If We Love God, We will Serve Him

Second Sunday After Christmas- January 5, 2025

First Reading: Isaiah 40:27-31

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 84:1-2;4-5;10-11

Second Reading: Ephesians 1:3-6

Gospel Reading: Luke 2:41-52

Homily by +Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa

“If We Love God, We Will Serve Him” – A Homily by +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa

In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded the faithful of a powerful truth: “If we love God, we will serve Him.” This simple yet profound message challenges us to reflect on how our love for God should directly translate into action—especially in serving Him with all our hearts.

God Gave Us the Best – Jesus

God has given us everything we need to live a fulfilling life. In fact, He gave us the best gift of all—Jesus Christ. This ultimate gift of love and salvation demands a response from us. The best way to show our gratitude is by serving God with our time, talents, and resources. Therefore, as we reflect on this great gift, we should commit ourselves to serve Him in everything we do.

Everything We Have Belongs to God

As God’s children, we inherit everything He has. He has already provided us with all we need to become the best versions of ourselves. In light of this, our response to His love and provision should be to love and thank Him through service. We are called to serve the Father with joy and gratitude, recognizing that He has already equipped us with all the tools necessary to live a life that honors Him. Serving God becomes an act of acknowledging His generosity and returning that love through our actions.

Service to God is Not a Burden

Serving God is not a burden but a privilege. If we struggle to love God, it often means we have not fully understood the depth of His love for us. When we truly recognize how deeply He loves us, our desire to serve Him naturally grows. God’s love frees us from any sense of obligation or burden. It becomes an invitation to participate in His divine plan. Moreover, as we experience God’s unwavering mercy, we feel motivated to act in ways that reflect His grace.

God’s Tireless Love

In the first reading, we learn about God’s tireless nature. The Lord never grows weary of us. He will never turn away from us, no matter how many times we falter. His love and mercy are unending, and this truth should inspire us to accomplish great things for Him. Despite any challenges or setbacks we may face, we can always rely on God’s enduring love and unwavering support. Thus, His tireless nature should encourage us to persevere in our service, knowing He will always provide the strength we need.

The Grace of God Enables Us to Serve

Our second reading reveals the power of God’s grace. Sometimes, we may feel inadequate or incapable of fulfilling the tasks He calls us to. However, God’s grace empowers us to do what we could never do on our own. When we rely on His grace, we can accomplish things that go beyond our natural abilities. This grace becomes the fuel that enables us to serve Him faithfully, even when we feel overwhelmed or uncertain.

Engaging in the Father’s Business

In the Gospel, we are reminded that we should be about our Father’s business. God’s mission is to save souls, and as His followers, we are called to join in this divine work. This involves not only spreading the Gospel but also living out the values of the Kingdom of God in our daily lives. We are His instruments, chosen to be part of His redemptive plan. Therefore, we must actively engage in the mission of salvation by living out our faith through service to others.

Conclusion: If We Love God, We Will Serve Him

Ultimately, the message of today’s homily is clear: If we love God, we will serve Him. Our love for God should inspire us to serve Him joyfully and wholeheartedly. Serving God is not an obligation, but rather a natural response to His boundless love and grace. As we serve Him, we participate in His work of salvation and share His love with the world.

In conclusion, let us dedicate ourselves to loving God through service. As we do, we can be confident that He has already provided us with everything we need to fulfill our mission. May our hearts remain open to His love, and may we always be ready to serve Him in all that we do.

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

Surrender to God’s Will

First Proclamation: Micah 5:2-5

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 80:1-2,14-15,17-18

Second Proclamation: Hebrews 10:5-10

Gospel Proclamation: Luke 1:39-55

Homily by Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa

In his Sunday Mass homily at St. Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us of the importance of surrendering to God’s will. God has abundant blessings in store for us, but in order to receive them, we must first experience a change of heart. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and we must be prepared to face them. This preparation requires us to cultivate faith, hope, joy, and love in our hearts. Changing our hearts is a process that requires discipline and commitment.

To open ourselves to God’s blessings, we must surrender to His will. When we do, He can use even the humblest aspects of our lives to bring about something greater. God has the power to do marvelous things in our lives if we choose to surrender to Him. And after we surrender, it is crucial that we share the love we receive with others.

In the Gospel, we hear that when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby in her womb leaped, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:41). This is the same effect that occurs when we share God’s love with others. It begins with an act of surrender, a change of heart, and sharing His Word through our actions.

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

First Proclamation: Malachi 3:1-4

Responsorial Psalm: 12:1-2,3-4,5

Second Proclamation: Philippians 1:3-11

Gospel Proclamation: Luke 3:1-6

Homily by Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa

Faithfully Prepare the Way for Jesus

Faithfully Prepare the Way for Jesus: A Call to Deepen Our Faith

In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, Bishop Romie-Jun Peñalosa passionately urged us to faithfully prepare the way for Jesus, echoing the mission of every Christian to ready our hearts and lives for the second coming of Christ. This divine preparation is not merely about outward rituals but a profound, inward transformation fueled by unwavering faith.

Bishop Peñalosa reminded us that true Christianity isn’t about comfort. Instead, it’s about courageously embracing the challenges and trials that test our faith. These moments refine us, teaching us reliance on God’s grace as we navigate life’s uncertainties. The bishop also highlighted the importance of gratitude for God’s gifts, which serve as a foundation for our faith journey. Yet, faith must not be stagnant—it should grow, sustain, and inspire us as we await the Lord’s return.

As a Church community, we are called to take active steps to prepare the way for Jesus. This mission involves sharing the Gospel, performing acts of love and charity, and living a life of prayer and repentance. Through these actions, we align our lives with God’s plan, becoming instruments of His love and truth in the world.

Let us embrace this call with steadfast faith and a heart open to God’s will. Join us in this spiritual journey by visiting our Sermon page, where you’ll find recaps of inspiring homilies and video links to uplifting messages. Together, let us prepare the way for Jesus, faithfully and joyfully.

“Faithfully Prepare the Way for Jesus.” May this be our prayer and mission as we walk together in faith. God bless!

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

First Proclamation: Jeremiah 33:14-16

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 25:1-2;12-13,21-22

Second Proclamation: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

Gospel Proclamation: Luke 21:25-36

Homily by Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa

In this Sunday Mass at Saint Michael Kalibo, Bishop Romie-Jun reminded us to put our hope in Jesus. The first reading talks about what will happen at the end of time, but we shouldn’t be afraid of the signs. Instead, we should stay confident.

Our hope grows stronger in times of trouble. We should place our hope in Jesus, not in ourselves, our power, or wealth. Trusting in ourselves often leads to disappointment. Bring your plans to God, because He is in control and will never fail.

There are two dimensions in waiting – expecting and serving. When we wait for Jesus, we are expecting that He will come again. So we prepare ourselves. When we wait on Jesus, we are serving Him. Waiting for Jesus means serving others. If we believe He is coming, we will serve with joy. Serving God is about serving others.

So, let’s prepare for His coming by waiting with hope and confidence in Jesus.

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

Feast of Christ the King- November 24, 2024

First Proclamation: Daniel 7:9-10,13-14

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 93:1-2,3-4,5

Second Proclamation: Hebrews 1:1-8

Gospel Proclamation: John 18:36-37

Homily by +Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa

During the Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, Bishop Romie-Jun Peñalosa emphasized an important truth: Jesus is the true King. As we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King, we are called to place God at the throne of our hearts. Unfortunately, we often forget to center our lives around Him, letting worldly concerns distract us and pull our hearts away from His teachings. However, we must actively strive to make Jesus the focal point of every decision we make. In doing so, we acknowledge Him as the true King of our lives.

While the world offers fleeting pleasures and temporary pursuits, we must remember that these cannot compare to the eternal Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Therefore, we must open our hearts and allow God to build His Kingdom within us. By surrendering to His will, we invite His reign to dominate our lives, transforming our hearts into a true sanctuary for His Kingdom.

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

32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time- November 10, 2024

Theme: Go and Proclaim: Humbly Serve the Lord Jesus and His People

First Proclamation: 1 Kings 17:8-16

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 71:6-8,12&15,17-18

Second Proclamation: Hebrews 9:24-28

Gospel Proclamation: Mark 12:38-44

Homily by Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa

In the Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Cathedral in Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us of the importance of trusting God fully. Often, we struggle with trust in our relationships with others, and this can extend to our relationship with God as well. However, if we are to truly walk with the Lord, we must place our complete trust in Him.

The first reading serves as a reminder that when we distance ourselves from God, we risk experiencing spiritual drought. Proverbs 3:5-6 urges us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

When Elijah had nothing, God sent him to a widow who also had nothing. In different times of our lives, be sensitive to the people God is sending to you. God will send people who also cannot help themselves. And this is why we are not to lean on our own understanding or logic. When Elijah and the widow obeyed, their food did not run out because they trusted God. This is the law of the gift, you bring increase in the measure that you give away.

God’s wisdom is beyond our comprehension, and so, we are called to trust Him fully, even when we do not have all the answers. Let us choose to place our trust in God, unwavering, until the very end.

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

31st Sunday of Ordinary Time- November 3, 2024

First Proclamation: Deuteronomy 6:1-9

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:2,3-4,5-6,7-8

Second Proclamation: Hebrews 9:11-14

Gospel Proclamation: Mark 12:28-34

Homily by +Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa

29th Sunday of Ordinary Time – October 20, 2024

Theme: “Go and Proclaim: Greatness is determined by service”

First Proclamation: Isaiah 53:4-12

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 91:9-10,11-12,14&16

Second Proclamation: Hebrews 5:1-10

Gospel Proclamation: Mark 10:35-45

Homily by +Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa

Serve with Love Like Jesus: A Homily Reflection by Bishop Romie-Jun Peñalosa

In a heartfelt Sunday Mass at Saint Michael Kalibo, Bishop Romie-Jun Peñalosa highlighted a powerful message: to **serve with love like Jesus**. He reminded the congregation of the profound importance of serving others selflessly, following the perfect example set by Jesus Christ.

Bishop Romie emphasized that power, authority, and wealth are not inherently negative. Instead, they can be used for the greater good—such as providing for the less fortunate and exercising authority to uphold justice. The challenge arises when these elements become tainted by arrogance and self-interest.

At the core of true service is a heart filled with love for God. Jesus endured immense pain and sacrifice, ultimately giving His life as a ransom for many. This ultimate act of love serves as the guiding example for all of us to **serve with love like Jesus**.

A loving heart transcends position and status, reflecting a genuine devotion to God. It’s not about seeking prestige but about the positive impact our service can have on the lives of others. As we go forth from this Mass, let us strive to embody this spirit of love and service, embracing the call to **serve with love like Jesus** in all that we do.

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

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28th Sunday of Ordinary Time – October 13, 2024

Theme: “Go and Proclaim: Obey the Commandments of the Lord Jesus for our betterment!”

First Proclamation: Amos 5:6-7, 10-15

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 90:12-13,14-15,16-17

Second Proclamation: Hebrews 4:14-16

Gospel Proclamation: Mark 10:17-27

Homily by +Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa

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

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iTunes Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/ph/podcast/cathedral-church-saint-michael/id1139105076
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DiiezN2MKXqq8OX7pvhaZ