TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
1st READING
The Kingdom of God is not about fairness in the mathematical sense of equality for all people. But if we are equal in the sight of God, how do we explain the disparity in wealth between the rich and the poor? Inequality that is equivalent to injustice is the result of sin. Let this be our goal: to share the abundant blessings of the world with all men and women.
Ezekiel 18:25-28
25 Thus says the Lord: You say, “The Lord’s way is not fair!” Hear now, house of Israel: Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways unfair? 26 When a virtuous man turns away from virtue to commit iniquity, and dies, it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die. 27 But if he turns from the wickedness he has committed, does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life; 28 since he has turned away from all the sins which he committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
PSALM
Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
R: Remember your mercies, O Lord.
4 Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths, 5 guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior. (R) 6 Remember that your compassion, O Lord, and your love are from of old. 7 The sins of my youth and my frailties remember not; in your kindness remember me, because of your goodness, O Lord. (R) 8 Good and upright is the Lord; thus he shows sinners the way. 9 He guides the humble in justice, he teaches the humble his way. (R)
2nd READING
Paul exhorts us to have the mind of Christ in all things. This will help prevent an all-out war when people disagree. If we focus on proclaiming the Gospel, we will not have time for arguments and just get on with building God’s Kingdom.
Philippians 2:1-11 (or Philippians 2:1-5)
1 Brothers and sisters: If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. 3 Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, 4 each looking out not for his own interests, but also for those of others. 5 Have in you the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. 7 Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, 8 he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. 9 Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
GOSPEL
Integrity is an important aspect of a holy life. Without it, nothing will ever get done. As we contemplate today’s Gospel, let us be mindful of the things we have said and make sure we do them. When we live the Gospel we proclaim, we become a light to the world—a light that leads people into the truth, a light that leads the way to salvation.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.
Matthew 21:28-32
28 Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people: “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards changed his mind and went. 30 The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. 31 Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. 32 When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.”
Reflect: “With integrity you have nothing to fear, since you have nothing to hide. With integrity, you will do the right thing so you will have no guilt.” – Zig Ziglar
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T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST
thank You, Lord, for:
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Read the Bible in one year - Proverbs 9-12
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