Embrace Hard Truths
In this Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us of a vital lesson: we must embrace hard truths and courageously speak it. Often, we tend to accept the Word of God only when it is pleasing to our ears, conveniently rejecting the painful truths that Jesus teaches us. However, it is essential to learn to accept even those truths that hurt, for such hurts are part of God’s plan to mold us into His intended image.
In today’s world, we face a gloomy reality that often rejects the truth. Many shy away from embracing hard truths because it may lead to persecution or discomfort. Yet, true transformation requires an act of God — a change that must happen within us and be spoken aloud. Following Jesus is not easy; in fact, it is far from simple. We may lose many things we hold dear — our money, power, and possessions. But one thing remains certain: we will never lose our souls.
Jesus promises to destroy and transform our lives. We must invite Him into our hearts to remove everything that does not come from Him. By choosing to embrace hard truths, we allow ourselves to be cleansed, burning away ungodly principles and replacing them with His perfect goodness.
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time- August 17, 2025
First Proclamation- Jeremiah 23:23-29
Second Proclamation- Hebrews 12:1-6
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 82
Gospel Reading: Luke 12:49-56
Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless!
