Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

(09/27/2026) Gospel Reading: Matthew 21:28-32

“Which Son Did the Father's Will?"

 

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord;
I know them, and they follow me.

 

From the desk of Fr. Leo

     We live in a world where anything we've done can come back to haunt us. If we were a goof in school, if we got in trouble with the law, smoked pot, got a traffic ticket, had to declare bankruptcy, robbed a bank or whatever, it's all there in someone’s memory and perhaps in public records. Especially if we tried to run for public office. The media would let the world know everything we did, and everything anyone related to us did as well. To some extent that makes sense. What a person did in the past tells a lot about their character and may be a predictor of what they'll do in the future. It is the basis on which we can evaluate someone, to decide whether we want them as our president, or our friend or our doctor or financial advisor or someone we can trust with our children. But God judges us differently and that's because He can see what kind of person we are right now. If we've been bad and decide to change, He sees our change of heart. Conversely, if we've been good and decide otherwise, He sees that too.

     This weekend's gospel tells us no matter what we've done in the past, it's where we are now that matters with God. It is the message that brings healing and peace if we've made mistakes in the past (and who hasn't, because we are all sinners). There's a little story from Scott Peck. There was a lady who claimed that Jesus was appearing to her. And she went to tell her bishop about it. He was skeptical and said he wanted some proof it was happening. So, he told her that the next time Jesus appeared to her, she was to ask Jesus what the bishop confessed the last time he went to confession. The next time she saw the bishop, he asked her to report on what happened. Did she ask Jesus what the bishop said the last time he went to confession? She did ask she said.” And what did He answer?” the bishop asked. He said he forgot. Scott Peck said that was a genuine vision or the lady was pretty smart cookie because that's the way it is with God. When we repent and change our hearts, God forgets the past. It brings healing and peace to know that we can change and God gives us a chance to start over. The message of this weekend's gospel should also shake some of us of our spiritual lethargy if we, like the son who didn't show up to work, say to ourselves it doesn't matter how we live or what we do, God won't notice. Oh no! Yes God will notice.

     If we feel we've been pretty faithful to God throughout our lives, trying to always say “Yes” and doing what God wants, then there are a few things we need to pray for. Pray to be humble, thank Him for the graces He's given us. Pray for the grace to remain close to Him. Pray for those who have forgotten about God and ask for a heart that does not hold grudges.

Meditation: What kind of future are you preparing for? Jesus encourages us to think - to think about the consequences of our choices, especially the choices and decisions that will count not just for now but for eternity as well. The choices we make now will affect and shape our future, both our future on earth as well as in the life of the age to come.

Repaying a debt of gratitude and showing respect where it is due
Jesus tells a simple story of two imperfect sons to illustrate the way of God's kingdom. The father amply provided for his sons food, lodging, and everything they needed. Everything the father had belonged to them as well. The father also rewarded his sons with excellent work in his own vineyard. He expected them to show him gratitude, loyalty, and honor by doing their fair share of the daily work.

Converting both heart and will to do what is good and pleasing to God
The "rebellious" son told his father to his face that he would not work for him. But afterwards he changed his mind and did what his father commanded him. The "good" son said he would work for his father, but didn't follow through. He sought his own pleasure, contrary to his father's will. Now who was really the good son? Both sons disobeyed their father - but one repented and then did what the father told him. Jesus makes his point clear - Good intentions are not enough. And promises don't count unless they are performed.

A transformed heart filled with gratitude and respect
God wants to change our hearts so that we will show by our speech and by our actions that we respect his will and do it. God offers each one of us the greatest treasure possible - indestructable peace, joy, and friendship with him in his everlasting kingdom. We can lose that treasure if we refuse the grace - the free gift of God's blessing and strength - which the Lord Jesus has won for us through his victory on the cross. The Lord Jesus fills us with the gift of the Holy Spirit who works in and through us for the glory of God. Do you seek to please God and respect his will and loving plan for your life? Allow the Holy Spirit to fill your heart with the peace, joy, and righteousness of God's kingdom (Romans 14:17). 

Lord Jesus, change my heart that I may only desire that which is pleasing to you. Help me to respect your will and give me the strength, joy and perseverance to carry it out wholeheartedly.

read more at: http://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org

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