Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Zechariah 8:1-8: The Lord promises to return to Zion and make Jerusalem a city of faithfulness. Elderly people and children will populate its streets. Despite seeming impossible, God vows to bring his people back.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 102: The LORD will rebuild Zion and appear gloriously, listening to the prayers of the destitute. Future generations will praise Him, and people will gather in Jerusalem to serve the LORD.
• 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.

Lectionary Reference: 455

When this falls on October 2, the gospel for the Memorial of the Guardian Angels is used.

Upcoming dates: September 27, 2027, October 1, 2029, September 26, 2033

An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest. 

Luke 9:46

On Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, the readings offer insights into God’s care for His people and how we should live in humility and peace with others. The first reading from Zechariah speaks of God’s promise to restore Jerusalem, while the Gospel from Luke teaches about humility and the importance of welcoming others.

• God’s promise of restoration: Zechariah reminds us that God will restore His people and bring peace to Jerusalem. This shows God’s care and faithfulness to those who return to Him.
• Hope for the future: Zechariah speaks of a future where old and young will live peacefully in Jerusalem. It encourages us to trust that God will bring good things, even if we cannot see them yet.
• Welcoming others with humility: In the Gospel, Jesus says that welcoming a child is like welcoming Him. This teaches us to receive others with kindness, especially those who seem small or unimportant.
• Avoiding pride and ambition: The disciples argue about who is the greatest, but Jesus reminds them that humility is more important than status. This shows that we should not seek power but should serve others instead.
• God’s faithful love: Zechariah highlights that God remains faithful even when His people have gone through difficult times. It reminds us that God never abandons us, even when things seem hard.
• Being part of God’s plan: In both readings, God is calling His people to be part of His plan for peace and unity. We are invited to trust in His plan and live in harmony with others.

The readings for Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time encourage us to reflect on how we live with others and trust in God’s care. They remind us that humility, peace, and hope are important in our daily lives.

The readings for Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invite us to reflect on how we live with others and trust in God’s care. Zechariah speaks of God’s promise of peace and restoration, while Jesus calls us to humility and kindness in welcoming others. These themes remind us of God’s constant love and our call to live in peace and harmony.

God’s Promise of Peace

In the first reading for Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, God promises to bring His people back to a time of peace. The people had gone through many difficulties, but God had not forgotten them. He assures them that He will restore their city and make it a place where they can live without fear. This shows that God’s love and care never leave us, even when we are going through hard times.

This message is comforting for us today. When we feel like things are going wrong, it’s easy to think God has forgotten about us. But the reading reminds us that God is always working to bring peace to our lives. Even if we don’t see it right away, we can trust that He has a plan for us.

God’s promise of peace is something we can hold on to, especially in times of trouble. We may not live in the city of Jerusalem, but we can still trust that God wants peace and safety for us. His promise is for everyone, no matter where or when we live.

Welcoming Others with Kindness

In the Gospel for Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus tells His disciples to welcome others with kindness, especially those who seem weak or unimportant. He uses the example of a child to show how we should treat everyone with care. In Jesus’ time, children were not seen as important, but Jesus tells His disciples that welcoming a child is like welcoming Him.

This teaches us that every person has value, no matter their status in life. We are called to be kind and caring, even to those who might be overlooked by others. When we welcome people with love and respect, we are following the example Jesus gives us.

In our daily lives, we can apply this lesson by treating everyone we meet with kindness. Whether it’s someone we know well or a stranger, Jesus calls us to show the same love He shows to us. This is how we live out the message of the Gospel from Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

Living in Peace with Others

Both the first reading and the Gospel for Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourage us to live in peace with others. Zechariah speaks of a future where people will live together in harmony, and Jesus reminds us to be humble and welcoming. These readings show us that peace comes when we treat others with kindness and humility.

In our relationships, we can sometimes be tempted to argue or seek our own way. But the readings remind us that peace is more important than being right or getting ahead. We are called to be humble, to put others first, and to avoid pride. By doing this, we create a peaceful environment where everyone feels welcome.

Living in peace is not always easy, but it is what God wants for us. The readings for Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 give us a clear guide for how to achieve this. When we treat others with love and kindness, we are building the kind of peaceful community that God promises to His people.

Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourages us to live humbly, to be kind to all, and to trust in God’s promises. Whether through welcoming others or seeking peace in our relationships, the readings guide us to live out God’s will each day. We are called to be part of His plan for peace.

---

Prayer

Loving God, help us to trust in Your promise of peace. Guide us to welcome others with kindness and humility. Teach us to live in harmony with those around us, and give us the strength to always seek peace in our relationships. Amen.

Reflection Questions

1. How can I trust God more in difficult times, as shown in Zechariah’s message of peace?
2. Who in my life can I welcome with more kindness and care?
3. How does pride keep me from living in peace with others?
4. What steps can I take to be more humble in my relationships, following Jesus’ teaching?

Greatness Through Service

In a USCCB video reflection for Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Msgr. James Vlaun reflects on Jesus’ teaching that true greatness comes from being the least and serving others. He compares this to Jackie Gleason’s humor, where he often showed that he wasn’t in control. The reflection emphasizes that happiness comes from serving others and giving from the heart. Msgr. Vlaun concludes by reminding us that in giving, we receive, echoing the prayer of St. Francis.

What date is Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Monday September 27, 2027.

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 even numbered years see Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Monday September 27, 2027 are:
First Reading – Zechariah 8:1-8: Jerusalem’s Restoration
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 102: Rebuilding Zion
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 does Zechariah mean when he talks about the old and young living in Jerusalem?

Zechariah is showing a picture of peace and safety. He is saying that God will bring a time of calm and happiness, where people can live together without fear.

What is the main message of the first reading from Zechariah?

The first reading for Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 talks about God’s promise to bring His people back to peace. It shows that God does not forget His people, even after difficult times.

How does the first reading relate to our lives today?

The first reading reminds us that God can bring peace and hope even after hard times. It helps us trust that things will get better when we turn to God.

How can we welcome others like Jesus says in the Gospel?

Jesus teaches us to welcome others with kindness, especially those who seem weak or unimportant. It means being friendly and caring to everyone, no matter who they are.

Why did the disciples argue about who is the greatest?

The disciples wanted to know who was the most important among them. Jesus tells them that the greatest in God’s eyes is the one who is humble and willing to serve others.

How can we be humble in our daily lives?

Being humble means not thinking we are better than others. It means listening, helping others, and not looking for attention or praise for ourselves.

Why does Jesus use a child as an example in the Gospel?

In Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus uses a child to show how we should be. A child is simple and humble, and Jesus wants us to be like that in our relationships with others.

What can we learn from the readings about trusting God?

Both readings for Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 show us that God has a plan for peace and unity. Even when things are difficult, we should trust that God is working for good.

What is Jesus teaching about greatness?

Jesus teaches that greatness is not about power or importance. He tells us that true greatness comes from humility and serving others.

How can we live in peace with others like the readings suggest?

We can live in peace by treating others with kindness and understanding. The readings for Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us to live in harmony and welcome others without pride.