Jesus, the Source of Strength

web-admin March 8, 2026

Jesus, the Source of Strength

In this Sunday Mass Homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, Fr. Erel Villanueva reminded us that Jesus is the source of strength.

In the Gospel, Jesus meets the woman at the well and reveals that He is the Living Water. Through this encounter, we are reminded that Jesus is the source of strength, especially for those who feel tired, empty, or lost. During this Lenten season, we are invited to reflect on our journey of faith and examine the choices we make along the way.

So we must ask ourselves an important question: What is our well? Is it truly Jesus, or do we seek strength from earthly sources such as our own abilities, personal decisions, or financial security? While these things may offer temporary comfort, they cannot fully satisfy the deeper thirst of the human heart.

Therefore, we are called to return to the true well. Jesus is the source of strength, the Living Water who renews and sustains us. Instead of settling for temporary solutions the world offers, we are encouraged to rely on Him completely.

Moreover, we can draw from this source of strength through simple but meaningful practices. By reading the Bible, we listen to God’s voice. Through prayer, we deepen our relationship with Him. Likewise, by living as good examples to others, we allow Christ’s strength to be seen in our daily lives.

Ultimately, this Lent is an opportunity to rediscover that Jesus is the source of strength. When we come to Him with faith, He fills our hearts with the Living Water that truly satisfies.

Lent: Season of Self Examination

web-admin March 1, 2026

Lent: Season of Self Examination

In this Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, Fr. Erel reminded us that Lent: Season of Self Examination calls us to pause and reflect deeply on our spiritual lives.

First and foremost, Lent invites us to undergo a spiritual checkup. It challenges us to assess where we truly stand in our faith journey. In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us that to be born again means to receive new life in Him—the One who died and rose again for our sins.

We first receive this new life through the Sacrament of Baptism, where we enter into a covenant relationship with God. However, baptism is not the end; it is only the beginning. After receiving this grace, we must ask ourselves: Do we continue to live according to God’s will? Do we trust Him fully—in our finances, decisions, and attitudes? Do our actions reflect His Lordship?

Moreover, we express God’s Lordship by surrendering everything to Him and obeying His commands. When we allow God to rule in our hearts, transformation begins. Yet this transformation requires willingness. God does not force His rule upon us; we must freely let Him lead.

If we truly trust and obey Him, He will transform our lives from glory to glory. Therefore, during this Lent: Season of Self Examination, let us honestly ask ourselves: Have we fully surrendered to God? Have we allowed Him to shape our hearts?

Now is the time to examine ourselves and return wholeheartedly to Him.

Second Sunday of Lent – March 1, 2026

First Proclamation: Genesis 12:1-8
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33:6-22
Second Proclamation: Romans 4:1-5
Gospel Proclamation: John 3:1-17

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Lent: Season of Going Back to Jesus

web-admin February 22, 2026

Lent: Season of Going Back to Jesus

In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie Jun emphasized that Lent is a Season of Going Back to Jesus- a sacred time to return to the Lord. Although our true home is with God, we are still pilgrims on earth. Therefore, we must live according to the life He has prepared for us. We are called to remain grounded, staying on the path where God wants us to be.

However, this is not always easy. Blaise Pascal once observed that we live each day surrounded by distractions. Indeed, God knows what we are meant to do in our daily lives, yet we often allow noise, busyness, and worldly concerns to pull us away from Him. As a result, we prioritize things that are not from God. Moreover, the enemy knows our weaknesses. He understands what distracts us and uses these distractions to lead us into temptation. By turning our focus toward ourselves instead of God, we slowly drift away from the Lord.

So, how do we stay grounded during Lent? We return to the disciplines that draw us back to Jesus. First, we pray— listening to Him through Scripture. Second, we fast— with sincere repentance. Third, we give— with generous love. These Lenten practices help us refocus our hearts on Christ.

Although the enemy may try to distract us, we must resist his temptations. Instead, let us take up our cross through prayer, fasting, and giving. Above all, let us stay grounded in Jesus, for Lent is truly the Season of Going Back to Jesus.

1st Sunday of Lent- February 22,2026

First Reading: Genesis 2:15-17

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 32:1-11

Second Reading: Romans 5:12-17

Gospel Reading: Matthew 4:1-11

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Transform your Life in Christ

web-admin February 15, 2026

Transform your Life in Christ

In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Parish in Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us to Transform your Life in Christ. On this Transfiguration Sunday, he encouraged us to look at the lives of the saints. Because they devoted themselves completely to Christ, their lives were truly transformed. Their example shows us that when we belong to Christ, change is not only possible—it is certain.

As we enter the Season of Lent, a sacred season of transformation, the Gospel of the Transfiguration invites us to hope. Jesus revealed His glory on the mountain, but only after embracing the path toward the cross. In the same way, if we choose to Transform our Life in Christ, we must be willing to walk through trials before experiencing renewal.

Transformation is a process. We do not change overnight. Instead, God uses life’s struggles to shape us. Just as Jesus carried His cross, we too must carry ours. Challenges, sacrifices, and even suffering become instruments God uses to transform our hearts. Without difficulties, we would remain the same.

During Lent, the Church gives us three powerful ways to Transform our Life in Christ: prayer, fasting, and giving.

First, prayer lifts our minds and hearts to God. Through sincere prayer, we gain the strength to carry our cross and allow God to change us from within.

Second, fasting teaches self-denial. By letting go of worldly attachments, we make space for Christ and learn what we must surrender.

Finally, giving reminds us that our blessings are meant for others. As Christ gave Himself for us, we are called to give ourselves in love.

If we faithfully practice these, we will truly Transform our Life in Christ.

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Transfiguration Sunday – February 15, 2026

First Proclamation: Exodus 24:12-18

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 99:1-3, 4-6, 7-9

Second Proclamation: 2 Peter 1:16-21

Gospel Proclamation: Matthew 17:1-9

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Be the Salt and Light to the World

web-admin February 8, 2026

Be the Salt and Light to the World

In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us of Jesus’ call to Be the Salt and Light to the World, a central message of today’s Gospel. But what does God truly mean by this invitation?

Salt, in biblical times, served many purposes. People used it to enhance flavor, preserve food, and even destroy what threatened growth. In the same way, God calls us to be the salt of the earth. We enhance the world by spreading goodness, preserve what is right through faithful living, and actively resist the works of evil wherever we go. We do not accomplish this through grand actions alone, but by consistently living out our faith each day.

Moreover, Bishop Peñalosa reflected on the meaning of light. Light brings clarity; it allows people to see what was once hidden. Likewise, as brothers and sisters in Christ, we are called to guide one another toward God by living lives that point clearly to Him. Our words and actions should illuminate the path of faith for others.

At times, you may feel small or insignificant. Yet God designed you with purpose—to Be the Salt and Light to the World and a blessing to others. Jesus reminds us that true fulfillment comes from serving, showing mercy, and refusing to oppress others, as proclaimed in today’s First Reading. While this mission may seem challenging, the Second Reading assures us of one powerful truth: we have the Mind of Christ.

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time – February 8, 2026

First Proclamation: Isaiah 58:1-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 112:1-3, 4-6, 7-9
Second Proclamation: 1 Corinthians 2:12-16
Gospel Proclamation: Matthew 5:13-20

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Adapt to the New Kingdom

web-admin February 1, 2026

Adapt to the New Kingdom

In this Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Abp. Ariel Santos reminded us of the call to adapt to the new kingdom.

The Gospel for today focuses on the Beatitudes, also known as the Sermon on the Mount. Through this teaching, Jesus clearly announces that the new kingdom is already coming to us. The Beatitudes describe the new life we are invited to receive—but only if we are willing to change our lives. In contrast to the world’s system, the Kingdom of Heaven turns everything upside down. While the world values power, pride, and dominance, Christ calls us to humility, gentleness, and peacemaking. Although the world often sees these traits as weakness, they actually draw us closer to Him. Therefore, to follow Christ means to adapt to the new kingdom He reveals.

Moreover, we are blessed even when we are persecuted for righteousness. To inherit the earth, we must choose mercy, humility, purity of heart, and peace. These are not optional virtues; rather, they define life in the new kingdom. As children of God, we must actively respond to this call and adapt to the new kingdom by allowing Christ to transform the way we live, think, and love.

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time- February 1, 2026
First Proclamation: Micah 6:1-8
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 15:1-2, 3-4, 5
Second Proclamation: 1 Corinthians 1:2-5
Gospel Proclamation: Matthew 5:1-12

Homily by +Abp. Ariel Santos

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Say “Yes” to Jesus

web-admin January 25, 2026

Say “Yes” to Jesus

In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us of one essential call: Say Yes to Jesus.

First, the Bishop emphasized that in the face of wickedness, we should not run away but stand firm. However, before we can do that, we must also learn to be in the right place so we can receive God’s blessings. Jesus confronted evil exactly where God placed Him. In the same way, we are called to inherit this trait from Jesus—to face our problems with courage instead of fleeing from them.

Moreover, our circumstances often draw us closer to Jesus. In the Gospel, Jesus began His public ministry when John the Baptist was imprisoned. Scholars note that John’s wrongful imprisonment became the starting point of Jesus’ rightful ministry. Similarly, our struggles can serve as God’s way of redirecting and repositioning us, helping us confront life’s challenges with faith.

Additionally, Jesus takes interest in everything about us—our talents, interests, skills, and even our weaknesses. He uses all that we have to create extraordinary opportunities, allowing us to serve Him wholeheartedly.

The Bishop also pointed out that following Jesus is not easy, especially from the Apostles’ perspective. They left their families and livelihoods to follow Him. Despite the difficulty of their decision, they chose trust and faith. Therefore, our circumstances should never become an excuse for not responding to God’s call. When we fail to answer, we miss opportunities to work in God’s Kingdom.

Finally, God’s call is open-ended. If you hear His voice today, choose to Say Yes to Jesus and follow Him with faith.

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time – January 25, 2026

First Proclamation: Isaiah 8:20-22, 9:1-2
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27:1-9
Second Proclamation: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Gospel Proclamation: Matthew 4:12-23

Homily by +Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa

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God: Giver of Life

web-admin January 18, 2026

God: Giver of Life

In this Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael, Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us of a fundamental truth of our faith: God is the Giver of Life. God gives life; He does not take it away. Life ends because of sin, yet in Christ we do not truly die, for He is the Author of life.

The First Reading proclaims that we are created in God’s image and likeness. This means we reflect His character and are called to live as He lives. How, then, does God act? He acts through love. This truth flows clearly into the Second Reading, which assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. His love remains faithful and committed—unchanging despite our weaknesses and sins. As children of God, we are invited to embody this same steadfast love in our own lives.

Today, the Charismatic Episcopal Church celebrates the Feast of the Lord, Giver of Life, remembering especially the unborn and suffering children. Jesus places great value on children, and so must we. Every human life deserves celebration because life itself is God’s greatest gift. As the Gospel teaches, welcoming children means more than receiving them physically; it means choosing to love them and making space for them in our lives.

We love children by offering care, attention, and acceptance. Above all, we love them by discipling them—forming them to be humble, teachable, and forgiving. Children learn not only through words but through what they see. Their formation begins with us.

Let us pray to the Lord, our Giver of Life, to transform our hearts so that we may shape and nurture the next generation of the Church— our children.

Feast of our Lord and Giver of Life – January 18, 2026

First Proclamation: Genesis 1:26-28
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 2:1-3; 4-6; 7-9; 10-12
Second Proclamation: Romans 8:35-39
Gospel Proclamation: Matthew 18:1-5

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Immerse in the Life of Jesus

web-admin January 11, 2026

Immerse in the Life of Jesus

In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa offered a clear invitation: Immerse in the Life of Jesus. As we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we relive and embrace what Jesus Himself experienced.

To immerse means to be fully submerged. In His baptism, Jesus immersed His life in ours. He chose to become human, to walk our paths, and to share in our joys, pain, and suffering. Because He lived our humanity, Jesus understands us deeply. His baptism reveals God’s closeness to every human person.

Baptism does not end on the day we receive the sacrament. We must live it every day. We live our baptism when we continually plunge ourselves into Christ—when we choose Him in our thoughts, actions, and relationships.

As we immerse ourselves in the Life of Jesus, we also receive His grace. We experience this grace when we actively participate in the life of the Church—not only by attending Sunday Mass, but also by serving others and supporting our community. Through daily immersion, Christ transforms us and shapes us more fully into His likeness.

If we only stay at the surface of Christ’s life, real change cannot happen. Religious routines alone cannot lead us to eternal life. Only a heart renewed and reshaped by the love of Jesus can truly transform us.

When we live our baptism, we learn to hear His voice. As His sheep, we recognize Him because we belong to His flock. By immersing ourselves daily in the Life of Jesus, we come to know Him more intimately and follow Him more faithfully.

Second Sunday After Christmas- January 4, 2026

First Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 147:1-14
Second Proclamation: Ephesians 1:3-10
Gospel Proclamation: John 1:10-18

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God is Committed to Protect You

web-admin December 28, 2025

God is Committed to Protect You

In today’s Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Cathedral in Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us that God is committed to protecting us. Indeed, He came down from heaven to understand us fully. Therefore, our response to His love is simple yet demanding: to obey Him and to trust Him completely.

Moreover, God never backs down on His commitment. He stays with us, guiding us and blessing us according to our needs. As a result, when we listen to Him daily, we learn to recognize His guidance and believe that He always provides. In this light, giving our tithes becomes a concrete way of showing God that we trust in His faithful care.

Furthermore, the First Reading emphasizes God’s lovingkindness. He takes care of us in the way we truly need. Meanwhile, the Second Reading reminds us that Jesus became human so He could understand us and become a compassionate and faithful High Priest. Above all, God looks not at appearances, but at the attitude and intention of our hearts.

In the same way, the Gospel shows how God is committed to protecting us through His faithful guidance, just as He protected Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. Notably, Joseph trusted God completely. When God spoke to him through dreams, he obeyed immediately and without hesitation.

Today, God remains committed to protecting us and our families. Thus, our task is to grow sensitive to His voice by reading His Word and listening in prayer. Finally, like Joseph, we must respond promptly and trustfully, confident that God’s commitment to protect us never fails.

First Sunday After Christmas- December 28, 2025

First Proclamation: Isaiah 63:7-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 147:13-14; 15-16; 17-18; 19-20
Second Proclamation: Hebrews 2:14-17
Gospel Proclamation: Matthew 2:13-15; 19-23

Homily by +Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa

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Love is Trust

web-admin December 21, 2025

Love is Trust

In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded the faithful that love goes beyond emotion. Love is Trust—a deliberate choice to rely on God even when fear and uncertainty arise.

First, the Old Testament presents the story of King Ahaz. Instead of trusting God, he placed his confidence in the Assyrians. Although Ahaz refused to ask for a sign, God still offered one: a virgin would conceive and bear a son. This moment reveals God’s unwavering faithfulness. Even when human trust falters, God continues to reach out. That sign was not only for Ahaz but also for us, so we may remember to place our trust in Him.

Next, the Gospel reveals the fulfillment of that promise through Joseph, the son of David. Joseph faced fear and confusion, yet his love for Mary guided his actions. Rather than exposing her to shame, he chose compassion by planning a quiet divorce. Then, an angel appeared in his dream and told him not to be afraid. Joseph trusted God, accepted Mary, and embraced his role in salvation history. Through his obedience, Jesus inherited the lineage of David. Truly, Love is Trust made visible through action.

Today, we may ask ourselves: are we like King Ahaz or like Joseph? In truth, we are both. Therefore, the season of Advent calls us to grow in hope, faith, joy, and love. Above all, it invites us to trust God. Do not be afraid to say “Yes” to Him, for Love is Trust, and saying “Yes” brings Christ into the lives of others.

Fourth Sunday of Advent – December 21, 2025

First Proclamation: Isaiah 7:10-17
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 80: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9
Second Proclamation: Romans 1:1-7
Gospel Proclamation: Matthew 1: 18-25

Homily by +Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa

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Hope + Faith = Joy.

web-admin December 14, 2025

Hope + Faith = Joy.

In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Cathedral in Kalibo, +Bp. Romie Jun reminded us that true joy is born when we actively live out hope and faith. Indeed, when hope and faith work together, joy naturally follows—because Hope + Faith = Joy.

To begin with, hope gives us vision. It allows us to see beyond what our eyes can perceive. Although some events in our lives unfold in ways we never wanted or expected, these moments often lead us toward greater blessings. Above all, we are called to place our hope in Jesus—looking forward to His Second Coming and trusting Him to carry us through every trial we face.

Moreover, faith puts hope into action. For example, students who dream of becoming doctors do not achieve their goals by hoping alone; they study diligently and persevere to make their dreams a reality. In the same way, parents are called to teach their children not only to dream big but also to act in faith—to work faithfully toward what they hope for.

As we grow in both hope and faith, joy becomes their fruit. This joy is not temporary happiness but a deep conviction rooted in the heart. When we place our hope in Jesus and entrust our lives to Him, joy naturally follows. But how do we nurture this joy? We do so by cultivating patience and listening attentively to the Word of God. Patience reminds us that God makes everything beautiful in His perfect time, while His Word strengthens our faith in Jesus.

Finally, we must accept that hardships are part of life. Through these challenges, our faith is shaped and strengthened—just as we see in the life of John the Baptist in the Gospel. Therefore, let us continue to live with hope and act with faith, so that the joy within us may remain steadfast and true. After all, Hope + Faith = Joy.

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