God is a Loving Father

4th Sunday of Lent- March 30, 2025

First Reading: Joshua 5:2-12

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:17-20

Gospel Reading: Luke 15:11-24, 25-32

Homily by +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa

In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us that God is a loving Father. He is always in pursuit of His people, continually working to reconcile us to Himself. God desires to renew our lives and guide us to live in His ways, so that we may share in His divine life.

The Gospel presents the parable of a loving father, showing that, no matter the negative thoughts we may have about God, He remains a constant and loving Father. God’s love for us is not based on what we do, but on who we are. You are never so far from God that He could not reach you. May the story of the Prodigal Son push us to reflect on the Goodness of God.

Before ending his sermon, +Bp. Romie sings to us a snippet from the song, “Never My Love” by The Association.

“You ask me if there’ll come a time when I grow tired of you. Never My love.” 

This is a perfect picture of how much the Father loves us.

Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless!

Repentance: Choosing to be with God

3rd Sunday in Lent – March 23, 2025

First Reading: Isaiah 55:1-9

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 103:2-4; 5&7; 11-13

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-12

Gospel Reading: Luke 13:1-9

Homily by +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa

In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us that repentance is not just about turning away from sin; it’s about choosing to be with God. The first reading tells us that repentance isn’t only about leaving God behind, but about finishing the journey He has set for us. We face struggles because we choose to deny ourselves, carry our cross, and follow Jesus. We need to get rid of distractions and focus on God.

The Gospel reminds us that God is so good He has already made a way for us to follow. He is not quick to anger and is not scared of our sins. Even though He knows our sins, He still invites us to serve Him. God wants to be our friend. The way to grow closer to Him is by living our best lives, turning back to Him, and always choosing Him so He can guide us to greatness.

Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless!

Walk in the Path of God

1st Sunday in Lent – March 9, 2025

First Reading: Deuteronomy 26:1-11

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 91:1-3; 4-5; 14-16

Second Reading: Romans 10:6b-13

Gospel Reading: Luke 4:1-13

Homily by +Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa

In his Sunday Mass Homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun reminded us to walk in the path that God has prepared for each of us. The season of Lent calls us to refocus our hearts on God, inviting us to leave behind old habits and devote ourselves more fully to Him.

God leads us into our own wilderness to teach and transform us. Yet, along the way, we face temptations that can draw us away from the path He has set for us—the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life.

To overcome these temptations, Jesus has given us the commands to fast, give, and pray. We are called to spend extra time in prayer to humble our hearts, to fast from the desires of the flesh, and to give to others in order to overcome the lust of the eyes. Through these acts, we grow closer to God and stronger in our faith.

Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless!

Shine the Light of Jesus

8th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Transfiguration Sunday

First Reading: Exodus 34:29-35

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 99:1-2, 3&5, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:12-18

Gospel Reading: Luke 9:28-36

Homily by +Romie- Jun Peñalosa

In his homily at Sunday Mass in Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa encouraged us to shine the light of Jesus. On this Transfiguration Sunday, we celebrate how God reveals the glory we are destined to inherit. When we choose to follow Jesus, He transforms us into His image and likeness.

However, our walk with the Lord is often hindered by sin, which can dim our light. Like a dirty mirror, we cannot fully reflect the brilliance of God’s love. To truly shine the light of Jesus, we must embrace His love and live it out. Although this is not always easy, Jesus calls us not only to love those who love us but also to love our enemies. True love means ordering our lives for the good of others, and it serves as the foundation of our spiritual growth. To love authentically, we must spend time with God—through prayer and by listening to His Word.

Let us shine the light of Jesus every day through our actions and love. As we press forward toward our ultimate goal, let us remember that “the joy of the Lord is our strength.” If God can love us unconditionally, surely we too can love others in the same way.

Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless!

Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time- February 16, 2025

First Reading: Jeremiah 17:5-10

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 1:1-2;3;4-6

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20

Gospel Reading: Luke 6:19-26

Homily by +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa

Trust God, Have Hope, Be Blessed! Understanding the True Meaning of ‘Blessed’

In his homily at Sunday Mass in Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa shared a powerful message that can be summarized in six words: Trust God, Have Hope, Be Blessed! These words offer us a profound spiritual guide. This will lead us toward a life filled with joy, peace, and purpose.

The word “blessed” in Greek is makarios, which means “joyful.” This joy doesn’t depend on our circumstances but rather comes from the deep trust we place in God. By trusting God, we make Him the center of our lives and recognize that our salvation, as well as every aspect of our lives, is entrusted to His care.

Trusting God Brings Hope

When we trust God, we establish the foundation for hope. Without trust in the Lord, hope has no place. As a result, trusting in God removes fear and panic. Trusting in Him fills our hearts with hope, and this hope naturally flows from fully relying on God’s plan for our lives.

Trust, Hope, and Joyful Blessings

As we continue trusting in the Lord and embracing the hope He provides, we experience true joy — the blessings that Jesus designed for our lives. A blessed person overflows with joy, peace, and love, becoming a blessing to others. Moreover, a blessed life is not about perfect circumstances; instead, it’s about the joy that arises from knowing that God is in control.

In conclusion, always remember: Trust God, Have Hope, Be Blessed!

Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless!

Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time- February 9, 2025

First Reading: Isaiah 6:1-8

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 138

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-3

Gospel Reading: Luke 5:1-11

God Blesses Those Who Seek the Truth

In this Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa shared a powerful reminder that God blesses those who seek the Truth. When God enters our lives, He does not wait for permission—He pours out His grace abundantly, calling us into a deeper relationship with Him. His blessings are not given sparingly but in great measure, overflowing into every aspect of our lives.

As our Primate, +Abp. Ricardo Alcaraz, once said, “If God uses you, He will always bless you.” This means that when we surrender to His will and allow Him to work through us, we become vessels of His divine purpose. But to fully receive and steward His blessings, we must be obedient to His Word. True blessings come not just in material abundance but in the peace, wisdom, and spiritual growth that arise from walking in His Truth.

An encounter with God reveals the Truth, and it is only through knowing the Truth that we are set free. Jesus Himself declared, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Though we are sinners, we are saved by grace, not by our own merits, but through the boundless love and mercy of God. This truth calls us to live out His mission—to love, to serve, and to share His Gospel with the world.

When we seek the Truth, we find God. And in finding Him, we receive the greatest blessing of all: a life transformed by His grace. God blesses those who seek the Truth, and in Him, we find our purpose and eternal hope.

Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless!

Third Sunday of Ordinary Time- January 26, 2025

First Reading: Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-10

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 19:1-3; 4-6; 12-13

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-20

Gospel Reading: Luke 4:14-21

The Power of God’s Word

Bishop Romie-Jun Peñalosa’s Sunday’s Mass Homily at Saint Michael in Kalibo focused on the profound power of God’s Word. He reminded us that hearing God’s Word moves our hearts, and reading it every day fills us with joy. We should embrace this truth not only on Sundays but every day. When we listen to God’s Word, it changes our perspective, renews our spirit, and guides us toward greater faith.

Hope and Deliverance Through God’s Word

In the Gospel Reading, we see that God’s Word brings hope to the poor, oppressed, and suffering. It comforts us in our times of need and strengthens us to face life’s challenges. God’s Word also delivers us, for only the truth of His Word can set us free. True freedom comes when we understand and live according to His promises.

Seeking and Knowing God’s Word

As believers, we must seek and understand this truth. God reveals His Word to us, but we must take the time to build a deeper relationship with it. We are called not just to hear it, but to know it. When we do, we experience the full power of God’s Word in our lives.

Living and Sharing God’s Word

The journey doesn’t end with our personal transformation. We must live by the truths we learn and share them with others. The Word that heals, blesses, and uplifts us is meant to heal and bless those around us. The power of God’s Word isn’t for us alone—it’s meant to shine as a light in the world. When we trust in God’s promises, His Word transforms not only us but everyone we meet, spreading healing and hope to all.

Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless!