Strive with God’s Grace
In this Sunday’s Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, Fr. Erel Villanueva delivered a powerful reminder: to strive with God’s grace.
Life constantly challenges us—whether in our work, studies, or relationships. Yet despite these struggles, we’re called to live out the gift of salvation in our daily lives.
To strive means making a firm decision to follow Christ even when it’s hard. It means sharing His Word, choosing truth, and living with integrity even when the path feels uphill. Becoming part of God’s family brings immense privilege, but it also carries great responsibility. Living in God’s grace each day demands effort and surrender. But we don’t rely on our strength—we rely on God’s grace, which sustains us through every trial.
The enemy constantly looks for ways to distract and destroy us. It tries to steal the joy of salvation, leading us away from God through lies, temptations, and doubt. That’s why we must choose daily to resist. We die to ourselves—not once, but again and again—by letting go of pride, selfishness, and sin. As we do this, we begin to walk boldly in the salvation that Jesus already won for us.
Now is the time to strive with God’s grace. Salvation isn’t just a future promise—it’s a present reality. Jesus has already declared victory, and He equips us with every spiritual weapon we need. When we walk closely with God each day, trials won’t shake us. Instead, we will stand firm—unshaken and rooted in His grace.
So let us keep moving forward. Let us strive with God’s grace—fully, faithfully, and fearlessly—trusting that He who called us will finish the good work He began.
21st Sunday of Ordinary Time – August 24, 2025
First Proclamation- Isaiah 66:18-21
Second Proclamation- Hebrew 12:25-29
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 46
Gospel Reading: Luke 13:22-30
Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless!
