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!
