Trust in the Love of Jesus

In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael, Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us to place our trust in the love of Jesus. At the heart of the Gospel is Peter’s return to his former life after the death and resurrection of Jesus. He was uncertain whether his love for Christ was still welcome after having denied Him three times. Yet, Jesus received Peter with open arms. That encounter gave Peter the strength to embrace his calling and love Jesus wholeheartedly for the rest of his life.

In our own lives, we often experience failures in relationships that leave us unsettled. But we must always remember: Jesus loves us—and we love Him. That truth gives us the courage to follow Him. Life is filled with thorns, trials, and hardships, but Christ’s love is far greater than them all. Trust in the love of Jesus.

3rd Sunday of Easter- May 4, 2025

First Proclamation: Acts 9:1-16

Second Proclamation: Revelation 5:11-13

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 30:1-2,3-4,5-6,7-8,9-10,11-12

Gospel Proclamation: John 21:1-14

Homily by +Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa

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Christ is Risen

Easter Sunday – April 20, 2025

First Reading: Acts 10:34-43

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 118

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:19-26

Gospel Reading: Luke 24:1-12

Homily by +Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa

In his powerful Easter Sunday homily, Bishop Romie-Jun Peñalosa joyfully proclaimed the central truth of the Christian faith: Christ is risen!

Looking at the Biblical account of the resurrection, Bishop Peñalosa highlighted two contrasting perspectives. On one hand, there is the perspective of the disciples. They saw, heard, and personally experienced the risen Christ. As a result, they boldly proclaimed the life-changing message: Christ is risen.

On the other hand, the Pharisees spread a very different story. They claimed that Jesus’ disciples had stolen His body while the guards were asleep. Even today, many continue to believe this alternative explanation.

At this point in his homily, Bishop Romie-Jun posed two important questions: Whose version do you believe? And whose version will you proclaim? These are not just theological questions—they are life-defining choices. One leads to doubt, confusion, and spiritual death. The other leads to faith, hope, and everlasting life.

Therefore, believe today that Christ is risen, because our lives are deeply connected to His. If Christ is resurrected, then we, too, are resurrected with Him. This truth offers not only hope for the future but also purpose for today.

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

Focus on your Relationships

Palm Sunday- April 13, 2025

First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 31:9&11, 12-13, 14-15

Second Reading: Philippians 2:5-11

Gospel Reading: Luke 23:1-25

Homily by +Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa

In his homily this Sunday, Bishop Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us that Holy Week is a sacred time to focus on what truly matters—our relationships: with God, with our family, and with our friends.

The first reading foretells the suffering of Christ, calling us to place our trust in Him even in the most difficult moments of our lives.

The second reading reminds us of the essence of Christian living: to empty ourselves and detach from worldly things, just as Christ did.

In reflecting on today’s Gospel, Bishop Romie-Jun highlighted two key relationships: Our relationship with our friends and enemies. Friendships rooted in Christ can withstand trials and challenges. When Christ is the foundation, even strained or tested relationships can endure and grow stronger.  On our enemies, +Bp. Romie reminds us that as Christians, we are called not to repay hatred with hatred, but to love and bless those who oppose us. Through continued love and grace, we become instruments of God’s mercy, leading even our enemies closer to Christ.

Let this Holy Week be a time of healing, reflection, and renewal—of drawing nearer to God and to one another in the spirit of Christ’s self-giving love.

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

Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment

5th Sunday in Lent- April 6, 2025

First Reading: Isaiah 43:16-21

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 126

Second Reading: Philippians 3: 8-14

Gospel Reading: John 8:2-11

Homily by +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa

In this Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us that mercy always triumphs over judgment. He emphasized that God carries out His judgment through His compassion.

The Old Testament reading encourages us to focus on the present moment, trust in God’s power, and avoid being overly concerned about the future or dwelling on past sorrows. The New Testament reading teaches that everything else pales in comparison to the infinite value of knowing Jesus. Although we face suffering during transitions, God is always with us in the midst of our pain.

The Gospel calls us to embrace transformation in our spiritual journey. Rather than judging the sins of others, we are urged to reflect on our own shortcomings and surrender them to God. Lent is a season of introspection, offering us the chance to extend compassion to others and help them overcome their struggles with sin. Let us use this opportunity to grow spiritually by showing mercy and offering support to those around us.

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

God is a Loving Father

4th Sunday of Lent- March 30, 2025

First Reading: Joshua 5:2-12

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:17-20

Gospel Reading: Luke 15:11-24, 25-32

Homily by +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa

In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us that God is a loving Father. He is always in pursuit of His people, continually working to reconcile us to Himself. God desires to renew our lives and guide us to live in His ways, so that we may share in His divine life.

The Gospel presents the parable of a loving father, showing that, no matter the negative thoughts we may have about God, He remains a constant and loving Father. God’s love for us is not based on what we do, but on who we are. You are never so far from God that He could not reach you. May the story of the Prodigal Son push us to reflect on the Goodness of God.

Before ending his sermon, +Bp. Romie sings to us a snippet from the song, “Never My Love” by The Association.

“You ask me if there’ll come a time when I grow tired of you. Never My love.” 

This is a perfect picture of how much the Father loves us.

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

Repentance: Choosing to be with God

3rd Sunday in Lent – March 23, 2025

First Reading: Isaiah 55:1-9

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 103:2-4; 5&7; 11-13

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-12

Gospel Reading: Luke 13:1-9

Homily by +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa

In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us that repentance is not just about turning away from sin; it’s about choosing to be with God. The first reading tells us that repentance isn’t only about leaving God behind, but about finishing the journey He has set for us. We face struggles because we choose to deny ourselves, carry our cross, and follow Jesus. We need to get rid of distractions and focus on God.

The Gospel reminds us that God is so good He has already made a way for us to follow. He is not quick to anger and is not scared of our sins. Even though He knows our sins, He still invites us to serve Him. God wants to be our friend. The way to grow closer to Him is by living our best lives, turning back to Him, and always choosing Him so He can guide us to greatness.

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

Walk in the Path of God

1st Sunday in Lent – March 9, 2025

First Reading: Deuteronomy 26:1-11

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 91:1-3; 4-5; 14-16

Second Reading: Romans 10:6b-13

Gospel Reading: Luke 4:1-13

Homily by +Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa

In his Sunday Mass Homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun reminded us to walk in the path that God has prepared for each of us. The season of Lent calls us to refocus our hearts on God, inviting us to leave behind old habits and devote ourselves more fully to Him.

God leads us into our own wilderness to teach and transform us. Yet, along the way, we face temptations that can draw us away from the path He has set for us—the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life.

To overcome these temptations, Jesus has given us the commands to fast, give, and pray. We are called to spend extra time in prayer to humble our hearts, to fast from the desires of the flesh, and to give to others in order to overcome the lust of the eyes. Through these acts, we grow closer to God and stronger in our faith.

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

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!