Podcast: Cathedral Church of Saint Michael Kalibo Sermons

Love Compels Us To Act Upon His Word

July 10, 2022

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time – July, 10 2022

Theme: Love Compels Us To Act Upon His Word

First Reading: Deutoronomy 30:9-14

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 25:4-14

Second Reading: Colossians 1:13-20

Gospel Reading: Luke 10:25-37

Homily by Fr. Erel Villanueva

Today’s Gospel shows us that everyday is an opportunity to do mission anytime and anywhere. We do this by exercising our faith through applying the word in our daily lives with love.

The lawyer asked Jesus how to receive eternal life. Jesus direct him to what the Bible says – to love God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind, and loving our neighbors as ourselves. This is the same question asked by the rich young ruler and Jesus answered to go and sell all his possession and follow Him. Jesus answered them to put their faith in action. It means that we should not only trust and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior but we should also live out our salvation. This is best expressed in our application of the principles of God in our daily and practical lives. If we really believe in Jesus, then our faith must have visible fruits.

These priests and scribes represent Christians who hear the word but did not do anything to help the wounded man; their faith had no equivalent action/works. They may have reasons, alibis, or excuses.  Maybe to them, it would be costly to do so…but it is more costly not to. The true love of God will always lead us to find ways. The Samaritan, on the other hand, may be someone who rarely hears the word or goes to church, but he showed compassion and care for the wounded man. He even let somebody else take care of him at his expense. Like God the Father who saw His creation go down the tube to hell because of sin, He had compassion on us and sent His Son to die and save us, all in Christ’s expense.

The love of God compels us to do something about the problem, not just by sympathizing or feeling sorry for the distress of others but by doing something or contributing to the solution in the best way we can.

Along the road of our everyday journey, people who need help will come to us. They are our neighbors regardless who they are and what they need. God sent them to us as an object of our compassion and love. It is an opportunity to apply our faith and live out our salvation here on earth. Since we only pass this way once, why not be a Good Samaritan? Jesus showed us how, then let’s continue doing it likewise.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stmichaelkalibo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saintmichaelkalibo
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/141718362@N07/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/104587191745272872189
Tumblr: http://saintmichaelkalibo.tumblr.com/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/stmichaelkalibo/
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/saintmichaelkalibo/
Blogger: http://saintmichaelkalibo.blogspot.com/
iTunes Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/ph/podcast/cathedral-church-saint-michael/id1139105076
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DiiezN2MKXqq8OX7pvhaZ

Empowered to Manifest God’s Dominion

July 3, 2022

14th  Sunday in Ordinary Time – July 3, 2022

Theme: Empowered to Manifest God’s Dominion

First Reading: Isaiah 66:10-16

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 66:1-7

Second Reading: Galatians 6:12–18

Gospel Reading: Luke 10:1-3; 17-20

Homily by Fr. Romie- Jun Peñalosa

Last Sunday’s Gospel taught us about discipleship, how it is important in the works of God’s kingdom. Today, Father Jun emphasizes the significance of “apostleship” in order to manifest the kingdom. We are all called to become disciples and apostles. An apostle is someone who is sent out by his master to do an errand or a mission. So, in coming to Jesus, He also sends us out on a mission.

The Gospel reading today points out the following for us to realize and remember:

  1. When we go on a mission, we need to go as a community. Why?
    • It teaches us the necessity of concord among teachers of righteousness
    • “In the mouth of two witnesses, it shall be established”
    • The work is very difficult that we need each other’s support. Alone, we cannot fulfil the work of God.
  1. Prayer is very important in our mission. It is a necessity because the work is really great and difficult and it could not be accomplished without much prayer. Jesus himself commanded us to pray because He knew that the work for the kingdom is beyond our ability and capacity. We need to become a house of prayer first before becoming a house of mission.
  1. Focus on what Christ has done for you. Jesus has already defeated Satan when He died on the cross for us. The supremacy and authority that Christ has given to us when He sends us out for a mission is much greater than the enemy’s authority over us. Focus on the grace not on the gifts when doing the mission. Rejoice on what God has done for us, not what you have done for His kingdom.

We who are laboring in the kingdom must pray fervently and need to focus more in doing the work. As we pray for more laborers to do the harvest, let us be the answer to our own prayer. We should not be afraid to go out on a mission. Instead, we should walk confidently knowing God is at our back. We need to have a trusting heart and appropriate attitude in carrying out our mission. Let us always remember and focus on what Christ has done for us so that we will not be spiritually and emotionally elated that we become proud of our talents and abilities and forget God’s greatness. Our accomplishments, our privileges, our titles must not be the source of happiness when doing God’s works.  Our joy must come in the truth that Jesus died on the cross and has given us a name written with Him. We should rejoice that God knows our name and when our appointed time comes, when we have finished His works, we can go home to the Lord.

Recap by:

MERCY DE LA CRUZ-ESPIRITU

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stmichaelkalibo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saintmichaelkalibo
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/141718362@N07/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/104587191745272872189
Tumblr: http://saintmichaelkalibo.tumblr.com/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/stmichaelkalibo/
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/saintmichaelkalibo/
Blogger: http://saintmichaelkalibo.blogspot.com/
iTunes Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/ph/podcast/cathedral-church-saint-michael/id1139105076
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DiiezN2MKXqq8OX7pvhaZ

CEC Foundation Day – Understanding the Urgency of God’s Work

June 26, 2022

CEC Foundation Day

Theme: Understanding The Urgency Of God’s Work

First Reading: 1 Kings 19:15-16

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 16:1-11

Second Reading: Galatians 5:19-25

Gospel Reading: Luke 9:51-62

Homily by Fr. Romie Jun Peñalosa

“What we do in the church is reflective of the work being done in the Kingdom of God.”

Today is the ICCEC Foundation Day and we highlight it by giving our foundation offering for use in the different CEC churches. Father Jun reminded us that the church is involved in the mission of not only preaching the gospel to the world but also “Making visible the void.” This means that in our lives; the Word must be evident, it should be seen in our daily life.

Points to remember in today’s Gospel:

  1. The work of the Kingdom is so important that we need to give utmost attention to it. Everything that is assigned to us, everything in the work in the Kingdom is very important to God. “Walang maliit na bagay pagdating sa Diyos.” It may not be important in the eyes of people, but not in the eyes of God especially if it is for the work of His kingdom.
  2. The work of the Kingdom is so urgent, that we need to give immediate response. Remember, our life here on earth has an end. The moment we were born here, our clock started to tick for our countdown. We often think we have a lifetime here, but if you really think about it, our time is limited. In the Kingdom of God, we don’t have the luxury of time, therefore we need to respond always with urgency in fulfilling His works. Pay attention, do not delay, and respond immediately. Even Jesus has shown this to us, He focused, He never allowed His emotions to distract Him and continued on His mission with urgency.

The following are the common hindrances that prevent us from responding immediately whenever God calls us to work for Him. First, our attachment to comfort and convenience. To follow Christ is not about living a life of convenience and comfort. Do not wait for the most convenient time to do what God wants you to do. Second hindrance is our wrong priorities. When we receive Christ in our lives, set your mind on Him already. He should be the most important in your life. Third hindrance is our willingness to break ties. Break ties with people, with past and other things that will hinder you. Be ready to let go. Let us not be distracted by too much attachment with people or things that hinder us in acting immediately to God. God knows exactly and understands what we’re going through when we need to sacrifice certain things in order to do His works. Know that by prioritizing what God asked you to do, He is preparing something greater for us for there is no “little matter” in His kingdom.

We also need to remember that when we do work for the Kingdom of God, we should not allow our emotions, our personal grievances, our pride and ego to deter us in doing the works of God. Attitude is everything when doing the works of God. Having the wrong attitude will only disqualify us in doing what God wanted for His kingdom. The work of God is personal, but it should not be done individually; it should pave the way for us to work together and foster spirituality.

Recap by:

MERCY DE LA CRUZ-ESPIRITU

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stmichaelkalibo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saintmichaelkalibo
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/141718362@N07/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/104587191745272872189
Tumblr: http://saintmichaelkalibo.tumblr.com/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/stmichaelkalibo/
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/saintmichaelkalibo/
Blogger: http://saintmichaelkalibo.blogspot.com/
iTunes Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/ph/podcast/cathedral-church-saint-michael/id1139105076
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DiiezN2MKXqq8OX7pvhaZ

Faith that Overcomes the Storm

June 19, 2022

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time – June 19, 2022

First Reading: Isaiah 65:1-9

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 40:1-11

Second Reading: Galatians 3:23-29

Gospel Reading: Luke 8:22-25

Homily by Fr. Jun Peñalosa

“Do not worry, everything is going to be fine.” This was a statement of conviction uttered by Father Jun as he shared a story of what happened to one of his travel experiences where the airplane encountered turbulence in the air. A threat of death was in front of him, but he was assured it was not yet his time

Relating this in today’s gospel reading, “All of us will experience a storm in our life.” Not just natural storms, but storms brought by life itself. For as Jesus said, while we are in the world, we will have tribulations.

But the issue here is not about the storm, but how do we respond to the storm. No one is exempted. Rich or poor, educated or not, man or woman… everyone will come to a point where they will be facing a storm in their life. Even our Lord Jesus who lives in perfect obedience to God faced the greatest storm, His dying on the cross! But how should we respond to things beyond our control? The parable of the sower taught by Jesus to his disciples teaches us the right response when facing a storm if our life. After hearing the word of God, 1)receive it with all your heart, 2) retain it in your mind, 3) persevere and persist it to have fruit in your life. Every time we receive teachings from the Lord, it is always followed by testing. Storms always come at times you least expect. And Father Jun taught us the three dimensions of the storm:

  1. Physical storm (a crisis that happens in our life, financial breakdown, and losses, friends rejection and betrayal, families torn apart, sickness, etc.)
  2. Mental and emotional storm (fear, anger, anxiety, depression, etc)
  3. Spiritual storm (questioning the principles of God, scriptures become insignificant, promises of God become vague, etc.)

No matter how hard and how long the storm is – it has an end. Only those who persevere in the word will receive the blessing.

Storms expose our foundation. We begin to see and know ourselves when we are subjected to trials. Our faith overcomes whatever storms that come into our life. We should not fear the storm but instead, we should be terrified of Him who commands the storm.

Recap by:

MERCY DE LA CRUZ-ESPIRITU

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stmichaelkalibo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saintmichaelkalibo
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/141718362@N07/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/104587191745272872189
Tumblr: http://saintmichaelkalibo.tumblr.com/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/stmichaelkalibo/
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/saintmichaelkalibo/
Blogger: http://saintmichaelkalibo.blogspot.com/
iTunes Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/ph/podcast/cathedral-church-saint-michael/id1139105076
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DiiezN2MKXqq8OX7pvhaZ

Feast of the Holy Trinity – June 12, 2022

June 12, 2022

Feast of the Holy Trinity

First Reading: Isaiah 59:15-21

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 29

Second Reading: Romans 5:1-5

Gospel Reading: John 16:5-15

Homily by Fr. Erel Villanueva

Today we celebrate of the doctrine of the Catholic Faith, The Feast of the Holy Trinity. It always happens after Pentecost – the coming of the Holy Spirit who is the third person in the Trinity. It’s in the doctrine that there are three divine persons in One God. There are three but One. Like human beings with spirit and soul in one body. Different functions but working harmoniously in unity and in love. The God the Father for the Creation, The Son for the Redemption, and The Holy Spirit for the sanctification. It’s a mystery and yes, maybe its way is incomprehensible yet could be experienced and lived out if we approach it with faith and with guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Our faith in the Trinity is expressed in our creed both the Apostolic and Nicene Creed. We make the sign of the cross; we always start and end our prayers and masses with it. We can’t find the word Trinity in the Bible but this doctrine of Trinity is implicit or implied in the scriptures such as blessing in 2 Cor.13:13, for baptism in Mt. 28:19, as our witness in heaven in 1 John 5:7 and many others.

But what I want to emphasize is since we believe in the doctrine of the Blessed Trinity and we were created in their image, then we are encouraged to live and work like them.

First, we should have what The Trinity has in common –  love. Like in our salvation. Our salvation is a result of the love of the Father, the Sacrificial love of the Son, and the assurance of God’s love poured out in our heart by the Holy Spirit. Everything The Trinity does is motivated by love.

Second, that love in them makes them work in harmony and unity. The Holy Spirit will not speak of His own but He will declare what He hears from the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit works in coordination with the entire Godhead, John 16:13-14. They work as a team in perfect oneness and collaboration.

The irony of this is that in the world today, there is violence, discrimination, and injustice. In the church, it’s division, selfishness, competition and comparison.  These are  contrary to what we profess, that we believed in the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. Why is it like this? It is because we don’t believe and practice the love of the Father, the humility and obedience of the Son and the wisdom and companionship with the Holy Spirit. May our celebration today remind us of who and what we are in our union with the Triune God. May the grace of the Lord Jesus and the Love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all 2 Cor.13:14.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stmichaelkalibo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saintmichaelkalibo
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/141718362@N07/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/104587191745272872189
Tumblr: http://saintmichaelkalibo.tumblr.com/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/stmichaelkalibo/
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/saintmichaelkalibo/
Blogger: http://saintmichaelkalibo.blogspot.com/
iTunes Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/ph/podcast/cathedral-church-saint-michael/id1139105076
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DiiezN2MKXqq8OX7pvhaZ

Feast of Pentecost 2022

June 5, 2022

Feast of Pentecost

First Reading: Acts 2: 1- 7

Psalm Reading: Psalm 104

Second Reading: Romans 8: 14- 17

Gospel Reading: John 15: 20- 27

Homily by Fr. Romie Jun Peñalosa

The season of Pentecost is about celebrating the coming of the Holy Spirit as promised by Jesus before His ascension. Today’s gospel however, talks about persecution. Why? One of the works that the Holy Spirit would do for us is to make us partake and share in the inheritance of Jesus. Whatever Jesus inherits from the Father, we also inherit. Second reading today talks about us being co-heirs of Christ.

But church, we need to understand that as co-heirs, we do not share or partake only of the blessings, of joy, of peace…but we also inherit the totality of the life of Christ, including His sufferings.

Christianity is not a religion for comfort. It does not offer an easy and comfortable life. It offers holiness of life! And when you begin to live a holy life, this is where the trouble starts. Why? Jesus Himself talks of the world we are living in right now, a world who hates God. Because Jesus testifies the truth about God, the world hates Him. And if the world hated Jesus, do not expect a life of honor and acceptance in a world where your master was despised and crucified.

Jesus said, “A servant is not above his master.” Meaning, whatever Christ went through in life, we are going to go through also, perhaps in different ways. We may not all be nailed and crucified, but we all have our own cross to bear every day. He also said, “That while we are in this world, we will have tribulations”. But He does not end His statement here…for He promised to send us a “Helper” to accompany us always. Jesus knew exactly how difficult life will be for us. For He himself was the first one to carry out the mission. And what is it? To go out into the world, bring the truth, and testify about how God loves the world.

In all the difficulties, in all the trials we will be going through, it is impossible for us to be alone because of the presence of the Holy Spirit in our life. The Holy Spirit testifies the truth about Jesus, just as Jesus bore witness and testified the truth about God. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to always bring us to Jesus in order that we can carry out our mission. He (Holy Spirit) will immerse us and baptize us in Jesus that we may become one in the love of God. And the love of God that is in Christ will empower us to do everything and overcome whatever obstacles in doing what God us wants us to do.

The love of Christ propels us to do something beyond our capacity. The fire which descended upon the disciples is a symbolic burning of Christ’s love. And the same fire, when we keep it lit inside our heart, will keep us burning in the love of Christ and will let us do everything for the love of Christ.

We are all called for a mission. Let us not be afraid to go out and testify the truth of Jesus and the love of God for the world. We may not all have the supernatural power, nor gifts of the Holy Spirit; but we have the HOLY SPIRIT that lives and operates in our life!

Recap by:

MERCY DE LA CRUZ-ESPIRITU

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stmichaelkalibo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saintmichaelkalibo
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/141718362@N07/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/104587191745272872189
Tumblr: http://saintmichaelkalibo.tumblr.com/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/stmichaelkalibo/
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/saintmichaelkalibo/
Blogger: http://saintmichaelkalibo.blogspot.com/
iTunes Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/ph/podcast/cathedral-church-saint-michael/id1139105076
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DiiezN2MKXqq8OX7pvhaZ

 

Resurrected Christ, Uniting Us To Himself and With One Another

May 29, 2022

Seventh Sunday of Easter

Theme : Resurrected Christ, Uniting Us To Himself and With One Another

First Reading: Acts 16:16-19

Psalm Reading: Psalm 98

Second Reading: Revelation 22:12-17

Gospel Reading: John 17:20-26

Homily by Fr. Romie Jun Peñalosa

The Gospel readings from the last three Sundays tells us the lasts messages of Jesus Christ to His disciples before He ascended to heaven. He gave His disciples a command to love one another as He loved them, then He gave them the gift of peace – not as the world gives but as He gives.

In today’s gospel, Jesus is not just teaching, but He is praying for His disciples. What a marvelous beauty knowing God himself is praying for them-“that you will be one”. See, unity is always in the heart of God. It is essential; so important that Jesus prayed for it. He did not pray for their success nor their prosperity; but for them to become one.

As people of God, it is so essential to unite and become one, for we are on a mission to bring the Gospel to the world. We need to reflect on this every day because sometimes, we neglect the things that are really important. Our minds oftentimes focus on little and minor things, which make us forget the important ones – and here, Jesus prayed for it!

As a church, we need to understand that unity is essential in our life; we need to fight for it, pray for it, and give emphasis in living out unity. Jesus’ prayer is not only for His disciples, but for all who would believe in Him through their message. He was not only praying for them at that time, but for all the church throughout the history of the world. Unity is important, because our mission will be in vain unless the world can see in us that Jesus is Christ whom God sent to the world.

When we begin to walk together in unity, not only the world will believe that Jesus was sent by God, but the world would even begin to believe that God loves them. Love is the foundation and the bond that brings us together. “Love causes us to crave for unity.” Unity is not our work; it is the work of God in our lives. So, what are we going to do as His people? We need to preserve it by continuing to immerse ourselves in the love of Christ. Our work, is not to bring unity; it is the work of the Holy Spirit. It is a supernatural power only God can accomplish – the bringing of us into one. We can only preserve and move within what the Holy Spirit is doing for us!

And what is the focal point of our unity? We need to look up on Christ. When we begin to see Him in everything in our lives, despite all the differences, then we begin to perceive that indeed, we are one.

The Cathedral Church of St. Michael is a church on a mission. We are to go out into the world, to proclaim the Good News. We need to continually immerse in Christ that the world may perceive Him in us!

Recap by:

MERCY DE LA CRUZ-ESPIRITU

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stmichaelkalibo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saintmichaelkalibo
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/141718362@N07/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/104587191745272872189
Tumblr: http://saintmichaelkalibo.tumblr.com/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/stmichaelkalibo/
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/saintmichaelkalibo/
Blogger: http://saintmichaelkalibo.blogspot.com/
iTunes Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/ph/podcast/cathedral-church-saint-michael/id1139105076
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DiiezN2MKXqq8OX7pvhaZ

 

Resurrected Christ, Gives Us True Peace That No Other Can

May 22, 2022

Sixth Sunday of Easter

First Reading: Acts 16:9-15

Psalm Reading: Psalm 67

Second Reading: Revelation 21:1-2, 22-27

Gospel Reading: John 14:23-29

Homily by Fr. Romie Jun Peñalosa

This season of Easter, let us rejoice in the knowledge that Christ has been resurrected from the dead and brought us newness of life. This newness of life means not only walking in love, but also living in peace.

We need to understand that this new life God has given us is a life where we can experience true peace. This peace surpasses all problems, conflicts and circumstances of life. Perfect peace comes from God and this is seen and lived in a new life.

So, how do we live out that newness of life? How do we live out the love of God in our life? Keep the word of God.  “The man who keeps the word of God will keep his mind focused on God always and will allow him to experience the love of God.”

The kind of peace that Christ brought us is not circumstantial. It does not depend on the circumstances of the world. It does not mean the absence of problems and conflicts. We can see this in the life of Christ, where every day in His ministry, He was bombarded by so many problems, enemies kept on attacking Him,  storms came along His way… yet even in that storm He slept peacefully.  Knowing that God loves us- there’s always peace in our heart.

Further, Father Jun quoted the following tips from Primate Dick on how to keep the word of God.

  1. Meditate on His words. To meditate means not just to read but keep on thinking about what He said.
  2. Confess the word. Speak the word every day. Align your thoughts to the thoughts of God.
  3. Do the word. As often as possible, do what He is telling you.

“The effort comes from us, but the ability to keep the word of God comes from the Holy Spirit.”

So let us not be afraid of how difficult the work is and how big the storm is along the way. For God promised a great Helper for us who gives true and perfect peace!

 

Recap by:

MERCY DE LA CRUZ-ESPIRITU

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stmichaelkalibo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saintmichaelkalibo
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/141718362@N07/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/104587191745272872189
Tumblr: http://saintmichaelkalibo.tumblr.com/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/stmichaelkalibo/
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/saintmichaelkalibo/
Blogger: http://saintmichaelkalibo.blogspot.com/
iTunes Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/ph/podcast/cathedral-church-saint-michael/id1139105076
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DiiezN2MKXqq8OX7pvhaZ

 

Resurrected Christ, Commands Us To Love One Another

May 15, 2022

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Theme: Resurrected Christ, Commands Us To Love One Another

First Reading: Acts 13: 44-52

Psalm Reading: Psalm 145

Second Reading: Revelation 21: 1-6

Gospel Reading: John 13:3 1-35

Homily by Fr. Erel Villanueva

Jesus in Chapter 13 is giving His last instructions to His disciples for He knows that the time has come for His departure though death on the cross. He had talked about His betrayal, He had washed their feet (symbol of servanthood) and instituted the Last Supper (Eucharist). He had stressed that His death would give glory to the Father for the Father would glorify Him in His sacrificial death in obedience to His father’s will.
He had given them a new commandment to love another. Not disregarding the old love commandment to love the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind, and loving our neighbor as ourselves, but bringing it to a higher level. To love one another not the way they love themselves but love one another the way Jesus loves them. This will be the barometer. If they can’t love one another as disciples, how they can love other people outside the church?
What type of love does the Lord Jesus show to His disciples?
1. Forgiving Love. In this chapter, Jesus knows His death in the cross is near. He knows Judas will betray Him, Peter will deny Him, and most of them will abandon Him. But He still extended His love to them by forgiving them even before they had committed the sin. He washed their feet and ate together with them in the Last Supper. He even restored them after His resurrection to their original calling and never changed His plans for them. What a love!
2.Serving Love. Washing their feet was an act of humble service. It take humility to serve and help one another. This kind of attitude will eliminate comparison and competition which causes friction and disunity among them. Instead, it will promote a healthy relationship and working environment.
3. Sacrificial Love. Are we willing to lay down our lives to others as He did? This is about thinking of what is good to others before self, ready to give way and relinquish his right for the sake of others.
If they carry out this commandment to love one another the way He instructed them, then all men will know that they are truly His disciples. Our love for one another is the evidence that Christ is in us, not because we carry Bibles or we have crucifix necklaces. It is a living demonstration of the life of God and life with in the kingdom of God.
By Fr. Erel Villanueva

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stmichaelkalibo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saintmichaelkalibo
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/141718362@N07/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/104587191745272872189
Tumblr: http://saintmichaelkalibo.tumblr.com/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/stmichaelkalibo/
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/saintmichaelkalibo/
Blogger: http://saintmichaelkalibo.blogspot.com/
iTunes Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/ph/podcast/cathedral-church-saint-michael/id1139105076
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DiiezN2MKXqq8OX7pvhaZ

Resurrected Good Shepherd, Follow His Voice

May 8, 2022

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Theme : Resurrected Good Shepherd, Follow His Voice

 First Reading: Acts 13:26-39

Psalm Reading: Psalm 23

Second Reading: Revelation 7: 9-14

Gospel Reading: John 10:22-30

Homily by Fr. Andy Ilustre

The Good Shepherd is willing to lay down His own life for the sheep. We learn how the shepherd’s voice identifies which sheep belongs to the shepherd.

Our identity as His sheep is just as clearly demonstrated in what we do. Our job is to follow Him, and the only way we can follow Him is to listen to His voice. The way we act tells the world who Jesus is. The things we do and say tell the world who Jesus is, and also the things we do and say tell the world who we are, and whose voice we obey.

When we hear Him and follow Him, Jesus claims us as His own. He does more than call to us, He does more than know us by name. He gives us eternal life and a promise that no one can snatch us out of His hand.

OUR JOB IS TO FOLLOW HIM.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stmichaelkalibo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saintmichaelkalibo
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/141718362@N07/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/104587191745272872189
Tumblr: http://saintmichaelkalibo.tumblr.com/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/stmichaelkalibo/
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/saintmichaelkalibo/
Blogger: http://saintmichaelkalibo.blogspot.com/
iTunes Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/ph/podcast/cathedral-church-saint-michael/id1139105076
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DiiezN2MKXqq8OX7pvhaZ

Resurrected Christ, Restores Our Hope

May 1, 2022

Third Sunday of Easter

Theme : Resurrected Christ, Restores Our Hope

First Reading: Acts 9: 1-16

Psalm Reading: Psalm 30

Second Reading: Revelations :11-13

Gospel Reading: John 21:1-14

Homily by Fr. Erel Villanueva

TRANSFORMED AND RESTORED TO SERVE THE LORD

In one resurrection appearance, our Risen Lord instructed the ladies to tell His disciples to see Him at sea of Galilee . His purpose was to restore their shattered faith and confidence, to give them a fresh look at their mission and calling, and to assure them of His willingness to keep working with them, that He is not yet finished with them.

He will meet them at Sea of Tiberias better known as Sea of Galilee. This where it all started and where they had witnessed the power of God in action, the calming of the storm surge, walking in the water, feeding the thousands and more. May their recollection of this past events remind them of their original calling. That is why this is where He also wanted to tell them, “I am Jesus and I am Risen.

In their failure to catch fish, He demonstrated His power as they trusted and obeyed His instruction, proving that He is the Creator of the universe including the fish.

Then at last, they recognized Him. He invited them for breakfast, a sign of restored relationship. The fish and bread symbolizes the covenant meal. There, I believe, their spiritual eyes and hearts were opened. In their encounter with the Risen Lord and in the breaking of the bread, they were transformed and restored to serve the Lord.

Their faith was rekindled, and with brand new strength, brand new beginning, they were highly motivated to move on and fulfill their purpose in life. Look at the Book of Acts. This is what Easter is all about, transformation, restoration and celebration of our salvation. Halleluia!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stmichaelkalibo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saintmichaelkalibo
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/141718362@N07/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/104587191745272872189
Tumblr: http://saintmichaelkalibo.tumblr.com/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/stmichaelkalibo/
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/saintmichaelkalibo/
Blogger: http://saintmichaelkalibo.blogspot.com/
iTunes Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/ph/podcast/cathedral-church-saint-michael/id1139105076
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DiiezN2MKXqq8OX7pvhaZ

Resurrected Christ, Delivers Us From Fear

April 24, 2022

Second Sunday of Easter

Theme: Resurrected Christ, Delivers Us From Fear

First Reading:  Acts 5: 27 – 32

Psalm Reading: Psalm 118

Second Reading: Revelation 1: 4 – 8

Gospel Reading: John 20:19 – 31

Homily by Fr. Andy Illustre

First part: Peace

The disciples were gathered together- locked inside a room because of the fear that they felt.  This is why when  the Risen Christ appeared to them, He proclaimed peace to them. He is the perfect One to give peace because Jesus is the Prince of Peace

*Peace = Be still (Psalm 46: 10)

Let us not forget that God has come to us and that He’s a very present help in times of trouble. Sometimes, we would rather focus on the problems, but Ps. 46:10 reminds us to be still. We can be still because whenever we are in a difficult situation, He comes to us, revealing Himself.

Second Part: Thomas the Doubtful

We also have our own kinds of doubt, like Thomas who doubted Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus showed Himself to us. Every time that we come to His church, Jesus comes to us again and again by us partaking His word. His word is what we believe and through it, we see life. Sunday is always Easter because He reveals His life through His word.

Homily Recap by Riana Chelle Montero

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stmichaelkalibo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saintmichaelkalibo
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/141718362@N07/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/104587191745272872189
Tumblr: http://saintmichaelkalibo.tumblr.com/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/stmichaelkalibo/
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/saintmichaelkalibo/
Blogger: http://saintmichaelkalibo.blogspot.com/
iTunes Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/ph/podcast/cathedral-church-saint-michael/id1139105076
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DiiezN2MKXqq8OX7pvhaZ

I AM BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING

₱