God Walks with You

web-admin April 19, 2026

God Walks with You

In this Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael in Kalibo, Bishop Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us of a powerful truth: God walks with you, the heart of today’s Gospel.

At times, we miss what God asks of us because we choose a different direction. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we sometimes walk away from where God calls us to be. However, even when we take the wrong path, the Lord still comes near and walks with you. He meets us where we are, embracing us with all our flaws and struggles. God loves us as we are, yet He also invites us to grow. He never leaves us; instead, He stays beside us and gently transforms us through His grace.

Moreover, Bishop Peñalosa emphasized the importance of attending church every Sunday. Knowing God through His Word is essential, but it is not enough. We encounter His love and mercy most deeply in the Holy Eucharist. In the Gospel, Jesus revealed Himself when He broke the bread before the disciples. In the same way, although we do not see Him physically, we meet Him in Holy Communion and come to recognize His presence in our lives.

Finally, he encouraged us to take part in the mission as a way of living out God’s love. Walk with those who cannot come to church. Listen to their struggles and share in their journey. In doing so, they will experience Jesus through you—just as the disciples encountered Him on the road. Indeed, wherever we go, God walks with you, calling us to walk with others as well.

Third Sunday of Easter- April 19, 2026

First Proclamation: Acts 2:29-36
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 116
Second Proclamation: 1 Peter 1:13-21
Gospel Proclamation: Luke 24:13-35

God’s Peace is a Gift

web-admin April 12, 2026

God’s Peace is a Gift

In this Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, Fr. Erel Villanueva reminded us of a powerful truth: God’s Peace is a Gift.

Today’s Gospel clearly shows that God’s Peace is a Gift freely given to us. From it, we can learn three important things about this gift of peace.

Peace Begins Within

First, God’s Peace is a Gift that begins internally. We often worry whenever problems arise in our lives. However, we are called to turn inward and receive the peace that God offers. This peace assures us that He remains with us even in the midst of difficulties. Therefore, we must cultivate the mindset that Jesus is alive and present, so we can face our struggles with calmness and trust.

Peace is Rooted in Forgiveness

Second, God’s Peace is a Gift rooted in forgiveness. After Jesus was crucified, the disciples hid in fear, locking themselves away to avoid those who opposed Him. We also sometimes lock the doors of our hearts because of guilt, fear, or pain. Yet, we are invited to open those doors and surrender everything to the Lord, trusting that God has already forgiven us for our sins. In turn, we must also forgive others, just as Jesus has forgiven us. Moreover, just as Jesus renewed and commissioned His disciples, He now calls us to become modern-day disciples- sharing the Good News to others.

Peace Grows Through Trust

Finally, God’s Peace is a Gift that grows through our trust in Him. True peace flows from a deep and abiding trust in God. When we strengthen our faith, we learn to rely on Him in every situation. As a result, we can face life’s challenges with confidence, knowing that God walks with us and fights for us. By fully surrendering to Him, we allow His peace to fill our hearts.

Receiving the Gift of Peace

In the end, God’s Peace is a Gift—an assurance of His presence, a grace rooted in forgiveness, and a fruit of trusting Him completely. Therefore, if we truly want to grow in faith, we must first receive and nurture this gift of peace within our hearts.

Second Sunday of Easter- April 12, 2026

First Proclamation: Acts 2:22-28
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 16
Second Proclamation: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Gospel Proclamation: John 20:19-31

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

Clothe Yourself with God’s Glory and Power

web-admin April 5, 2026

Clothe Yourself with God’s Glory and Power

In this Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa calls us to clothe ourselves with God’s Glory and Power.

He reflects on a detail from the Resurrection: the neatly folded linen cloth left in the empty tomb. The cloth that had covered Jesus’ body lay separately from the handkerchief that had wrapped His head.

First, the linen connects to the practice of the High Priests in the Old Testament. Only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies to offer sacrifice for the people’s sins. After completing the atonement, he removed his vestments. In the same way, Jesus, through His Resurrection—has fully atoned for our sins. The tomb becomes a temple, and through His blood, He brings us salvation.

Second, the folded linen serves as evidence of the Resurrection. At that time, false claims spread that the disciples had stolen Jesus’ body by His disciples. However, the orderly arrangement of the burial cloths, witnessed by Peter and John—clearly points to the truth: Jesus truly rose from the dead.

Finally, the linen invites a deeper spiritual reflection. When Jesus rose, He left behind garments made by human hands and was clothed instead in the Glory of God. In the same way, we are called to leave behind worldly attachments and clothe ourselves with God’s Glory and Power.

Therefore, as followers of Christ, we must put on the full armor of God: the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace, the Shield of Faith, and the Helmet of Salvation. God sent His Son to redeem us, so let us set our minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Now, the question remains: What garments will you wear? Will you choose the clothing of God’s glory and power, or the passing things of this world?

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

Holy Week: Focus on Inward Reality.

web-admin March 29, 2026

Holy Week: Focus on Inward Reality.

In this Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us that this Holy Week: Focus on the Inner Reality.

Today, we celebrate Palm Sunday. In ancient times, processions with branches symbolized a king returning home victorious from battle. Similarly, as Jesus approached Jerusalem, people welcomed Him with palm branches. As we commemorate this day, many of us observe rituals with blessed palms—placing them on windows, doors, or altars to ward off harm. However, this Holy Week: Focus on the Inner Reality calls us to go beyond rituals and symbols. Instead, we must allow Jesus to enter our hearts, remembering that He brings love, justice, and peace.

In today’s Passion Gospel, two significant moments appear three times. First, Jesus prays, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.” Though He prays repeatedly, the Father does not take away His suffering. Likewise, there are moments when God seems silent in our prayers. Therefore, we must reevaluate how we pray and learn to depend more deeply on His grace each day.

Second, Peter denies Jesus three times. Indeed, none of us can claim to love perfectly as Jesus did, for in many ways, we also deny Him. While we may not deny Him in words, our actions often do—especially when we refuse to forgive. When we reject a neighbor who has wronged us, we also turn away from Christ.

Thus, this Holy Week: Focus on the Inner Reality invites us to look within—to renew our prayer, to trust in God’s will, and to stop denying Jesus. Instead, may we repent and sincerely lament our sins.

Theme: “We are committed to encourage people to pray because our Lord Jesus Christ never gives up on us.

First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9
Psalm 31:9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15
Second Reading: Philippians 2:5-11
Gospel Reading: Matthew 21:1-17

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

God’s Delay is not God’s Denial

web-admin March 22, 2026

God’s Delay is not God’s Denial

In this Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, Fr. Erel Villanueva emphasized a powerful truth: God’s delay is not God’s denial. From the outset, he reminded the faithful that God always works according to His time, His will, and His purpose—not ours. Therefore, we must learn to develop patience as we wait for Him to fulfill our deepest desires.

In the Gospel, Martha expressed her belief that Lazarus would rise again in the resurrection. However, Jesus redirected her understanding by declaring that He Himself is the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in Him will live and will never die. Through this, Jesus revealed that His power is not limited to the future but is present here and now.

Likewise, this message applies directly to us. We must believe in what Jesus can do, even when His timing differs from our expectations. In today’s fast-paced world, we often crave instant results—even in our prayers. Yet God invites us to trust and remain faithful. Indeed, God’s delay is not God’s denial; rather, it is an opportunity for us to grow in faith.

Furthermore, Jesus’ resurrection is not just a past event; it remains ever-present—alive in the past, active in the present, and certain in the future. Because of this, we can face life with hope and confidence. Every problem we encounter comes with God’s grace and solution.

Ultimately, those who truly believe in Jesus should not lose hope. Instead, they must remain faithful and become doers of His Word. As we continue our journey, may we always remember: God’s delay is not God’s denial, but His loving way of preparing something greater.

Fifth Sunday of Lent – March 22, 2026

First Proclamation: Ezekiel 37:1-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 130
Second Proclamation: Romans 8:8-11
Gospel Proclamation: John 11:18-27

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

See Jesus’ Light and Love

web-admin March 15, 2026

See Jesus’ Light and Love

In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Parish in Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded the faithful to See the Light and Love of Jesus in their daily lives.

First of all, miracles begin to happen when we truly listen to God. Today’s Gospel highlights this powerful lesson through the story of the man born blind. In this encounter, we are reminded that God intentionally seeks a relationship with us. He knows every detail of our struggles and understands what is best for us. More importantly, God looks upon us with mercy and compassion. Therefore, every time we listen to His voice and follow His Word, miracles unfold in our lives.

During this Lenten season, we are especially invited to make time and space to listen to God more deeply. When we listen and faithfully act on what He says, not only do miracles occur, but something even greater happens. We begin to See the Light and Love of Jesus more clearly. Like the man who was once blind, we receive the grace to see what God sees. Indeed, the greatest miracle is the opening of our physical and spiritual eyes so that we may recognize God even in the midst of our struggles.

Furthermore, Bishop Peñalosa emphasized that we need two important lights in life: the Light of Truth and the Light of Love. The Light of Truth allows us to recognize Christ, who sees beyond appearances and looks into the heart. Meanwhile, the Light of Love empowers us to love others as God loves us.

Finally, he concluded with the message of 1 John 2:9–11, encouraging everyone to walk in the light—with truth, humility, and love—as we continue to See the Light and Love of Jesus.

Fourth Sunday of Lent – March 15, 2026

First Proclamation: I Samuel 16: 1-7
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23
Second Proclamation: Ephesians 5: 1-10
Gospel Proclamation: John 9:1-11

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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