27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

• First Reading – Isaiah 5:1-7: A friend cultivates a vineyard with great care but gets wild grapes. He questions what more he could have done and decides to abandon the vineyard, letting it turn into a wasteland. This vineyard is an allegory for the house of Israel, where expected justice turns to chaos.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 80: God planted a vine from Egypt, cleared the land, and let it flourish. Then, its walls were broken, making it vulnerable to beasts and trespassers. A plea is made for divine care and restoration so that the vine, representing Israel, will thrive and its people will be saved.
• Second Reading – Philippians 4:6-9: Don’t worry, but instead bring your concerns to God through prayer. When you do, God’s peace will guard your heart and mind. Focus on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, and lovely. By following this guidance and emulating good examples, you’ll find peace.
• Gospel – Matthew 21:33-43: A landowner leases a vineyard but the tenants mistreat his servants and kill his son. When asked, the elders agree that the owner will evict these tenants and find new ones. Jesus warns that those who reject the cornerstone will lose the kingdom of God.

Lectionary Reference: 139

Upcoming dates: October 4, 2026, October 7, 2029, October 3, 2032

The readings for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A show God’s care and expectations. They also show what happens when people reject His ways.

• God’s Care and Patience: God nurtures His people like a vineyard owner tends his vines. But when they turn away, He allows them to face the results of their choices.
• Justice and Accountability: God expects justice but sees wrongdoing. He holds people responsible for their actions.
• Rejection of God’s Messengers: The people in the Gospel reject the landowner’s servants and son. This points to how many rejected the prophets and Jesus Himself.
• The Need for Prayer and Trust: The second reading says not to worry but to pray. Trusting God brings peace.
• The Kingdom Given to Others: Jesus warns that those who reject Him will lose their place in God’s plan. Others who are faithful will take their place.
• Gratitude and Right Thinking: The second reading calls people to focus on what is good. This helps them live in peace and follow God’s ways.

God gives every chance to do what is right. Those who listen and follow Him will be blessed.

Have No Anxiety – Reflection and Discussion Questions

The Second Reading for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Philippians 4:6-9, advises against worry and encourages bringing concerns to God through prayer, leading to a guarded heart and mind filled with peace. The reflection “Have No Anxiety” focuses on this passage, prompting youth to explore how placing trust in God can relieve fear and foster a life of freedom.

Cornerstone Connection Activity: A Team-Building Exercise

The gospel for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Matthew 21:33-43, emphasizes the significance of the cornerstone in Christian faith. To help children aged 8-14 grasp this concept, the Cornerstone Connection activity has been crafted. This interactive game merges architectural, biblical, and life-skill lessons into an engaging educational experience. Its core aim is to convey the importance of the cornerstone, both in architectural stability and as a metaphor for foundational elements found in the Bible, notably in Matthew 21:42. Through this activity, children can gain a deeper understanding of this essential concept that underpins their faith.

Psalm 80: A Cry for God’s Help and Restoration

Psalm 80, the Responsorial Psalm for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, seeks divine restoration for a world damaged by human actions. The prayer calls for a transformation of attitudes and behaviors, aiming to rebuild what has been mistreated. With a plea for renewed love for the world and one another, it acknowledges the Creator’s role in the beauty of creation and implores for a fresh start and a renewed life.

See a prayer based on Psalm 80

Fearful Finds Relay

The Second Reading for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Philippians 4:6-9, advises against worry and encourages prayer as a means to confront fear. To engage with this theme, the “Fearful Finds Relay” game challenges participants to overcome their fear by reaching into a box of unfamiliar contents to find coins. The activity playfully tests their ability to face uncertainty and offers an opportunity for humorous reactions. Reflection questions follow the game, fostering contemplation about managing fear and embracing trust.

The Letter to the Philippians: Nurturing Unity and Joy

The second reading for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Philippians 4:6-9, offers guidance against worrying, advocating prayer to connect with God and find peace. By focusing on virtuous attributes and following positive examples, individuals can guard their minds and hearts with God’s peace. The Epistle to the Philippians offers a roadmap for a purposeful and resilient Christian life. Its teachings encourage community, joy, humility, and unwavering faith in Christ’s presence, enabling believers to navigate challenges and cultivate harmony.

Resources for the Gospel of Matthew

The Gospel for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Matthew 21:33-43, presents the parable of a vineyard leased by a landowner. The tenants mistreat his servants and even kill his son. This allegory highlights the rejection of Jesus as the cornerstone and warns of the consequences for those who reject God’s message. The Gospel of Matthew underscores the significance of faith and trust in God, showcasing Jesus’ unwavering commitment despite challenges. The Gospel also portrays Jesus engaging in debates with religious leaders, defending his teachings and authority.

Maintaining Peace in Challenging Times

In this reflection for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Jeff Cavins discusses Matthew 21, warning against becoming rebellious like the tenants in the vineyard. He suggests using Philippians 4 as a guide to manage frustrations. According to Cavins, the key to inner peace is prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving. He emphasizes that this prayer should come from a place of humility. The overall message is to maintain a peaceful state of mind in challenging times.

Freedom from Anxiety

Dr. Brant Pitre talks about the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians, where Paul encourages the church to find peace and freedom from anxiety. He highlights that according to Paul, the method for achieving this is through prayer and thanksgiving, helping people to detach from worldly concerns and find peace regardless of circumstances.

The Lord’s Vineyard

In this homily for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Bishop Robert Barron discusses the story of the vineyard from Isaiah as a metaphor for God’s relationship with his people. He emphasizes that although God provides the environment and protection, it’s on us to bear good fruit through our actions and faith. When people stray from religious commitments, the vineyard—symbolizing the community of believers—falls into ruin. On the other hand, when human and divine love align, the vineyard thrives. Hope for salvation exists, but it isn’t a guarantee; cooperation with divine grace is crucial.

Living on the Vine

In this refection for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Scott Hahn discusses the recurring Biblical theme of the vineyard as a symbol for Israel and the Church. He explains that God, as the vineyard owner, expected Israel to produce “good grapes” or righteous lives, but was let down and allowed foreign invasions as a consequence. Jesus continues this story, criticizing Israel’s religious leaders for their failure to produce good fruit and for rejecting God’s prophets. Hahn emphasizes that in the eyes of Jesus, the vineyard, now representative of the kingdom of God, will be reassigned to the Church’s leaders. He concludes by urging people to avoid worldly distractions and to focus on virtuous living.

Peace Beyond Understanding

In this homily for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Bishop Robert Barron delves into St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians, focusing on the advice for achieving peace by staying connected to God. He advises that real peace comes from moving from life’s ups and downs to a spiritual “center,” where one feels a stable connection to God. The Bishop also stresses the importance of surrounding oneself with what is good, true, and beautiful to maintain this inner serenity. While worldly pleasures are temporary, this spiritual state of peace is enduring and surpasses ordinary experiences. It is attainable even in the face of suffering when one remains strongly linked to God.

The 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A invites us to reflect on God’s care, our responsibilities, and the way we respond to His call. The readings use the image of a vineyard to show how God provides for His people and expects them to bear good fruit. The Gospel warns about rejecting God’s messengers, while the second reading encourages trust and right living. These themes challenge us to examine our own lives and consider whether we are being faithful stewards of what God has given us.

The Symbolism of Vines in God’s Plan

The readings for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A use vineyard imagery to show God’s care and expectations. In the first reading, Isaiah compares Israel to a vineyard that God carefully tends. He gives it everything it needs, yet it produces wild grapes. These wild grapes represent sin and injustice. God asks what more He could have done, showing that the failure was not on His part but on the people’s choices.

The responsorial psalm continues this theme. It speaks of Israel as a vine that God brought out of Egypt and planted in good soil. But now, the hedge protecting it is broken, leaving it exposed. This shows the consequences of turning away from God. Even though the people have strayed, the psalm is a plea for God to restore them.

These images of vines and vineyards remind us that God provides, but He also expects us to respond. He calls us to grow in faith and bear good fruit. If we turn away, we face the results of our actions. Yet, like the psalmist, we can always turn back and ask God to restore us.

The 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A is a reminder to examine our own lives. Are we growing in faith and love, or are we producing wild grapes? God offers His care, but we must choose to follow Him.

Finding Peace in Difficult Times

The second reading for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A encourages trust in God. Paul tells the Philippians not to worry but to bring everything to God in prayer. He promises that God’s peace will guard their hearts and minds. This is an important message, especially when life feels uncertain.

Paul does not say that problems will disappear. Instead, he reminds the people to focus on what is good. He encourages them to think about things that are true, honorable, just, and pure. By doing this, they can stay strong in faith and find peace even in hard times.

This message connects to the Gospel, where Jesus tells a parable about tenants who reject their master’s messengers and even kill his son. The religious leaders know that Jesus is talking about them. They have rejected God’s messengers and are about to reject Jesus Himself. This parable is a warning about what happens when people turn away from God.

In contrast, Paul’s letter shows another path. Instead of rejecting God, people can choose to trust Him. By praying, focusing on good things, and following God’s ways, they can experience real peace. The 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds us to turn to God, even when life is difficult.

Caring for What God Has Given Us

In the Gospel for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Jesus tells a parable about a vineyard owner and his tenants. The owner provides everything needed for the vineyard to grow. But instead of giving him what is rightfully his, the tenants become greedy and violent. They reject the owner’s servants and even kill his son.

This parable is a warning about rejecting God’s messengers. The religious leaders listening to Jesus understand that He is speaking about them. They have been given responsibility, but instead of leading the people well, they have misused their power. Because of this, the kingdom of God will be given to others.

This message applies to all of us. God has given each person responsibilities. Whether it is family, work, or faith, we are called to take care of what He has entrusted to us. If we ignore these responsibilities, we are like the tenants in the parable.

The second reading also speaks about responsibility. Paul tells the people to focus on what is good and right. Living this way is part of being faithful to what God has given us. The 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds us to take care of our faith, relationships, and responsibilities. When we do this, we honor God and bear good fruit.

God continues to call His people to faithfulness. The 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds us that He provides everything we need, but we must choose to follow Him. When we reject His ways, we miss out on the blessings He wants to give us. But when we trust Him, live rightly, and care for what He has entrusted to us, we grow closer to Him and find peace.

Prayer

Lord, You care for us and provide all that we need. Help us to trust You, follow Your ways, and bear good fruit in our lives. Give us wisdom to care for the gifts You have given us. Lead us in truth and guide our hearts toward what is right. Amen.

• How is God calling you to grow in faith?
• What “wild grapes” in your life might need to change?
• In what ways do you see God’s care in your life?
• How do you respond to difficulties? Do you turn to God in prayer?
• What are some ways you can focus on good and right things, as Paul encourages?
• How do you use the gifts and responsibilities God has given you?
• Have you ever struggled with rejecting God’s guidance? What happened?
• How can you help others grow in faith and bear good fruit?
• What does the parable of the tenants teach you about faithfulness?
• How can you better trust God and seek His peace in your daily life?

The music selections for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reflect key themes from the readings. Many songs focus on God’s care, comparing His people to a vineyard that He tends with love. Others emphasize Jesus as the cornerstone, reminding us that faith must be built on Him. Some songs highlight trust in God, encouraging prayer and surrender in times of struggle. There are also hymns about the Church, calling believers to stand firm and live faithfully. These selections help deepen the message of the readings, bringing the themes to life through music.

• All Good Gifts by Kevin Keil & Matthias Claudius
• Alleluia Sing to Jesus by Rowland H. Pritchard, William C. Dix, Robert E. Kreutz & Randall Debruyn
• Celtic Alleluia by Christopher Walker & Fintan O’Carroll
• Christ Be Near Us by Gina Ogilvie
• Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation
• Church of God, Elect and Glorious by Rowland H. Pritchard, James E. Seddon & Randall Debruyn
• Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship
• God Has Planted Christ the Vine by Marty Haugen
• God of Day and God of Darkness by Marty Haugen
• Here I Am Lord by Dan Schutte
• I Am the True Vine and You Are the Branches by Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart & Curtis Stephan
• If Today You Hear God’s Voice by Bernadette Farrell
• In Christ Alone by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
• Love Divine All Love Excelling by Rowland H. Pritchard & Charles Wesley
• No Other Foundation Can Anyone Lay by The Schola Cantorum of St. Peter’s in the Loop
• O Christ, the Great Foundation by Harvest Collective
• O God Our Help in Ages Past by William Croft & Isaac Watts
• Our God Reigns by Brandon Heath
• Praise to You, O Christ Our Savior by Bernadette Farrell
• The Church’s One Foundation by Samuel S. Wesley & Samuel J. Stone
• The Rock of Faith by Ed Bolduc & Karen Bolduc
• The Vineyard of the Lord by Craig Colson & Kristen Colson
• The Vineyard of the Lord by Kevin Keil
• When I Survey the Wondrous Cross by Lowell Mason & Isaac Watts

Music directors and musicians can use these selections to support the themes of the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A. Consider trying some of these songs in your parish and seeing how they connect with the readings. If you have other suggestions, share them in the comments. Let’s help each other choose music that leads people closer to God.

What date is the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time?

The next date is Sunday October 4, 2026.
For other years see the links below:
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

What are the Mass readings for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A?

The Mass readings for Sunday October 4, 2026 are:
First Reading – Isaiah 5:1-7: The Failed Vineyard
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 80: The Vineyard’s Plight
Second Reading – Philippians 4:6-9: Anxiety and Focus
Gospel – Matthew 21:33-43: Parable of the Rejected Son

What is the main message of the first reading?

The first reading for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A compares Israel to a vineyard that God has cared for. Even though He gave it everything it needed, it did not produce good fruit. This shows that God expects His people to live justly and follow His ways.

What do the wild grapes represent?

The wild grapes in the first reading symbolize sin and injustice. Instead of producing goodness and faithfulness, the people turned away from God. This is a warning that when people reject God’s ways, they face the results of their choices.

Why does the psalm talk about a vine?

The psalm for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A describes Israel as a vine that God planted and cared for. But now, the hedge protecting it is broken, leaving it unprotected. This is a plea for God to restore His people and help them grow in faith again.

What does the Gospel parable mean?

Jesus tells a parable about tenants who refuse to give the landowner his share of the vineyard and mistreat his messengers. This represents how people rejected the prophets and, later, rejected Jesus. The message is that those who turn away from God’s truth will lose what He has given them.

Why did the tenants in the parable kill the landowner’s son?

The tenants in the Gospel parable wanted to take control of the vineyard for themselves. This represents how some of the religious leaders rejected Jesus because they wanted to keep their power. It shows the danger of pride and selfishness.

What does Jesus mean by the kingdom being given to others?

Jesus warns that those who reject Him will lose their place in God’s kingdom. The 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds us that God’s promises are for those who listen to Him and follow His ways. Faithfulness, not status, determines who belongs in His kingdom.

What does the second reading teach about handling worries?

The second reading says that instead of worrying, people should bring everything to God in prayer. It promises that those who trust in God will find peace. This teaches that faith and prayer help people stay strong in difficult times.

Why does Paul encourage people to focus on good things?

Paul tells people to think about what is true, just, and pure because thoughts shape actions. When people focus on what is good, they make better choices. The 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds us that right thinking leads to right living.

How can I apply these readings to my life?

These readings remind us to trust God, live justly, and take care of what He has given us. They encourage us to pray, focus on good things, and follow God’s ways. When we do this, we stay close to Him and bear good fruit in our lives.

What should I do if I feel distant from God?

The 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds us that even when people turn away, God is always ready to restore them. If you feel distant from Him, take time to pray, reflect on His word, and make choices that bring you closer to Him. He never stops calling His people back.