each day. https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/jesus-the-way-the-truth-and-the-life/?feed_id=835&_unique_id=69f6c973ee3f8

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

The Holy Spirit is our Helper

The Holy Spirit is our Helper

In this Sunday Mass Homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us that the Holy Spirit is our Helper. On this joyful Pentecost Sunday, we celebrate the powerful moment when God empowered His Church by sending the Holy Spirit to aid us in our mission—to proclaim the Good News of salvation to all people.

To begin with, Jesus has already fulfilled His part of the mission through His life, death, and resurrection. Now, it is our turn to carry that mission forward. However, we cannot do it by our own strength. This is precisely why the Holy Spirit is our Helper. Without Him, we are left to depend on our limited human abilities and understanding.

Furthermore, the Holy Spirit—also known as the Paraclete—walks beside us. He is ever present and ever faithful, leading us in truth and wisdom. As we journey in faith, it is the Holy Spirit who strengthens, guides, and sustains us.

As we commemorate the Feast of Pentecost, let us always remember that the Holy Spirit is our Helper, given to us as a precious gift from God. He empowers us to build His Kingdom here on earth. Therefore, we must open our hearts and minds to His voice. He equips us with the courage, wisdom, and grace needed to carry out the mission entrusted to us.

Finally, today is a moment of decision. Let us choose to step out in faith—with the help of the Holy Spirit—and begin, or renew, the mission God has given us. Let us go forth with boldness, love, and unwavering trust, knowing that the Holy Spirit is our Helper, now and always.

Pentecost Sunday - June 8, 2025 First Reading: Acts 2:1-7,12-21 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 104:3-4,31-32,24 Second Reading: Romans 8:14-17 Gospel: John 15:20-27 Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless! https://www.saintmichaelkalibo.com/sermons/the-holy-spirit-is-our-helper/?feed_id=421&_unique_id=684529ef3c1a3