Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time
Monday September 28, 2026

Daily Mass Readings for Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
- First Reading – Job 1:6-22: Satan challenges Job’s faithfulness, claiming he’s loyal because he’s blessed. God allows Satan to take Job’s possessions and children but not harm him. Despite his losses, Job remains faithful and doesn’t curse God.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 17: I call upon the LORD for a just judgment, confident in my sincerity. Though tested, I remain faithful, and ask God to show mercy and provide refuge against my enemies.
- Gospel – Luke 9:46-50: Jesus corrects his disciples’ focus on being the greatest by using a child as a lesson in humility. He also instructs not to hinder those doing good in his name.
When this falls on October 2, the gospel for the Memorial of the Guardian Angels is used.
Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.
Luke 9:46
Themes for the Readings for Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, the readings highlight God’s authority and the humility needed in our relationship with Him. Job and the Gospel offer lessons in trusting God’s plan and understanding true greatness.
- God’s Sovereignty: Job’s suffering is allowed by God, showing that He is in control of all things. We are reminded to trust in God’s plan, even when we don’t understand it.
- Humility Before God: Job responds to his suffering with humility, not blaming God. This teaches us to accept hardships with faith, recognizing that everything is part of God’s larger plan.
- Testing of Faith: Satan tests Job to see if he will remain faithful in adversity. This shows how our faith can be challenged, but staying close to God is always the right choice.
- True Greatness: In the Gospel, Jesus teaches that greatness comes from humility. He says that welcoming the least among us is the way to be great in God’s eyes.
- Childlike Trust: Jesus points to a child as an example of how we should trust in God. This shows us that depending on God like a child depends on their parent is the path to the kingdom.
- Unity in Christ: Jesus tells His disciples not to stop those who do good in His name, even if they aren’t part of their group. This teaches that God’s work can happen through many people, and we should work together in unity.
These themes remind us of the importance of trusting God in all circumstances and staying humble. Through the readings, we see that following Jesus requires both faith and simplicity of heart.
Thoughts for Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings from Job and the Gospel call us to reflect on how we respond to challenges, how we work with others, and how we live in humility and trust. Job’s faith in the face of suffering and Jesus’ teachings about humility offer important lessons for our daily lives. These reflections help us better understand how to stay close to God, serve with others, and follow Jesus’ example.
Staying Faithful in Hard Times
The first reading from Job on Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 reminds us that suffering is part of life. Job loses everything, yet he stays faithful to God. His example teaches us that faith isn’t just about the good times. True faith is shown when we remain close to God, even when things go wrong.
We all face challenges, whether it’s losing something or dealing with pain. Like Job, we can struggle to understand why these things happen. But Job didn’t blame God, and that is the key. He trusted that there was a purpose, even if he couldn’t see it. This is what we are called to do.
On Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we are reminded to stay strong when life gets hard. Faith helps us to endure suffering and not lose hope. Trusting in God’s plan keeps us grounded, no matter how tough life becomes.
Working Together for Good
In the Gospel of Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the disciples see someone doing good works in Jesus’ name and want to stop him because he isn’t part of their group. But Jesus tells them not to stop him. This teaches us that God can work through many people, and we shouldn’t be divided if we are all serving the same goal.
Sometimes, we might feel like only those close to us can do good or that others are in the wrong just because they are different. But Jesus is clear that what matters is doing good in His name. We need to focus on the good being done, not on who is doing it.
On Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the message is that we should work together with others who are serving God. Whether someone is part of our group or not, the goal is the same—doing good for God’s kingdom. Instead of creating barriers, we should be united in our efforts.
Humility and Trust
The readings on Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 highlight the importance of humility and trust in God. Job responds to his suffering with humility, not accusing God or demanding answers. In the Gospel, Jesus points to a child, teaching that humility and trust are necessary to enter the kingdom of God.
Job’s humility in accepting both good and bad from God is a powerful lesson. He knows that everything comes from God, and he humbly accepts his fate. This is a reminder that humility is key in our relationship with God. When we are humble, we accept that God knows what is best for us.
On Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus also calls us to trust Him like a child trusts their parent. We need to rely on God, knowing that He will care for us. Humility allows us to recognize our need for God, and trust leads us to follow Him faithfully, no matter what we face.
The readings on Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us of the importance of faith, humility, and unity. By reflecting on Job’s patience and Jesus’ call to humility and service, we are encouraged to live out these values in our own lives. Let us trust in God’s plan, serve with others, and embrace humility in our walk with Christ.
Prayer
Lord, help us to trust You, especially when life is hard. Give us the strength to stay faithful like Job. Teach us to be humble and open to working with others who serve You. Guide us to rely on You with the simple trust of a child. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How can you stay faithful to God when facing challenges like Job did?
- What can you do to embrace humility in your daily life, as Jesus taught?
- In what ways can you work with others to serve God, even if they are different from you?
- How can you deepen your trust in God, like a child trusts their parent?
Homilies and Reflections for Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Word on Fire: Living in the Present with Humility
In his reflection for Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on Jesus’ teaching about humility. When the disciples argue about who is the greatest, Jesus sets a child before them as an example. Children live in the present moment and obey willingly, unlike adults who often dwell on the past or worry about the future. Barron uses Anthony de Mello’s image of people on a bus arguing about their place while missing the beauty around them, to remind us that God’s grace is available now, if we remain present and humble.
Dynamic Catholic: Check Your Distractions
In his reflection for Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, Matthew Kelly highlights how easily we are distracted. Reflecting on Luke 9:46-51, he notes how the disciples shift quickly from arguing about greatness to discussing someone casting out demons in Jesus’ name. Jesus teaches them to value humility and reminds them that those not against them are for them. Kelly encourages us to observe how often we get distracted in our own lives and challenges us to stay focused on what truly matters, rather than getting caught up in unnecessary divisions.
USCCB Reflection: The Power of Simple Presence
In a USCCB video reflection for Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, Msgr. James Vlaun shares his personal experiences of awkwardness around children, particularly after baptisms. He reflects on Jesus’ teaching to become like a child, emphasizing the importance of presence, kindness, and love over wisdom or appearances. Drawing from his own journey, including caring for his mother with Alzheimer’s, Msgr. Vlaun highlights the deep meaning of simply being there for others. He reminds us that this simplicity of presence and love is the way to greatness and salvation in God’s eyes.
Order of Preachers: Don’t be a Roadblock
In her reflection for Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, Sr. MaryAnn Lucy encourages us not to be roadblocks to God’s grace. Reflecting on the Gospel where Jesus tells the disciples not to stop someone casting out demons in His name, she reminds us that God’s gifts are abundant and meant for all. Each person, regardless of their background, is deserving of kindness and respect, as we all carry God’s presence within us. Sr. MaryAnn also emphasizes the importance of being open to God’s grace and blessings in our lives, rather than judging others or causing division.
Word on Fire: Childlike Authenticity in Discipleship
In this reflection for Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron discusses Jesus presenting a child as the ideal disciple in contrast to his followers, who are preoccupied with their own significance. While Jesus advocates for selflessness and sacrifice as shown through his impending crucifixion, his disciples are concerned with ego and status. A child, straightforward and without pretense, serves as the antidote to this adult egocentrism. Jesus identifies with the child’s genuine nature to emphasize that authenticity and selflessness are central to his teachings, which is likely why this narrative appears in all synoptic Gospels.
USCCB Reflection: The True Measure of Greatness
This USCCB video reflection for Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time discusses how greatness isn’t measured by accomplishments or control, but by being humble and offering service and love to others. Drawing on lessons from both Jackie Gleason’s comedy and the teachings of Jesus, it emphasizes that true happiness comes from giving, not receiving.
Questions and Answers for Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
What date is Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The next date is Monday September 28, 2026.
Cycle 1 is used in odd numbered years and Cycle 2 is used in even numbered years. The gospel is the same for both years. For odd numbered years see Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.
What are the Mass readings for Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The Mass readings for Monday September 28, 2026 are:
First Reading – Job 1:6-22: Job’s Trials
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 17: A Righteous Plea
Gospel – Luke 9:46-50: True Greatness
When this falls on October 2, the gospel for the Memorial of the Guardian Angels is used.
What is the main lesson in Job’s story for Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The main lesson is that God is in control of everything, even when we face hardships. We learn to trust in God’s plan, just like Job did, even when things seem difficult.
Why does Job not blame God?
Job understands that everything he has comes from God, and he accepts both good and bad as part of life. This teaches us to remain faithful and trust that God knows what is best for us, even when we suffer.
How can we apply the story of Job to our lives?
Job’s faithfulness in suffering teaches us to stay close to God when we face challenges. We should trust that God has a plan for us, even when life is hard.
What does Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 teach about faith during suffering?
Job’s example shows us that suffering can test our faith, but we are called to stay strong in our trust in God. Faith helps us to endure and remain hopeful, even in difficult times.
What does Jesus mean by welcoming a child in the Gospel for Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
Jesus uses the example of a child to show that greatness in God’s eyes comes from being humble and trusting. We are called to be humble and to trust in God with a simple heart.
How does the Gospel teach us about humility?
Jesus explains that being great means serving others and not seeking power or status. This means we should focus on helping others and not on being important.
What can we learn from the argument among the disciples?
The disciples argued about who was the greatest, but Jesus told them that true greatness comes from humility. This shows us that we should avoid pride and focus on being humble servants of God.
How does Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 teach us about unity in the Church?
Jesus tells the disciples not to stop others who are doing good in His name. This teaches us that we should work together and not be divided, as long as we are all serving God.
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