September 27
26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time draws the Christian community into reflection on the progression of the Church’s journey through the liturgical year. In Ordinary Time, the Church meditates on Christ’s teachings and His ministry, nurturing the growth of the faithful in daily discipleship. The scriptural readings for this Sunday often center around themes of justice, humility, conversion of heart, and the universal call to holiness.
This Sunday’s place in the cycle invites Catholics to consider how their actions align with God’s will and the example set by Jesus. Ordinary Time itself is anything but 'ordinary'—it is a space to live the mystery of Christ in the routine of daily life, attentively watching how God’s grace shapes hearts and lives. The Church’s prayer and worship on this day draw upon the Psalms and readings chosen in the Lectionary, underscoring the never-ending call to fidelity, repentance, and charity within the whole People of God. Whether in the parish liturgy or in private prayer, the faithful are encouraged to renew their trust in God’s mercy and to actively pursue justice and compassion for all.
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Questions about 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Novus Ordo Missae)
The liturgical day
Mass readings
First readingEz 18, 25-28
Thus says the Lord:
"You say:
'The Lord's way is not fair.'
So listen, sons of Israel:
is it my way that is not fair?
Is it not, rather, yours?
If the righteous turns away from his righteousness,
commits evil, and dies in that state,
it is because of his evil that he will die.
If the wicked man turns away from his wickedness
to do what is right and just,
he shall save his life.
He has opened his eyes
and turned away from his crimes.
Truly, he shall live, he shall not die."
– The word of the Lord.
PsalmPs 24 (25), 4-5ab, 6-7, 8-9
LORD, teach me your ways,
make me know your path.
Guide me by your truth, teach me,
for you are the God who saves me.
Remember, LORD, your tenderness,
your love from of old.
Forget the rebellions, the sins of my youth;
in your love, do not forget me.
The LORD is upright and good,
he who shows sinners the way.
His justice guides the humble,
he teaches the humble his way.
Second readingPh 2, 1-11
Brothers,
if it is true that, in Christ, we comfort one another,
if we encourage one another with love,
if we are in communion in the Spirit,
if there is any tenderness and compassion,
then, to make my joy complete,
have the same attitude,
the same love,
the same feelings;
seek unity.
Never be scheming or conceited,
but be humble enough
to regard others as better than yourselves.
Let each of you not be concerned only with your own interests;
also look to the interests of others.
Have among yourselves the same attitude
that is also in Christ Jesus:
though he was in the form of God,
he did not regard equality with God
something to be grasped at.
But he emptied himself,
taking the form of a servant,
becoming like men.
And being found in human form,
he humbled himself,
becoming obedient to the point of death,
even death on a cross.
That is why God exalted him:
he gave him the Name
which is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend
in heaven, on earth, and under the earth,
and every tongue confess:
"Jesus Christ is Lord"
to the glory of God the Father.
– The word of the Lord.
Or, short reading:
OR SHORT READING
Second readingPh 2, 1-5
Brothers,
if it is true that, in Christ, we comfort one another,
if we encourage one another with love,
if we are in communion in the Spirit,
if there is any tenderness and compassion,
then, to make my joy complete,
have the same attitude,
the same love,
the same feelings;
seek unity.
Never be scheming or conceited,
but be humble enough
to regard others as better than yourselves.
Let each of you not be concerned only with your own interests;
also look to the interests of others.
Have among yourselves the same attitude
that is also in Christ Jesus.
– The word of the Lord.
GospelMt 21, 28-32
At that time,
Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people:
"What is your opinion?
A man had two sons.
He went to the first and said:
'My child, go and work today in the vineyard.'
He answered, 'I do not want to.'
But later, having changed his mind, he went.
Then the father went to the second and said the same thing.
He replied, 'Yes, sir!'
but he did not go.
Which of the two did the father's will?"
They answered him:
"The first."
Jesus said to them:
"Amen, I say to you:
tax collectors and prostitutes
are entering the kingdom of God before you.
For John the Baptist came to you in the way of righteousness,
and you did not believe him;
but the tax collectors and prostitutes did believe him.
But you, even after seeing this,
did not even repent later
to believe him."
– Let us acclaim the Word of God.
Liturgical texts: © AELF — aelf.org