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26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Sunday September 26, 2027

God Works in Unexpected Places

The readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B remind us that God’s Spirit is not limited. In the first reading, even two men outside the gathering begin to prophesy. This surprises others, but Moses says he wishes all the people could do the same. God’s gifts are not always found where we expect them.

The Gospel for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B shares a similar message. Jesus tells his followers not to stop someone who is doing good in His name. Even if they don’t belong to the group, they are still helping. Jesus also gives strong warnings about sin and how serious it is to lead others into it.

James gives a hard message in the second reading. He speaks to the rich who store up wealth and treat workers badly. Their comfort now will not last. This is a call to treat others fairly and to use our gifts in ways that help.

These readings ask us to look beyond ourselves. God may be working through people we don’t expect. And He calls us to be careful in how we live, speak, and act. We are meant to be builders of the kingdom, not barriers to it.

Mass Readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

  • First Reading – Numbers 11:25-29: The LORD bestowed Moses’ spirit on seventy elders, including Eldad and Medad who prophesied in the camp, leading Moses to wish all people were prophets.
  • Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 19: God’s law revives the soul and gives wisdom; His judgments are true and fair. I seek forgiveness for unknown faults and pray to be kept from deliberate sins.
  • Second Reading – James 5:1-6: The rich are admonished for hoarding wealth and exploiting workers; their luxury and injustice will lead to their downfall.
  • Gospel – Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48: Jesus instructed his disciples not to hinder someone casting out demons in his name, affirming those not against them are allies. He stressed the gravity of causing believers to sin, using strong metaphors to emphasize the importance of avoiding sin and its severe consequences, even if it requires personal sacrifice.

Lectionary Reference: 137

These are the readings for Year B in the lectionary cycle. For other years see the links below:
26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Whoever is not against us is for us. 

Mark 9:40

Themes for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

On the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, the readings highlight important lessons about community, wealth, and moral conduct. We see how God’s spirit works in unexpected ways and how serious the call to righteousness is.

  • God’s Spirit is Free: In Numbers, God’s spirit rests on two men who were not in the meeting. This shows that God can choose anyone to share His message.
  • Warning Against Wealth: James warns the rich about the misuse of wealth. Wealth should be used to help others, not just for personal gain.
  • Inclusive Ministry: In the Gospel, Jesus says anyone who does good in His name is part of His mission. This teaches us to be open and inclusive.
  • Avoiding Sin: Jesus warns about the seriousness of sin. He uses strong language to show how important it is to avoid sin at all costs.
  • Helping the Needy: James speaks against those who hoard wealth while others suffer. Helping those in need is a key part of living our faith.
  • Recognizing Others’ Good Works: The disciples try to stop someone casting out demons in Jesus’ name. Jesus teaches them to recognize and support good works done by others.

These themes for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B remind us to be open to God’s spirit in unexpected ways and to live justly. They call us to avoid sin, help others, and recognize good works.

Resources for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Sunday September 26, 2027

Better Together Lesson Plan

Better Together – A Lesson Plan on Working Together is based on the Gospel for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48. The apostles were concerned about someone outside their group driving out demons in Jesus’ name. Jesus told them not to stop the person because anyone doing good in His name is on their side. This teaches us to avoid competition within our faith community. Instead, we should support each other in doing God’s work. Focusing on teamwork and unity strengthens our mission to follow Jesus and spread His love. Learn more about working together in faith.

Psalm 19: Discover Joy in God’s Law and Creation

Psalm 19 is the responsorial psalm for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B. The psalm expresses awe at God’s wonders, His beautiful laws, and His steady words. It asks for humility and help in defeating pride. Psalm 19 also seeks God’s closeness, recognizing Him as the source of hope and strength. This aligns with the readings’ themes of recognizing God’s work in unexpected ways and living a life guided by His truth and righteousness.

See a Prayer for Guidance and Awareness Based on Psalm 19

Gospel of Mark: Resources and Background Material

This article on Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem and His teachings on discipleship provides valuable background for understanding the Gospel for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B. As Jesus approaches Jerusalem, He emphasizes true discipleship, calling for self-denial and bearing one’s cross. Through significant healings and miracles, Jesus showcases His power and identity as the life-giver. His teachings highlight humility, sacrifice, and faith, urging disciples to remove anything hindering their relationship with God. The Gospel for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B focuses on the importance of not causing others to stumble and living a life of unity and service. Learn more about Jesus’ journey and teachings.

Homilies and Commentaries for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Sunday September 26, 2027

Whoever Is Not Against Us Is For Us

In his homily for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B, Bishop Robert Barron talks about the danger of division within the Church. He compares it to the devil’s tactic of “divide and conquer,” which turns people against each other. Using examples like Saul and David’s conflict, Eldad and Medad’s story from Numbers, and the disciples in the Gospel, he highlights how jealousy and competition harm the Church. Instead, Barron urges us to focus on God’s grace, not on who gets credit, so the Church can work together for good.

Desperate for Freedom

In his homily for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B, Fr. Mike Schmitz encourages us to eliminate anything in our lives that keeps us from freedom and joy in Christ. Using examples like Aaron Ralston’s life-or-death decision to cut off his trapped arm, Fr. Mike reminds us to be ruthless with the things that steal our joy and keep us from God. Whether it’s sin, bad habits, or unhealthy relationships, we must take action to remove them. True freedom often begins with restriction and courage to make hard choices for a fuller life in Christ.

Be an Agent of Unity

In his reflection for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B, Matthew Kelly focuses on Jesus’ call for unity. When the disciples tried to stop someone from casting out demons because he wasn’t part of their group, Jesus corrected them, saying, “Whoever is not against us is for us.” Kelly warns against creating unnecessary divisions in the Church and in life, reminding us that God works in many ways. He also highlights the serious responsibility of teaching, urging us to avoid leading others astray and to strive for unity in our own lives and actions.

If they are not against us….

In his reflection for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B, Fr. Jerry Stookey emphasizes the importance of recognizing and supporting good works, even when done by those outside the Catholic Church. Drawing from the Gospel, where Jesus says, “Whoever is not against us is for us,” Fr. Jerry encourages unity and cooperation with others doing good, regardless of their faith or background. He shares examples from his experiences as a missionary and his work with non-Catholics, highlighting the need to set aside divisions and work together for justice, mercy, and the common good.

Embrace Humility and Serve Others

In a USCCB video reflection for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B, Fr. Greg Friedman emphasizes Jesus’ teaching on humility and openness. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus corrects the disciples for trying to stop someone from casting out demons in His name, reminding them that “Whoever is not against us is for us.” Fr. Friedman points out the dangers of jealousy and resentment within the Church and highlights the importance of serving others selflessly. Following Jesus means setting aside ego, embracing humility, and working for unity, love, and justice within the Church and the world.

We Just Don’t Get It

Bishop Robert Barron’s homily for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B explains how God’s grace operates both within and beyond formal rituals and sacraments. Using the story of Eldad and Medad from Numbers, Barron shows that God can work outside established structures. He connects this to the Gospel, where Jesus supports those doing good in His name, even if they are not part of the official group. This teaches us to embrace God’s grace wherever it appears and avoid jealousy over how God chooses to work.

Cutting Out Temptations

Jeff Cavins’ reflection for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B focuses on avoiding sin by removing temptations. The Gospel of Mark 9:42-48 warns about causing others to sin and stresses the importance of cutting off sources of temptation, symbolized by hands, feet, and eyes. Cavins explains that while Jesus’ words are not literal, we must take practical steps to avoid sinful actions, places, and things we consume. By making these tough decisions, we can live a righteous life and avoid eternal consequences.

To Belong to Christ

Scott Hahn’s reflection for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B highlights how God’s Spirit works through unexpected people. Just as Moses shared his spirit with the seventy elders, God’s Spirit is given to all believers, not just a select few. John’s attempt to stop the exorcist echoes Joshua’s mistake of limiting God’s work. Hahn encourages us to focus on our own faithfulness instead of judging others. We should live humbly, avoiding scandal, and seeking God’s will in all we do. This reflection urges us to recognize and support God’s work in everyone.

Dividing the Field of the Moment

Fr. Richard Rohr’s reflection on dualistic thinking relates to the Gospel for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Mark 9:38-43. Rohr explains how we divide and judge, causing prejudice and exclusion. Jesus teaches against this by welcoming anyone doing good in His name. Jesus’ message encourages nondual thinking, embracing inclusivity and unity. Rohr’s insights challenge us to see beyond our biases and accept all who act in God’s love. This reflection helps us understand the importance of inclusiveness in our faith, as highlighted in the readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B.

Reflection for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

The readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B teach us about the presence of God’s spirit, the right use of wealth, and the importance of recognizing good works in others. These lessons remind us to stay humble, be generous, and be inclusive. Reflecting on these themes helps us grow in our faith.

God’s Spirit is Free

In the first reading, God’s spirit rests on Eldad and Medad, even though they were not at the gathering. This surprises everyone, including Moses. Moses explains that God can choose anyone to share His spirit.

This story teaches us that God’s spirit is not limited. God can work through anyone, regardless of where they are. We should be open to seeing God’s work in unexpected places and people.

When we accept that God’s spirit can be present in anyone, we become more inclusive. We see that everyone has the potential to share God’s message. This helps us to appreciate the diverse ways God works in the world.

Warning Against Wealth

In the second reading, James gives a strong warning to the rich. He condemns those who hoard wealth and exploit others. He emphasizes that wealth should be used to help others.

James wants us to see the dangers of being greedy. Wealth can make us selfish and blind to the needs of others. True wealth is found in sharing and caring for those less fortunate.

This teaching reminds us to use our resources wisely. We are called to be generous and just. By helping others, we live out our faith in practical ways.

Inclusive Ministry

In the Gospel, the disciples see someone casting out demons in Jesus’ name and try to stop him. Jesus tells them not to stop him because anyone who is not against us is for us. Jesus emphasizes that good works done in His name are valuable.

This lesson shows us the importance of being inclusive in our ministry. We should not be quick to judge others who are doing good work, even if they are not part of our group. Jesus values all efforts done in His name.

By recognizing and supporting the good works of others, we build a stronger community. We are all working towards the same goal. This spirit of inclusiveness strengthens our faith and unity.

The 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B invites us to see God’s spirit in unexpected places, use our wealth justly, and recognize the good works of others. These teachings help us to be humble, generous, and inclusive. By embracing these lessons, we grow in our faith and love for one another.

Prayer

Lord, help us to be open to Your spirit in all people. Teach us to use our wealth wisely and to be generous. May we always recognize and support the good works done in Your name. Amen.

Reflection Questions for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

  • How can we be more open to seeing God’s spirit in unexpected places?
  • In what ways can we use our wealth to help others?
  • How can we avoid the dangers of greed?
  • Why is it important to recognize and support the good works of others?
  • How can we practice being more inclusive in our community?
  • What lessons can we learn from Moses’ reaction to Eldad and Medad?
  • How does James’ warning about wealth apply to our lives?
  • What can we do to ensure we are using our resources justly?
  • How can we build a stronger community by supporting others?
  • What steps can we take to live out these teachings in our daily lives?

Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Images for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

A Cup in His Name

This vibrant artwork, inspired by the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, reflects the beauty of small acts done in Christ’s name. A glass of water beside a simple cross speaks to humble service and quiet faith. Perfect for bulletins, newsletters, or parish reflections. Download it now and use it freely to highlight this week’s Gospel message.

Paid subscribers may download this digital artwork (without watermarks) free of charge by clicking here. You must be logged in as a paid subscriber to access the file.

Only current paid subscribers have the rights to use the artwork.

“Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the people of the LORD were prophets! Would that the LORD might bestow his spirit on them all!”
Today the Church is called to go out to the streets of the existential peripheries to heal the wounded and seek the lost, without prejudices or fear, without proselytism, but ready to expand her tent to welcome everyone in an ever larger WE.

All of us are brothers and sisters! Let us pray to the Most High that, after this time of trial, there may no longer be “others”, but rather, a great “we”, rich in diversity.

Pope Francis

Music Suggestions for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Sunday September 26, 2027

These music selections highlight themes of unity, inclusivity, and belonging, which are reflected in the readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B. The songs emphasize that all are welcome in the community of believers, regardless of background or status. They also celebrate the idea that God’s spirit works through all people, calling for humility, faith, and mutual support. The music focuses on being one body in Christ, serving each other, and living in harmony. These themes resonate with the Gospel message, encouraging a community that values every member and works together in faith.

Music directors and musicians are encouraged to explore these selections to enhance the worship experience. These songs can help foster a sense of community and reflect the themes of the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B. Share your own music suggestions in the comments to create a rich and inclusive repertoire for all to enjoy.

Questions and Answers for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Why did God’s spirit rest on Eldad and Medad in the first reading for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?

God’s spirit rested on Eldad and Medad to show that He can choose anyone to share His message. It teaches us that God’s work is not limited to a select group.

What is the main message in Numbers 11:25-29?

The main message is that God’s spirit is free and can be given to anyone. We should be open to seeing God work through unexpected people.

Why does James warn the rich in the second reading for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?

James warns the rich because they were hoarding wealth and exploiting others. He wants us to use our wealth to help others and live justly.

What should we learn from James 5:1-6?

We should learn to use our resources to help those in need. Greed and selfishness lead to injustice and suffering.

Why did Jesus tell the disciples not to stop the man casting out demons in the Gospel for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?

Jesus told them not to stop the man because he was doing good work in Jesus’ name. It shows that good works done in Jesus’ name should be supported.

What is the key lesson in Mark 9:38-43?

The key lesson is to be inclusive and support those doing good works in Jesus’ name. We should not judge others who are helping in different ways.

How can we apply the readings of 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B to our lives?

We can be open to God’s spirit in everyone, use our wealth to help others, and support good works done by others. These actions help us live out our faith.

What does Jesus mean by the seriousness of sin in the Gospel for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?

Jesus uses strong language to show how important it is to avoid sin. It means we should take serious steps to stay away from actions that lead us away from God.

How does the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B help us understand God’s work?

It helps us see that God’s work is not limited and can come through anyone. It also teaches us to be just with our resources and to recognize good works in others.

Why is inclusiveness important according to the readings of the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?

Inclusiveness is important because it helps us support and recognize all good works done in Jesus’ name. It strengthens our community and faith.

Recognizing God’s Work Everywhere

The 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B teaches about God’s spirit, the right use of wealth, and being open to others. The first reading shows that God can choose anyone to share His spirit, even those who seem unexpected. This reminds us that God works in many ways and through many people.

The second reading warns against greed and selfishness. Wealth is not meant to be stored up while others suffer. Instead, we should use what we have to help others and build a just society.

The Gospel teaches us not to reject those who do good in Jesus’ name. The disciples wanted to stop someone from casting out demons, but Jesus told them not to. This shows that we should not limit God’s work to our own group but instead recognize and support all good efforts.

The 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B calls us to be humble, generous, and welcoming. It challenges us to see God’s presence in unexpected places, use our resources wisely, and embrace those who work for good. By following these lessons, we grow in faith and unity.

Your Turn

The 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B invites us to reflect on how we see God’s work in the world. Do we recognize His spirit in unexpected people? Do we use what we have to help others? Are we open to those who serve in different ways?

Take time to consider the readings and what they mean for your life. How have you seen these lessons in action? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Join the conversation and grow in faith with others.

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