Podcast: Cathedral Church of Saint Michael Kalibo Sermons

Living in Christ: Servant of All

October 17, 2021

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Theme: “Living in Christ: Servant Of All”

Homily by Fr. Andy Ilustre

First Reading: Isaiah 53: 4- 12

Second Reading: Hebrews 5: 1- 10

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 91: 9- 16

Gospel Reading: Mark 10: 35- 45

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Living in Christ: Loving God Above Everything

October 10, 2021

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Theme : “Living in Christ: Loving God Above Everything”

October 10, 2021

Homily by Fr. Jun Penalosa

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

Second Reading: Hebrews 4: 14-16

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 90: 12-17

Gospel Reading: Mark 10: 17-27

Jesus Christ reminds us that apart from him we are nothing. Some people live in quiet desperation just like the rich man in the gospel. He was so desperate that he came to Christ running and knelt before Him. We might think that he already has everything he needs but what he really needed the most is God. Only then could he find peace.

The man did everything that was written in the commandments. But why did Christ say it’s hard for a rich man to go to heaven? It is not wrong to be rich, but we need to love God more than our wealth. We shouldn’t let our hearts turn to material possessions. We should be willing to surrender everything and follow Him.

When we pray, do we understand who we are talking to? Christ said “why do call you me, Lord, Lord, and do not do the things which I say?” That is one of the reasons why we do not receive a breakthrough. If we understand who Christ is in our lives then it wouldn’t be hard for us to follow Him. One word from God and it would change your life forever.

Do not rush when we pray. Give it some more time, even for just 1 more minute. Maybe that is when God would speak to us. Let us open our hearts and surrender our lives fully to Him.

Remember, let us love God above everything!

Homily Recap by Sharlyn Kay Magbiro

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Living in Christ: Align Ourselves to God’s Plan

October 3, 2021

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Theme : “Living in Christ: Align Ourselves To God’s Plan ”

October 3, 2021

Homily by +Bp. Raymundo Abogatal

First Reading: Genesis 2: 18-24

Second Reading: Hebrews 2 : 10-13

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 8 :1-9

Gospel Reading: Mark 10 : 2-16

Based on His word in Genesis 2:18-24 , God’s plans for human race are as follows:

1. Marriage

*God’s intention for humans is to marry.

*God reminded us of the unbreakable union of Adam and Eve.

*Man and woman are created for each other and no one else.

*Husband and wife should be of one flesh.

2. Parents are to draw their children closer to God.

*Parents are to bring their children to God for them to know and understand the healing power of God spiritually and physically.

*God is delighted with the children and demonstrated His love as an upper room for everyone.

Bishop then emphasized that matters should be settled between husband and wife, parents and children. First, he encouraged the parents to ask for their children’s’ forgiveness. He likewise instructed the children to come to their parents to ask for their forgiveness.

The homily highlight is praying over all families and individuals for healing of relationship among the families.

Homily Recap by Rosalie Panganiban

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Feast of St. Michael

September 29, 2021

Feast of St. Michael

39th Church Anniversary

September 29, 2021

Homily by Fr. Jun Peñalosa

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Living in Christ: Pursue God’s Purposes

September 26, 2021

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Theme : “Living in Christ: Pursue God’s Purposes”

September 19, 2021 –

Homily by Fr. Jun Peñalosa

First Reading: Esther 7: 1-6, 9-10

Second Reading: James 4: 11-12

Responsorial Psalm: 124: 1-8

Gospel Reading: Mark 9 : 38 -50

God has a purpose for your life, but you should not be a stumbling block to others because God also has a purpose for them.

Don’t be a stumbling block to others who are working for the kingdom and to those who are starting in the kingdom of God.

Don’t be a stumbling block to yourself.

You should remove things that would cause us to stumble like things we do, places we go and things we see or hear.

If God placed an obstacle in our path, it is not a stumbling block, it is a stepping stone to bring out the character of Christ in us so that we could season the world with our Christ-likeness.

Homily Recap by Dcn. Val Magbiro

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Living in Christ: Humility in Service

September 19, 2021

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Theme : “Living in Christ: Humility Of Service”

September 19, 2021

Homily by Fr. Jun Peñalosa

First Reading: Proverbs 2 : 1 – 9

Second Reading: James 3 : 13 – 18

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 54

Gospel Reading: Mark 9 : 30 – 37

As believers, we are challenged to walk in HUMILITY.

God commanded us to humble ourselves. If we want to receive blessings, we need to obey Him. His commandments are for our benefit.

In Mark 9:30-37, Jesus is teaching us 3 LESSONS:

1. Acceptance of the will of God in our life. – Exert effort and have a desire to give more to what Jesus wants for us.

2. Acceptance of the CALL of God to serve – All of us has a calling from God. When we respond on the CALL, we learned HUMILITY. Humility starts by helping others. Jesus calls us to be of service.

3. Walking in humility is receiving the Kingdom of God – The Kingdom of God must be first in our life.

We cannot receive Kingdom of God without Humility. The goal of humility is receiving the Kingdom of God. As believers, we must live for the Kingdom of God.

Homily Recap by Paz Indulo

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Living in Christ: Hearing to Obey, +Abp. Ricardo Alcaraz’ 1st Heavenly Homecoming Anniversary

September 12, 2021

September 12, 2021

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Homily by Patriarch Craig Bates

First Reading: Isaiah 50 : 4 – 11

Second Reading: James 1 : 19 – 22

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 19 : 1 – 3; 7 – 11

Gospel Reading: Mark 8 : 27 – 35

September 12, 2021

1st EXALTATION ANNIVERSARY OF +ABP. RICARDO ALCARAZ

(A RECAPITULATION BASED ON THE HOMILY OF +PATRIARCH CRAIG BATES)

Today, as we celebrate the 1st anniversary of Primate’s homecoming to heaven. Patriarch Bates recalled his first meeting with Primate Dick; how excited he was knowing of priests coming from the Philippines to attend that International Convocation of the church; how he enjoyed talking to him and be amazed how good his English was as if he had lived in America; how he appreciates him as a person, his love for good food, especially of cheeseburger and French fries ☺, their fellowships and travel together that nurture their relationship as a brother, and as a friend…and that Primate’s death brought him to emotional hardship for some time….

The consecration of Primate Dick and the 2019 Territorial Convocation is considered by Patriarch as one of the highlights of his life.

He also expressed his praise and appreciation to St. Michael, as he see the love and works dedicated by the church in the ministry. Seeing our church reminds him of the memories of Primate – and those memories of him are important and we keep alive in our hearts and minds. “Our missing of him show the evidence of how much we love him”. Coming to this, we should rejoice! “We rejoice because in Jesus we will see him again. We will completely immerse in the love of God, in the forgiveness of God, and in the worship of God, before His throne.”

Relating to the Gospel reading of Mark, Patriarch wanted us to focus on the love of God. “The ministry of Jesus, how he heals the sick, cast out demons, feeds people, etc., is a story of God who is servant to people. And it is not only the greatest love story ever told but the greatest love story ever lived! On the cross, Jesus made known to us the love of God in flesh. What we see on the cross is LOVE. Grace and mercy, compassion and forgiveness, healing and deliverance are attributes of love coming from a human God through Jesus.”

“Jesus as a perfect image of how to be human shows us the life intended to be lived; that the life on the cross which is a life of living for another person; giving one’s total life to another is what it meant to be fully and completely human. His resurrection defeats death forever, and nothing is greater nor powerful than the love of God.”

“Everything we are going through is not the end…there’s more…but whenever we look on the Cross, we have Hope…hope that is not in vain! When we see through the eyes of Jesus, we see what awaits – that we should not stop death, but see death beyond….that there is joy in it.”

“Whenever we have the Eucharist, we behold Jesus! We hope, and the vision of the cross allows us to know that any moment we will eat His flesh and blood. In the Eucharist, we live the NOW. “

“We have all our pasts. But our past certainly does not define us. And we try to plan and do for the future. But when you look in the future, we see death; but death certainly is not the end. But God is the future! “

“Life then is to be lived right NOW; not in the past, nor in the future. We should not focus on the things in our lives that are going well, or not going well. We focus on the One on the throne, Jesus….and put our faith in Him. Primate Dick is a faith preacher. And he planted seeds so well in us, church!

Lastly, Patriarch Bates urged us, Cathedral Church of St. Michael to be prepared and ready. For the field is white now! 

Recap by:

MERCY DE LA CRUZ-ESPIRITU

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Living in Christ: Steadfast In His Mercy

September 5, 2021

Living in Christ: Steadfast In His Mercy

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

September 5, 2021

Homily by Fr. Erel Villanueva

First Reading: Isaiah 3:4-7

Second Reading: James 2:8-9, 12-13

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 146 : 3 – 9

Gospel Reading: Mark 7 : 24 – 37

In our passage today, the Lord made two miracles: the deliverance of the daughter of the Canaanite woman and healing of a deaf and mute man. He showed us how merciful He was to us and that we may respond in faith, humility, and thanksgiving to Him.

First, a Canaanite woman came to Jesus asking for His mercy and help for her daughter. Jesus told her that He came for the Jews only and to give food first to the children (Jews) then to the little dogs or pet dogs (non-Jews). Jesus said this not to insult her but to stimulate her faith. She was not after the food on the plate but just the little crumbs (mercy) that fell from the table. She understood that she was a Gentile, who had no covenant with God and no right to ask, but still she was appealing for His mercy. Her great faith amazed Jesus and He granted her request.

Mercy here is not just compassion but “favor given to us even we don’t deserve it.” It is synonymous with the word clemency. Clemency means forgiveness and forbearance of the punishment to the offender even justice requires it. Just like us who are people who were not Jews and judged to perish because of our sins, God in His mercy sent Jesus to die for us and through faith in His death, we received forgiveness and became part of His kingdom. He did it not because of what we have done, but because of His love and He’s own choosing.

The healing of that deaf and mute man is our healing too. Away from God we can’t hear and speak of the goodness of God for were in bondage to sin. When we believed in Jesus, we experienced the “EPHPHATA” means “be opened or be released.” He opens our spiritual eyes, ears, and hearts to God. He also released us from the bondage of sin and death.

Oh, give thanks to the Lord for He is good and his mercy endures forever Ps.106:1

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Living in Christ: Pure in Heart

August 29, 2021

Living in Christ: Pure In Heart

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

August 29, 2021

First Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9

Second Reading: James 1:13-18

Responsorial Psalm: 15:1-5

Gospel Reading: Mark 7:14-23

Our gospel talks about how Jesus is confronted by the religious leader because His disciples were eating without ceremonially cleansing their hands. Once again, Jesus and the disciples were not living up to the religious standards of the scribes and Pharisees.

Jesus first responds to them by pointing out their hypocrisy and their misuse of the law of God. (Mark 7: 1 -13) External obedience cannot take the place of inner submission. Going through our “Sunday Motions” should not take the place of daily Christian living.

Our outward obedience must be a manifestation of what’s in our hearts. The problem is our heart. Our need is not outward conformity but heart transformation. We need to take care of our inner lives. It’s what comes from within that affects us. We can resist the evil and negative things from the outside.

What motivates us, is it the love of God or the love of self? The condition of our hearts will determine the state of our lives. (V. 21-23) The religious system of the day placed a lot of emphasis on outward, physical defilement, and ritual purification.

But Jesus explains that evil desires come from inside a person’s innermost being. Sin does not happen. It springs from the innermost recesses of our thoughts and intentions from the secret desires which only the individual can conceive.

What fills our hearts comes out of our lives. It will either bless us or defile us. It will either cause us to walk in victory or defeat.

We must guard our hearts ( Prov. 4:23). We have a choice as to what will come out of our hearts.

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24th Consecration Anniversary of Bp. Abogatal, Abp. Alcaraz, and Bp. Lily

August 22, 2021

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

August 22, 2021 –

24th Consecration Anniversary of Bp. Abogatal, Abp. Alcaraz, and Bp. Lily Homily by Patriarch Craig Bates First

Reading: Isaiah 42 : 1 – 9

Second Reading: Hebrews 5 : 1 – 10

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 99 : 1 – 9

Gospel Reading: John 20 : 19- 23

BELIEVING IN JESUS (WHO HE IS)

(A RECAPITULATION BASED ON THE HOMILY OF +ABP. CRAIG BATES)

The whole community of the Charismatic Episcopal Church are one in the celebration of the sacrificial life offered by our consecrated bishops; + Bp. Raymundo Abogatal, +Abp. Ricardo Alcaraz, and Bp. Gene Lily. Their commitments are manifestations of God’s love shown in their everyday life!

Though Primate Dick Alcaraz is deeply missed, the church will be forever grateful to God for his life, his love for his people; his living legacy left to us.

In today’s teaching, Patriarch emphasizes the simple yet powerful nature of our Lord Jesus Christ. It can be concluded in three (3) key points:

  • Jesus is the Eternal Life. Believing Him as Son of God, assures us of eternal life. “We don’t have eternal life with what we do or what we accomplished; nor we don’t have eternal condemnation because we didn’t do or accomplished nothing.”

“We don’t do anything to get forgiveness; we receive it! When we confess our sins, we receive forgiveness already; same way, we receive love from God! Forgiveness exists because of the cross. We were made and created by God to live in that love; we were made and created to love other people. There is nothing we can do to earn God’s love. He loves us fully and completely from the start!” He said further, that it is not impossible not to love God and our neighbour; for despite the brokenness, the hurt, the strife…at the end of the day, we keep His commandments, and we choose to love and forgive.

  • He is the Eucharist. Jesus himself revealed who He is in the Eucharist! We may not understand intellectually the act of breaking and receiving the bread and wine; how it became His body and blood; but every time we do that, we open our hearts to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. “Even when we doubt, we lack faith…we need to walk with our heart. The more we practice the Eucharist, the more we know and understand and become certain that one day, what it means, will come to our very core of who we are, or who I am in Christ. In communion, we discover we can abide with Him. You and I would no place to go, but when we choose to believe in God, there is no turning back or turning away. We simply find that joy of eternal life with Him because we know who He is.
  • He should be manifested.  Finding now that eternal joy, “we have now eternal relationship with Him, and that we should share the act of that incredible love of Jesus in prayer and in everyday life. Prayer is evidence that God exists. When we pray, we’re saying, “I know Him”. Every day is a continuous process of knowing Him. He is in the elders of our churches, in the men and women, in the poor and suffering and especially in children. Patriarch urged us to see these sacrificial life of our bishops as well, manifested in us!

Lastly, +Abp. Bates ask for prayers from us, for him to go back Philippines again and be able to celebrate the great gifts of God with our bishops and churches.

Recap by:

MERCY DE LA CRUZ-ESPIRITU

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Living in Christ: True Bread for Eternal Life

August 15, 2021

August 15, 2021 – 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Theme : “Living in Christ: True Bread for Eternal Life”

Homily by Fr. Erel Villanueva

First Reading: Proverbs 9 : 1 – 6

Second Reading: Ephesians 5 : 15 – 20

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 111 : 1 – 10

Gospel Reading: John 6 : 51 – 58

Growing in the Divine Life

For two Sundays now, the Lord emphasizes to us that He is the Living Bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of it or believes will have everlasting and divine life.

What I want to share is about growing and bearing fruits in Eternal Life. This is a reminder of our responsibility and accountability as recipients of this eternal life.

Eternal Life is both a gift and a responsibility. Today, I would give importance to the word “eat.” The word has been mentioned several times in this chapter specially from verses 47 -58. …the one may eat of it and not die, if any one eats of this bread, whoever eats and many more.

First it gives us an idea that eating is connected to growing. Naturally we need to eat so we can grow. Spiritually, we need to continue to abide with Jesus and “eat” His Word and His body and drink His blood in order to grow and be sustained in this divine life. We must grow in faith, love, service, and in our relationship with Him so that we could be life-sharers and givers to the world.

So, to “eat” not only means to partake or put something in your mouth to chew. Figuratively speaking, it means to believe, or to abide, obey, surrender, and be one with Jesus. We should be willing to submit to the Lordship of Jesus in our lives. So every time we partake of body and blood, when the priest would say – “Receive The Body and Blood of Christ” and you say “Amen,” what you are really saying is “Yes Lord, I’m willing to surrender and submit to your will, have your way in me, not my will but your will be done in my life.” That’s our responsibility and accountability as recipients of this divine life.

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Living in Christ: Source of True Life

August 8, 2021

August 8, 2021

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

“Living in Christ: Source of True Life ”

Homily by Fr. Erel Villanueva

First Reading – 1 Kings 19 : 1 – 8

Second Reading – Ephesians 4 : 25 – 32

Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 34 : 1- 10

Gospel Reading – John 6 : 41 – 51

In today’s gospel, Jesus told the Jews (and us) that He is the Bread of Life that comes down from heaven. This is a kind of food that gives us everlasting life if we “eat it” or believe it.

This is the food that He want us to work for. The kind of food that makes us to surrender and do His will. Food for our spiritual journey.

In last week’s scripture, He was the Bread of Heaven at the Table of the Word, and now He is the living bread in the Table of the Lord in the Eucharist.

He wants us to know that He is the bread of life that would give “life” to the world. In verse 51: He emphasized that He is the Living Bread and the bread that He will give is His flesh/body. This refers to His sacrificial death on the cross and His resurrection.

In His finished work on the cross, He gives “life” to the world. Life means salvation of all mankind. Salvation means deliverance from evil.

By His grace, He forgives and delivers us from death as penalty of our sins. As we have faith in His redeeming work, we receive new life, an everlasting and divine life. We don’t need to wait to die and experience everlasting life, we can experience everlasting life today here on earth.

We received divine life during baptism and through the growth of our faith in Him. That divine life in us will continue to flow in us as we continue to “eat” His Word (read, meditate and obey), do prayer and intercession, worship, partake of His body and blood in the eucharist, and being a blessing to others.

By doing these we become a an instrument of bringing life to the world. When we bring love, faith, hope, healing and compassion to others especially in this pandemic, it is an evidence that divine life that flows in us.

Our prayers, worship, and obedience – individually and collectively as a church, bring light, fight spiritual battles, and proclaim the presence of God in this darkness – thus bringing healing and hope to the people. We prove that the Church is the life of the world, and the Divine life in us is greater than death and fear around us.

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I AM BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING

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