Resources, Prayers, Games, and Lesson Plans
More Thoughts and Reflection Questions
Quotes and Social Media Graphics
Mass Readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
- First reading – Ezekiel 18:25-28: The Lord responds to those who complain about fairness. God’s ways are just. A virtuous person who turns to iniquity will face consequences, but if they repent, their life will be preserved.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 25: The psalmist seeks God’s guidance and asks for instruction in truth. Remembering God’s compassion, the psalmist asks for mercy and guidance. The Lord, good and just, leads sinners and the humble in righteousness.
- Second reading – Philippians 2:1-11: Encouraged by Christ’s love, unity, and compassion, we’re urged to be of one mind, considering others above ourselves. Christ’s selflessness and humility serve as an example, leading to exaltation and acknowledgment of His lordship.
- Gospel – Matthew 21:28-32: Jesus presents a parable of two sons asked to work in a vineyard. One initially refuses but later obeys, while the other agrees but doesn’t go. The lesson highlights that actions, not words, reveal true obedience and righteousness, and tax collectors and prostitutes enter God’s kingdom due to genuine belief.
Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.
Matthew 21:31
Themes for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
The readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A focus on staying on the path of discipleship. When we do sin, we need to turn back to God. He will show us the way. It requires a humble heart to admit we have sinned and seek to get back on the right path. Christ is our model of obedience and humility.
- Parable of Two Sons: The parable of the two sons highlights the theme of obedience and response to God’s call. The contrast between the two sons’ initial reactions illustrates the importance of genuine actions over empty promises.
- Repentance and Actions: The son who initially refused but later obeyed his father showcases the theme of repentance and transformation. This emphasizes the possibility of change and the significance of aligning one’s actions with God’s will.
- Hypocrisy and Self-Deception: The theme of hypocrisy and self-deception is evident as Jesus contrasts verbal agreement with actual obedience. He challenges the religious leaders’ outward appearances that mask their lack of genuine response.
- Tax Collectors and Prostitutes: Jesus’ reference to tax collectors and prostitutes entering the kingdom ahead of the religious leaders emphasizes the theme of unexpected redemption. This highlights God’s willingness to forgive and transform even those society deems less worthy.
- Belief and Transformation: The parable’s focus on the son’s eventual change highlights the theme of belief leading to transformation. This emphasizes the importance of faith that results in authentic life changes.
- Humble Acceptance of God’s Will: The son’s shift from rebellion to obedience showcases the theme of humbly accepting God’s will. This emphasizes the value of yielding to God’s plans rather than asserting our own desires.
See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A.
Resources for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Actions Speak Louder than Words
The Book of Ezekiel: Prophetic Insights of Renewal
Actions Speak Louder than Words
The Gospel for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Matthew 21:28-32, presents a parable of two sons—one who initially refuses but later obeys, and the other who agrees but doesn’t follow through. This story emphasizes the value of actions over words and highlights true obedience. It correlates with the lesson plan titled “Actions Speak Louder than Words,” which teaches about honoring commitments and the impact of deeds. The plan uses the parable from Matthew’s Gospel to guide participants in understanding the concept of genuine obedience and its connection to faith and community contributions.
Humble Hearts Prayer Station
The second reading for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A is Philippians 2:1-11: Encouraged by Christ’s love, we’re urged to unity and compassion, considering others first. Christ’s humility serves as an example, leading to exaltation and acknowledgment of His lordship. For teaching children about humility, the Humble Hearts Prayer Station is a practical activity inspired by Philippians 2:1-11, allowing children to express their commitment to humility.
The Book of Ezekiel: Prophetic Insights of Renewal
The first reading for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A is Ezekiel 18:25-28. The Lord responds to complaints about fairness, asserting His just ways. A virtuous person turning to iniquity faces consequences, but repentance preserves life. The Book of Ezekiel weaves rebellion, exile, and God’s pursuit. Its imagery reflects human failings and offers hope for redemption. Through Ezekiel, God’s actions reveal His identity as the Lord. The book highlights God’s sovereignty over nations and individuals, offering a path to restoration and renewal, showcasing His mercy and desire for people to return.
The Letter to the Philippians: Nurturing Unity and Joy
The second reading for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A is Philippians 2:1-11. Encouraged by Christ’s love, we’re urged to unity and compassion, considering others first. Christ’s humility serves as an example, leading to exaltation and acknowledgment of His lordship. The Letter to the Philippians, written by Paul during imprisonment, guides unity and joy in the Christian community. It calls for humility, love, and mutual support, leading believers to deeper connections and shared faith.
Resources for the Gospel of Matthew
In Matthew 21:28-32, the Gospel for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, the focus is a parable where two sons are asked to work in a vineyard. One agrees but doesn’t act, while the other initially refuses but later complies. The story underscores that actions, not words, matter in displaying righteousness. It’s a theme consistent with Matthew’s larger teachings on love, service, and obedience. Jesus notes that even marginalized individuals can enter God’s kingdom through sincere actions, aligning with Matthew’s broader messages.
Homilies and Reflections for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Jeff Cavins delves into the readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, emphasizing the significance of actions reflecting true belief. He presents a relatable scenario of promises made and broken, highlighting that genuine faith is demonstrated through obedience. Using the parable of the two sons, Cavins draws parallels between those who say they’ll obey but don’t and those who initially refuse but ultimately follow through. He highlights Jesus’ obedience even unto death, urging listeners to mirror His faithful heart. Cavins challenges his audience to assess their obedience and integrity, encouraging a life where actions align with professed beliefs.
In the Form of God
In this homily for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Bishop Robert Barron discusses an early text from Philippians that affirms Jesus’ divinity and challenges skeptics who dismiss it as a later invention. The text describes Jesus in the “form of God,” not grasping at equality with God but self-emptying and becoming a slave. This highlights the profound concept of kenosis—God’s self-emptying—in contrast to our sinful tendency to grasp at divinity. Barron emphasizes Jesus’ full embrace of human likeness and the significance of his death on a cross. This homily captures the core of Christianity, showcasing God’s love, self-emptying, and humanity’s transformation.
The Humble Path
Scott Hahn discusses the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A readings, addressing the question of God’s perceived unfair justice. The parable in the Gospel explores the contrast between repentant sinners and self-righteous leaders, inviting us to consider God’s mercy and humility. Hahn emphasizes the importance of self-emptying and acknowledging God’s lordship for a path of life, contrasting it with the prideful path of death highlighted in Ezekiel.
Practical Christianity
Fr. Richard Rohr reflects on the gospel for the 26th Sunday, critiquing the tradition’s adoption of an abstract and imperial Christ that lacks connection to the historical Jesus. He discusses how this shift was influenced by power and empire, leading to an emphasis on ideology over love, service, and healing. Fr. Rohr highlights the importance of embodying truth in love, as Jesus exemplified in his teachings and actions. He urges a return to a Jesus who is relevant, practical, and human—a model for authentic humanity.
More Thoughts for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Actions Speak Louder
In the Gospel passage for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Matthew 21:28-32, Jesus presents a parable to the chief priests and elders. A father asked his sons to work in the vineyard. The first son initially refused but later obeyed, while the second son agreed but didn’t follow through. When asked which son did his father’s will, they acknowledged the first.
This story prompts us to reflect on the power of actions versus words. True transformation lies in our deeds, not just appearances. We might profess goodness but act differently. The sincerity of our hearts matters more than our knowledge. Our lives should reflect caring actions, for what we do matters more than what we know.
This reading reminds us that change is possible. Despite initial refusals or mere lip service, we can still choose to embrace what is right and answer God’s call to serve. Our actions can reshape our paths, illustrating our commitment to God’s will.
A Change of Heart
In Ezekiel, the first reading for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, the Lord addresses those who deem His ways unjust, reminding them that it is their own paths that are askew. The virtuous who turn to wrongdoing face consequences, but the wicked who reform their ways will find life. This speaks of the opportunity for change and redemption.
Both the First Reading and the Gospel parable underscore the significance of turning away from wrongdoing and embracing righteousness. God’s mercy extends to those who change their hearts, demonstrating that true repentance leads to life. Like the first son, tax collectors and prostitutes, often deemed unworthy, can find the kingdom through sincere transformation. This challenges us to assess our own hearts and actions, recognizing the power of change and the boundless reach of God’s grace.
The Humble Path of Christ
In Philippians, the second reading for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, we’re urged to share in the spirit of Christ, embracing encouragement, love, and unity. By humbling ourselves and considering others more significant, we reflect the essence of Jesus’ nature. He, though divine, humbled himself, becoming human and obedient even to death on a cross. In response, God exalted him, and all creation will acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord.
In the Gospel parable, Jesus emphasizes that genuine transformation, not just words, leads to God’s kingdom. Tax collectors and prostitutes, who initially disregarded John’s righteousness, changed their hearts, while religious leaders did not.
These readings underscore humility and transformation. Like Christ’s example, we’re called to humbly serve and prioritize others. Authentic change, as seen in the repentant tax collectors and prostitutes, holds immense value in God’s eyes. These readings invite us to adopt Christ’s humble mindset and recognize that genuine transformation bears lasting fruit.
Reflection Questions for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
- Can you recall a specific instance where your actions didn’t align with your words? How did it impact others?
- Are you willing to change your initial stance if it turns out to be wrong?
- In your daily life, which holds more weight: what you say or what you do?
- How do you feel about the idea that true change lies in action, not just words?
- Do you agree that people can change their paths through actions, even after making initial mistakes?
- Have you ever questioned the fairness of God’s ways? What led you to this thought?
- Do you believe in the concept of redemption?
- Have you ever had a significant change of heart that led you to act differently?
- What role do you think God’s grace plays in personal change?
- Do you think society is generally forgiving of those who change their ways?
- How easy or challenging is it for you to adopt a humble attitude in your interactions?
- Do you agree that considering others as more important leads to a better community?
- Can you relate your own life to Christ’s humility and transformation?
- How do you reconcile your own desires with the need to serve others?
- How can you apply the principle of genuine transformation in your own life?
Quotes and Social Media Graphics for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
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Music Suggestions for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
- Memorial
- No Greater Love
- O God our Help in Ages Past
- Oh Praise Him
- Praise the Lord, My Soul (Colson)
- Praise the Lord, My Soul (Bolduc)
- Servant Song (McGargill)
- The Servant Song (Gillard)
- Turn Our Hearts Around
- Turn to Me
- We Will Serve the Lord
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