23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

• First reading – Ezekiel 33:7-9: I appoint you as watchman for the house of Israel. If you fail to warn the wicked and they die in guilt, you’re responsible. If you warn them and they don’t turn, they die, but you’re saved.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 95: Let us sing joyfully to the Lord, acclaiming our salvation, and coming into His presence with thanksgiving. But heed the warning not to harden our hearts, reflecting on past disobedience.
• Second reading – Romans 13:8-10: Owing love to one another fulfills the law. The commandments are summarized by loving your neighbor as yourself, for love does no evil and is the complete fulfillment of the law.
• Gospel – Matthew 18:15-20: If a brother sins, discuss it privately, then with witnesses if needed, and finally with the church. What is agreed on earth reflects in heaven, and where people gather in Jesus’s name, he is present.

Lectionary Reference: 127

Upcoming dates: September 6, 2026, September 9, 2029, September 5, 2032

The 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A focuses on responsibility, love, and community. The readings show how people should care for one another, correct each other, and live in love.

• Responsibility for Others: Ezekiel speaks about being a watchman. This means people have a duty to warn others when they are doing wrong.
• Loving Others Fulfills the Law: Paul teaches that love sums up all the commandments. If people love their neighbors, they will not harm them.
• Correcting with Kindness: Jesus explains how to correct someone who sins. The goal is to bring them back, not to shame them.
• Church as a Community: Jesus tells his followers to involve the church when needed. The church helps guide people toward what is right.
• Power of Agreement: Jesus says that when people agree in faith, their prayers matter. God listens when people pray together.
• God’s Presence in Unity: Jesus promises to be present when people gather in his name. This shows the importance of faith and community.

The 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A teaches about love, responsibility, and the role of the church. It reminds people to help each other grow in faith and goodness.

The Watchman: Being Guardians of Truth

The First Reading for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A is Ezekiel 33:7-9. In this passage, the Lord appoints Ezekiel as a watchman for Israel. He’s instructed to warn the wicked to turn from their ways. If he fails to do so, their guilt is on him. The “The Watchman: Being Guardians of Truth” activity connects with Ezekiel 33:7-9. Through role-play and discussion, it modernizes the watchman’s duty. Small groups navigate scenarios to understand the role’s essence—warning others for their benefit. This links ancient teachings to current experiences, enabling young Catholics as truth guardians. It encourages practical insights, fostering reflection and action to embody this role.

Together We’re Better Reflection and Discussion Questions

The Gospel for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A is Matthew 18:15-20. It advises addressing a brother’s sin privately, involving witnesses if necessary, and finally involving the church if needed. The “Together We’re Better Reflection” centers on Matthew 18:15-20. It ponders whether pointing out friends’ faults, as Jesus suggests, is a wise approach. The reflection explores the idea of addressing each other’s sins and its implications.

The Spiritual Works of Mercy

The Gospel for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A is Matthew 18:15-20. It guides addressing a brother’s sin privately, involving witnesses if necessary, and engaging the church if needed. The Spiritual Works of Mercy aid in supporting one another on our faith journey. These works of charity encompass various acts through which we express our love. There are practical ways to practice these works, such as instructing the ignorant, counseling the doubtful, admonishing the sinner, comforting the sorrowful, forgiving injuries, bearing wrongs patiently, and praying for those who frustrate us. This aligns well with today’s gospel.

Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)

The gospel for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A is Matthew 18:15-20. It talks about dealing with someone’s wrongdoing. First, discuss the matter privately. If that doesn’t work, involve others to help resolve the issue. If it’s still not resolved, seek guidance from the church. This advice is like confessing and making things right in the Church. The message is about asking for forgiveness and fixing relationships with God and the community. You might want to go for Confession together with your family or a youth group. Then, mark this special moment by enjoying a meal or doing something fun together.

Psychiatrist Icebreaker Game

In Matthew 18:15-20, Jesus outlines a process for conflict resolution within a community, stressing direct communication and involving others if necessary, alongside the power of collective prayer and his presence in group gatherings. Similarly, the game “Psychiatrist” mirrors these principles as participants work together to diagnose a shared issue through questions and group dynamics, fostering collaboration and unity. Both the Gospel passage and the game emphasize open dialogue, cooperation, and seeking solutions within a community. The Gospel’s spiritual guidance aligns with the game’s interactive approach, making the principles of Matthew 18:15-20 relatable and applicable in a lighthearted setting.

The Book of Ezekiel: Prophetic Insights of Renewal

The First Reading for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, presents Ezekiel 33:7-9, where God appoints Ezekiel as a watchman for Israel. The passage emphasizes Ezekiel’s responsibility to warn the wicked of their ways, with the consequences of not doing so leading to their guilt and death. However, if Ezekiel does warn them and they remain unchanged, their judgment is on them, but Ezekiel saves himself. The Book of Ezekiel, found in the Old Testament, showcases the prophet’s role as a messenger of God through vivid imagery and symbolic actions. Its themes of divine sovereignty, human unfaithfulness, and the promise of restoration resonate as Ezekiel conveys both warnings and a pathway to redemption.

Resources for Paul’s Letter to the Romans

The Second Reading for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A is Romans 13:8-10. It emphasizes owing love to others as the fulfillment of the law. The commandments, including those against adultery, killing, stealing, and coveting, are summarized in “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love avoids harm to the neighbor, thus fulfilling the law. The Letter to the Romans discusses salvation through faith in Jesus Christ over strict law adherence. Paul underscores universal sin and attaining righteousness through Christ’s sacrifice. Grace and faith’s role are central.

Resources for the Gospel of Matthew

The Gospel Reading for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A is Matthew 18:15-20. Jesus advises addressing a brother’s sin privately. If he listens, you’ve won him over. If not, involve others, then the church. If he persists, treat him as a Gentile or tax collector. Jesus assures that decisions on earth reflect in heaven, and where two or three gather in his name, he’s present. The Gospel of Matthew emphasizes Jesus’ teachings in a clear and concise manner. From this Gospel, Catholics learn about love, forgiveness, and serving others. Jesus’ example calls us to be compassionate and merciful.

Living the Debt of Love

Jeff Cavins reflects on the readings for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. He discusses how being debt-free is admirable, but as Christians, we owe others a debt of love. Paul’s words in Romans 13:8 emphasize loving one another as fulfilling the law. Jeff emphasizes the importance of putting others first, even when they bother us, and letting go of grudges. He refers to Matthew 18:15-20, where Jesus instructs addressing conflicts directly, seeking resolution. Jeff reminds us that loving others means forgiving, and our love should mirror the Lord’s love for us. He concludes by urging listeners to remember that they owe one another the same inexhaustible love that the Lord bestows upon them.

Is It OK to Judge Someone?

Father Mike Schmitz delves into the intricacies of judgment, exploring the balance between Jesus’ commands to judge and not to judge. He emphasizes that while we shouldn’t judge a person’s heart, we’re called to assess actions. Father Mike underscores that evaluating actions doesn’t equate to condemnation; it’s about making informed choices based on behavior. He addresses society’s fear of judgment, linking it to a fractured sense of identity. However, for Christians grounded in their identity as beloved children of God, human judgment holds no sway. Instead, their focus remains on God’s judgment and the dual responsibility of loving others and discerning actions with compassion and truth.

Where There Is Right Relationship, There Is the Church

Father Richard Rohr reflects on the Gospel message for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A. He emphasizes Jesus’ guidance on addressing conflicts within relationships. Jesus instructs followers to communicate directly with someone who has wronged them rather than engaging in gossip or triangulation. Father Rohr underscores the significance of maintaining honest and loving relationships, as they define us. He interprets Jesus’ concept of church as a gathering of two or three individuals united in love and trust, transcending religious affiliations. Father Rohr discusses forgiveness, highlighting its transformative power and its role in breaking the cycle of unforgiveness and hurt.

To Win Them Back

Scott Hahn reflects on the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A readings. He compares Ezekiel’s role as a watchman over Israel with Jesus’ establishment of His disciples as Church guardians. Jesus grants them powers to forgive sins, conditional on their communion with Him. The readings underscore the duty to correct sinners within the community, with accountability for their souls. This duty is rooted in love for others’ salvation. Hahn highlights that correction should stem from care, not anger, and parallels this with the Psalm’s message of urging sinners to heed God’s voice and turn from false paths.

Judgment and Love

Bishop Robert Barron’s homily on the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A delves into the balance between non-judgmentalism and righteous judgment. He emphasizes that Jesus’ teaching doesn’t prohibit all judgment, but rather condemns superiority and aggression. Barron discusses the misconception of non-judgmentalism and how it clashes with moral correction. He suggests a step-by-step approach for loving correction: addressing the issue privately, involving a few others, and seeking community support. This, he says, fosters love over judgment. Barron underscores the importance of intervening when behaviors are self-destructive while maintaining compassion. He concludes that this approach aligns with Jesus’ teachings and promotes love within the community.

The 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A focuses on responsibility, love, and justice within the Christian community. The readings show that faith is not just personal; it involves caring for others. Whether by correcting someone, standing up for what is right, or handling conflicts with kindness, believers are called to act. These reflections explore how these lessons apply to daily life.

Resolving Conflicts in the Church

The Gospel for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A focuses on how to handle disagreements within the Christian community. Jesus gives clear steps for addressing conflicts. First, speak to the person privately. If that does not work, involve a few others. If the problem continues, bring it to the church. If the person still refuses to listen, they may be separated from the community.

This shows that Jesus understands that disagreements will happen. The church is made up of people, and people make mistakes. Instead of ignoring problems or letting them grow, Jesus teaches a way to deal with them fairly. The goal is not punishment but reconciliation.

Jesus also reminds his followers that their actions matter. When they make decisions in unity and prayer, those decisions carry authority. God is with them, guiding their choices.

This passage teaches that conflict should not divide the church. It should be handled with patience and love. The 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds believers that Jesus is always present in their community, even in difficult times.

Responsibility for Others

The 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A calls people to care for one another. The first reading shows this when God tells Ezekiel that he must warn others about their sins. If he fails to speak up, he will share in their guilt. This shows that faith is not just about personal choices but also about helping others live rightly.

The second reading also speaks about responsibility. Paul teaches that love is the fulfillment of the law. Loving others means doing what is best for them. Sometimes that includes correcting them when they are making harmful choices.

This is not always easy. People may not want to hear correction, and it can be uncomfortable to speak up. But ignoring wrongdoing does not help anyone. True love means caring enough to guide others toward what is right.

The 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A encourages believers to think beyond themselves. It is not enough to live a good life alone. Faith means looking out for others and helping them grow closer to God.

Speaking Out Against Injustice

The readings for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A remind people that silence in the face of wrongdoing is not an option. The first reading makes it clear that failing to warn others about sin is a serious mistake. God calls people to speak up, even when it is difficult.

This applies not only to personal relationships but also to society. When corruption, injustice, or cruelty exist, people of faith must take a stand. Ignoring these issues allows them to grow.

Paul’s message about love also connects to this idea. Love is not just about kindness. It is about doing what is right. Allowing evil to continue is not love—it is neglect.

Speaking out may come with challenges. Others may disagree or push back. But doing what is right is more important than avoiding conflict. The 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A encourages believers to be strong, speak with love, and work for justice in all areas of life.

Jesus teaches that love and responsibility go hand in hand. Faith is not only about personal prayer but also about how people treat one another. The 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A encourages believers to live with courage, compassion, and a commitment to what is right.

Prayer

Lord, help us to love others with patience and truth. Give us the wisdom to correct with kindness and the courage to speak against injustice. May we seek peace in our relationships and work for goodness in our communities. Be with us when we gather in your name. Amen.

• Have you ever had to correct someone with kindness? How did it go?
• How do you handle conflict in your own life?
• Why do you think Jesus gives a process for resolving disputes?
• What does it mean to be responsible for others in faith?
• How can love guide the way you correct or help someone?
• Have you ever spoken out against wrongdoing? What happened?
• Why is silence in the face of injustice a problem?
• How can prayer help in making difficult decisions?
• What role does the church play in helping people grow in faith?
• How does the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A challenge you to live differently?

The music selections for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reflect themes of love, unity, and responsibility. Some songs focus on being called to serve others, just as Ezekiel was told to warn the people. Others highlight the importance of love, echoing Paul’s message that love fulfills all the commandments. There are also songs about peace, reconciliation, and the presence of God in the community, connecting to Jesus’ teaching on resolving conflicts and gathering in his name. The mix of traditional hymns and contemporary songs offers something for different musical styles while keeping the focus on faith and community.

• Anthem by Tom Conry
• As It Is In Heaven by Matt Maher
• Blest Be the Tie that Binds by Dominika Jurczuk Gondek
• Can We Love? by Tom Booth
• Center by Charlie Hall
• City of God by Dan Schutte
• Doxology by Passion and David Crowder Band
• Forth in the Peace of Christ We Go by Luke D. Rosen
• Gather Us In by Marty Haugen
• Lay It Down by Matt Maher
• Let There Be Peace on Earth by Jill Jackson & Sy Miller
• Love Divine All Loves Excelling by Rowland H. Pritchard & Charles Wesley
• Lord I Need You by Matt Maher
• Make Me a Channel by Sarah Hart
• Ubi Caritas by Bob Hurd & Pedro Rubalcava
• We Are Many Parts by Marty Haugen
• We Bring Our Gifts to Your Altar by Brian Flynn
• What Wondrous Love by Connie Campbell Hart & Randall Debruyn
• Where Charity and Love Prevail
• Your Love Awakens Me by Phil Wickham

Music directors and musicians can use these selections to bring out the message of the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A. Whether leading the congregation in traditional hymns or contemporary songs, the goal is to help people reflect on the readings. Try these selections and share your own recommendations in the comments.

What date is the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A?

The next date is Sunday September 6, 2026.
For other years see the links below:
23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

What are the Mass readings for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A?

The Mass readings for Sunday September 6, 2026 are:
First reading – Ezekiel 33:7-9: Duty of the Watchman
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 95: Hear His Voice
Second reading – Romans 13:8-10: Fulfillment of Law
Gospel – Matthew 18:15-20: Resolving Conflicts

What does it mean to be a watchman in the first reading?

A watchman is someone who warns others of danger. In the first reading, God tells Ezekiel that he must warn people when they are doing wrong. If he stays silent, he will share in their guilt. This means that people of faith have a duty to help others choose what is right.

How does the first reading apply to daily life?

It teaches that people should not ignore wrongdoing. If someone is making bad choices, it is loving to guide them back to the right path. Staying silent when someone is in trouble is not real kindness.

Why does Paul say love fulfills the law?

Paul explains that love is the foundation of all the commandments. If people truly love others, they will not steal, hurt, or lie. Loving others means treating them with kindness and respect.

What does Jesus teach about handling conflict in the church?

Jesus gives a clear process for resolving conflicts. First, talk to the person privately. If that does not work, ask others to help. If the problem continues, involve the church. This method is meant to restore relationships, not to shame anyone.

Why does Jesus say to involve the church in conflicts?

The church is meant to be a place of support and guidance. When problems cannot be solved privately, the church community can help. The goal is to bring peace, not to push people away.

What does Jesus mean when he says decisions on earth will be honored in heaven?

Jesus is saying that when believers make decisions in unity and faith, they have real authority. God is with them when they act wisely and with love. This reminds people that their choices matter.

How does the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A show the power of community?

The readings show that faith is not just personal. People must help each other live rightly, resolve conflicts, and stand up for justice. The church is a community where people pray and make decisions together.

What does the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A teach about responsibility?

It teaches that people should not ignore sin, injustice, or conflict. They should guide others, correct mistakes, and work for peace. Faith is not just about personal prayer but about caring for others.

How does the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A challenge believers to act?

It calls people to be honest and loving. It reminds them to correct others with kindness, resolve conflicts with patience, and stand against wrongdoing. Living in faith means taking action, not just watching from the sidelines.

How can we apply the lessons of the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A?

People can apply these lessons by speaking up when they see wrongdoing, helping others make good choices, and handling conflicts with love. They can also pray with others, knowing that God listens when they gather in his name.