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!

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!