Homily 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A I Homily 27 September 2026 Year A

 

27 Sep Ezekiel 18:25-28; Philippians 2:1-11; Matthew 21:28-32

 

We all make promises, make mistakes, and sometimes even change our minds. On the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, the readings remind us that what matters is not where we started, but whether we are willing to change and say “yes” to Him with our lives.

The prophet Ezekiel speaks to the people of Israel during a very difficult time. They had been conquered, taken from their homes and were living in exile in Babylon. Many of them felt that they were suffering because of the sins of their ancestors. They used a proverb: “The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.” In other words, “We are suffering because of what others did.” But God challenges this way of thinking. He tells them that each person is responsible for his or her own choices. A person who turns away from sin and begins to live rightly can have a new beginning. The past does not have to determine the future. Sometimes we blame our upbringing, our circumstances, other people, or even our past mistakes for the way we live today. God says, in effect: You can turn around. You can begin again. The question is not only, “Who is responsible for what happened to me?” but also, “What am I going to do now?” God does not want us to remain trapped in blame, guilt or hopelessness. He gives us the grace to begin again. The past may explain us, but it does not have to define us.

In the second reading taken from St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians, Paul shows us what true Christian conversion entails. We are called to have the mind of Christ—to become people of humility, service and self-giving love. He asks the community at Philippi to be united, caring for one another, and not acting out of selfish ambition or pride. Paul then gives us Jesus as the perfect example. Though Jesus was truly divine, he did not cling to his divine status,  but emptied himself and took the form of a servant. His humility went even further: he accepted suffering and death on the cross. Because of this, God exalted him and gave him the name above every other name. This passage challenges the way we normally think about greatness. The world often tells us that greatness means being powerful, successful, recognised, or important. Jesus shows us another way. True greatness is found in humility, service and self-giving love. Paul invites us to have “the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus.” Following Jesus means choosing love over pride, service over status, and others over self. When we empty ourselves for others, we make Christ visible in our everyday lives.

A doctor once told his patient, “Your reports are not good. You really need to exercise, eat healthier, and change your lifestyle.” The patient nodded seriously and said, “Doctor, absolutely! From tomorrow, I am going to be a completely new man!” The doctor smiled. “Wonderful. And what are you doing today?” The patient replied, “Today? I’m going home to finish the cheesecake in the fridge!” We are often like that. We sincerely want to change—but preferably tomorrow! Jesus reminds us that change begins when our actions finally catch up with our words.

The important word in this passage is change. The first son initially made the wrong choice, but he did not remain trapped in it. He thought about his response, recognized that he was wrong, and changed his mind. The Greek word used for change in this passage is metamelētheis which carries the meaning of repentance—a turning around and choosing a different path. Jesus is not saying that words do not matter. He is reminding us that our words must eventually become actions. It is easy to say, “I believe in God,” “I will pray,” “I will forgive,” or “I will help.” But our faith becomes real when our words become actions. The second son had the right words, but his words were not followed by obedience. Jesus therefore points us towards a faith that is lived, not merely spoken.

The Gospel also highlights another danger- the temptation to say: “I am good. I don't need to change.” The religious leaders had heard John the Baptist, but they refused to change their minds. They saw others respond to John's message, yet they themselves remained unwilling to change. Jesus challenges precisely this attitude. Sometimes the hardest words to say are: “I was wrong,” “I need to change,” or “I need God's help.” But repentance begins when we stop defending ourselves and honestly look at our lives. True humility is not easy. The Gospel therefore asks us not, “Have I always said the right things?” but “Am I willing to change  my life?” Perhaps today God is asking each of us to change something—a habit, an attitude, a relationship, or simply the way we treat someone. We may have said “no” yesterday, but God gives us today to say “yes.” God does not ask for perfect people. He asks for humble hearts that are willing to change and do His will. So the question this Sunday is very simple: Which son am I—and what will my “yes” to God look like this week? May God bless us all.