September, 27, 2026: 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel: Matthew 21:28-32

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.’ He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes sir,’ but did not go. 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. 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.”

Reflection

Jesus shares today’s parable as a response to the chief priests and elders who challenged his authority after he shut down money-making schemes in the temple and took up teaching and healing in Jerusalem.

Since they could not answer his question about the authority of John the Baptist, he flips the script to expose them as hypocrites.

Both children in the parable were requested to work. One said “no” but eventually went and worked anyway. The other child said “yes” but never showed up. Who actually did what was asked? They all agreed it was the first one.

Here, Jesus highlights the primacy of actions and results of our work. The temple authorities seemed more worried about words, appearance and maintaining their authority. Perhaps they are just like the fruitless fig trees Jesus cursed a few versus prior. What use is a fig tree without figs?

Our fruitfulness is what we can offer the world. Why worry about where Jesus’ authority is coming from when you can see the fruit of his actions?

This makes me think of the hymn, “They’ll know we are Christians by our love.” It doesn’t matter if we can “talk the talk.” We show our character by “walking the walk.”

Action

Questions to ponder: Do my actions express the love of God that has been so freely given? How might I react (re-act, try again) if the impact of my actions does not reflect my loving intentions?

Do I give authority to those whose actions and impact do not align with love? Where might I be called to more integrity?