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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