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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Advent: Season of Repentance

web-admin December 7, 2025

Advent: Season of Repentance

In this Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us that Advent is truly a season of repentance. He stressed that Advent and Christmas are two distinct liturgical seasons. While we look forward to the joy of Christmas, we must first prepare our hearts during Advent: the season of repentance.

The Gospel highlights this call to conversion. John the Baptist prepares the way for the coming of Jesus, urging everyone to repent. In the same way, we must experience our own Jordan River before we enter the joy waiting for us in Bethlehem. After all, without the message of John the Baptist, we cannot fully welcome Jesus Christ. The word “repentance” comes from the Greek metanoia, meaning “to rethink” or “to change one’s mind.” Therefore, Advent: Season of Repentance invites us to reshape our thoughts so they align with the mind of God. The baptism John offered symbolizes this transformation—a deliberate decision to turn away from old patterns and embrace God’s way of thinking.

As we move deeper into Advent, we are called to make a highway for our God. Yet before we can prepare the world for Him, we must first prepare a path for Him to enter our own lives. This begins by opening our hearts. Advent is also a season of honest evaluation—a moment to examine whether our lives still bear the fruit of repentance. Only through genuine repentance can true spiritual fruit grow. Transformation starts within, and conversion moves outward from a renewed heart.

Thus, let us spend more time with God so we can recognize the changes He brings into our lives. Let us willingly enter the “wilderness” of Advent: Season of Repentance, trusting that this journey prepares us for the profound joy of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

Second Sunday of Advent – December 7, 2025

First Proclamation: Isaiah 11:1-10

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 72:1-2,3-4,5-6,7-8

Second Proclamation: Romans 15:4-7, 13

Gospel Proclamation: Matthew 3:1-12

Homily by +Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa

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Hope in God

web-admin November 30, 2025

Hope in God

In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael, Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us that our true and lasting hope rests in God.

As we enter Advent, we prepare for Christ’s coming by holding firmly to the promise that He will return to us. Believing in His coming also means trusting that God continues to heal, protect, and guide us. Therefore, as we begin a new liturgical year, we should choose to do things rightly—starting with our attitude. If we begin the year with a negative spirit, we tend to carry it with us for the rest of the year. But if we start with hope, everything takes a better direction.

So how do we continue holding on? We do it by nurturing hope in the Lord. When we hope in Him, we look toward His promises with confidence, knowing that He cares for us and never abandons His people.

Hope begins with vision—seeing the future God wants for us and imagining the life we strive to build. After envisioning it, we move to action by creating concrete plans. These plans keep us focused and help us work steadily toward the vision God places in our hearts.

Today, as the new Christian calendar begins, we receive a fresh opportunity to pursue our goals. We may have stumbled in the past because we allowed hopelessness to take over. But now, God invites us once again to start anew—this time with renewed hope and with Jesus leading us into new beginnings.

First Sunday of Advent – November 30, 2025

First Proclamation: Isaiah 2:1-5

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9

Second Proclamation: Romans 13:10-14

Gospel Proclamation: Matthew 24:37-44

Homily by +Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa

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Jesus Reigns Forever

web-admin November 23, 2025

Jesus Reigns Forever

In this Sunday Mass Homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, Fr. Erel Villanueva reminds us of a powerful truth at the heart of our faith: Jesus reigns forever.

As we reach the end of the Liturgical Year, the Church celebrates the Feast of Christ the King, honoring Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords. Fr. Erel emphasizes that our God truly reigns—He is King, and He is always in control.

Nothing happens without the knowledge of our King. No matter what is happening in the world or in our personal lives, God is still in control. Jesus still reigns. Because He reigns forever, there is hope, there is peace, and there is always a solution rooted in His love.

A King Unlike Any Other

What kind of King do we have?
We have a merciful, forgiving, and loving King. Jesus seeks out the lost so He can bring them back into His embrace. He is a humble King, one who did not take advantage of His authority—even as He hung on the cross.

On the cross, Jesus proclaimed, “Father, forgive them.” In that moment, we witnessed a King overflowing with mercy, compassion, and grace. This is the King who invites us to surrender our hearts to Him.

Let Jesus Reign in Your Life

To proclaim that Jesus reigns forever is to allow Him to reign in our daily lives. Fr. Erel encourages us to submit our hearts to Christ the King—He who is faithful, loving, and ever-merciful.

May we always remember: Jesus reigns forever, and in His reign we find hope, healing, and true peace.

Feast of Christ the King – November 23, 2025

First Proclamation: Jeremiah 23:1-6

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 46:1-3,4-6,7-9,10-11

Second Proclamation: Colossians 1:13-22

Gospel Proclamation: Luke 23:33-43

Homily by Fr. Erel Villanueva

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Give Wholeheartedly

web-admin November 16, 2025

Give Wholeheartedly

In this Sunday Mass Homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, Fr. Erel Villanueva reminded us to give wholeheartedly. As Ordinary Time comes to a close, we enter a moment of preparation—an invitation to open our hearts to the blessings God wants to pour into our lives before the new liturgical year begins. Our attitude shapes this readiness. When we offer our whole selves, we not only receive God’s grace but also become instruments of that grace for others.

The Gospel clearly teaches that the Lord watches our hearts. Therefore, when we fulfill our responsibilities, we should avoid acting out of pride or self-interest, unlike the Pharisees described in the passage. Instead, we are called to imitate the widow, who gave her all without hesitation. Her humble generosity reveals the kind of heart that God desires.

Moreover, the Lord does not measure our offering by its amount but by the love behind it. He looks not for a portion of what we have but for a proportion that reflects our trust in Him. This approach transforms giving from a mere obligation into a sincere act of faith.

Thus, our generosity—whether through money, time, or effort—shows the depth of our belief in God’s providence. When we serve others without expecting anything in return, we live out the call to give wholeheartedly. God is never unfair; He sees every act of kindness and values the intention behind each one.

Let us then choose to give without reserve, trusting that God notices every sincere offering and blesses a heart that gives wholeheartedly.

33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time- November 16, 2025

Theme: Go and Proclaim: “Give to God What is Due Him: EVERYTHING!”
First Proclamation: Malachi:3:16,4:1-2
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1-3,4-6,7-9
Second Proclamation: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Gospel Proclamation: Luke 20:39-47,21:1-4

Homily by Fr. Erel Villanueva

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There is Life After Death

web-admin November 9, 2025

There is Life After Death

In his Sunday Mass Homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded everyone that there is life after death. This truth, though often difficult to face, lies at the heart of our Christian faith. We all want to go to heaven, yet many of us fear dying. However, death is not the end—it is a passage toward eternal life with God. Accepting that death is inevitable allows us to live with deeper faith, gratitude, and purpose.

Bishop Peñalosa emphasized that while death is the last enemy we encounter, Jesus Christ has already conquered it through His resurrection. Because of this victory, we no longer need to live in fear. Death will come for everyone, without warning or exception, but through faith in Christ, we can face it with peace and hope.

This short and fragile life teaches us to value every moment. We are called to express love openly—to tell our families and friends that we appreciate them while we still have time. Life after death reminds us that every act of kindness, forgiveness, and compassion prepares us for the life to come. Therefore, while we can still forgive, we must forgive wholeheartedly those who have wronged us. Forgiveness frees our souls and brings us closer to God’s eternal promise.

Ultimately, we must live each day ready for Christ’s return. We do not know the hour or the day, but we know His word is true: those who believe in Him will never die but will have everlasting life. Let us live with faith, love, and readiness, always remembering that there is life after death, and it is a life far more glorious than we can ever imagine.

32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time- November 9, 2025

Theme: Go & Proclaim: ”Believe that our Lord Jesus Christ is our Resurrection and Life”

First Proclamation: Job 19:13-27

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 17

Second Proclamation: 2 Thessalonians 2:15-17, 3:1-5

Gospel Proclamation: Luke 20:27-38

Homily by +Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa

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