Twenty-sixth Sunday of the Year: A: September 27, 2026

         DOING THE WILL OF GOD:                                                                                                                                   Not in words but in deeds.

Introduction: In today's liturgy we are warned that to be part of the Kingdom of God we have to do the will of God not only in words but in deeds by obeying God. In the first reading Prophet Ezekiel says that each person will be judged according to what they do. In the second reading St. Paul presents Jesus' humility and obedience. Although He was in the form of God, He did not count equality with God but emptied Himself. In the Gospel we have the parable of two sons. The father tells his sons to do certain work in his vineyard. The elder son at first refuses to do the work. But later he does the work given by the father. The younger son agrees to do the work, but later fails to do it. God wants us to do His will not only in words but in deeds. 

First Reading: Ezekiel 18: 25 to 28

Second Reading: Philippians 2: 1 to 11

Gospel Reading: Matthew 21: 28 to 32

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Ezekiel. Ezekiel instructs the people of Israel that they are responsible for their actions. The Lord God rewards everyone according to their actions. He is always just. He punishes those who do evil and rewards those who turn away from evil and do good. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Philippians. Paul instructs the Philippian community that Jesus humbled Himself and became human and He died on the cross for our salvation. Every follower of the Lord should do everything with humility and look for the good of others rather than that of one's own. Self-seeking actions and rivalry have no place in the life of a Christian. Christ gives us an example of humility and we must imitate Him. 

The parable of the two sons                                                                 Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. It is the story of a father and his two sons. The context of the parable is: The chosen people at first said 'Yes' to the covenant of God . But later they turn away from following God and reject His commandments. They refuse to accept that Jesus is from God. Whereas, those who are not part of the chosen race - the gentiles and sinners - accept Jesus as the Son of God. In the parable, the father asks both his sons - the elder and the younger - to go and work in his vineyard. The elder son initially says 'No' but later goes and does the work as told by the father. The younger son initially says 'Yes' to the father but does not do the work in the vineyard. Jesus puts a question to the disciples: "Which of these two sons did the father's will?" The answer is obvious. The elder son. In this context Dietrich Bonhoeffer says: "Being a Christian is less about cautiously avoiding sin than about courageously and actively doing God's will." Timothy Keller says: "The basic purpose of prayer is not to bend God's will to mine, but to mould my will into His." 

Conclusion: Through the parable, Jesus teaches us the need to do the will of the heavenly Father not merely in words but in our actions. The parable in some way has overtones about our own lives. We often make promises to God but forget to fulfil many of them. It is interesting to observe that in the parable, the owner of the vineyard does not ask his servants or hired workers to do his work. He personally asks his sons to do the work in his vineyard. So too, the heavenly Father invites each one of us, His sons and daughters, to work in His vineyard. It is up to us to respond to His invitation without fail. 

May the Lord Jesus, who through the parable of the two sons teaches us to do the will of God at all times, bless you and give you the generosity to do His will. Amen. 

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Twenty-fifth Sunday of the Year: A: September 20, 2026

 THE IMMENSE GENEROSITY OF GOD

Introduction: Today's liturgy focuses our attention on the reversal of values in the Kingdom of God. In the Gospel Jesus gives us a marvellous insight into the reversal of values which is the heart of the Kingdom of God. When we read today's parable, we may fail to understand the meaning of the parable where the latecomers are equally paid like the ones who worked all day. The Gospel is full of life's latecomers, who are with some form of handicaps: They are the physically challenged, economically broken, the prodigal sons and daughters, the lame, the blind, the tax-collectors, sex workers and those with incurable diseases. They are the ones ignored by the people. But they are found in the Gospel because Jesus is very much concerned about each of them. 

First Reading: Isaiah 55: 6 to 9

Second Reading: Philippians 1: 20 and 24 to 27

Gospel Reading: Matthew 20: 1 to 16

   *First Reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah urges the people of Israel to turn away from their evil and sinful ways and return to the Lord God. He tells them that the Lord God's ways are not the ways of humans. In His infinite wisdom, God has His own way of dealing with us humans that may not be always to our liking. We try to shape the ways of the Lord God according to human understanding. It may not correspond to the ways of the Lord God who deals in a very different way. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Philippians. Paul expresses his firm conviction that to live for Christ or to die for Christ is the same for him. His only ambition is to proclaim and to glorify Christ at all times and be united with Him always. This conviction of Paul should rule the hearts of all followers of the Lord. 

The last will be first and the first will be last:                                                                           The reversal of values in the Kingdom of God.                                                                                                              Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. The parable of the vineyard owner and his generosity to the workers is narrated in detail. The owner goes to the marketplace and hires workers at various times of the day, promising them a day's wages. At the end of the day, the owner pays everyone of the workers a day's wages (one denarius): No matter whether the person worked just one hour (the last ones) or the person worked the whole day (the first ones). The owner's generosity upsets those who worked the entire day. The question put by the owner to the disgruntled workers is very relevant: "Am I not allowed to do what I choose to do with what belongs to me?" The parable may seem quite strange and unjust for many. Some may even think that the vineyard owner is not understanding the feelings of those who toiled all day in the harsh sun. According to one Biblical scholar, the parable does not depict reckless or arbitrary action of the owner, rather it shows the behaviour of a large-hearted man who is very compassionate, kind and full of sympathy for the poor and the deprived. It is out of pity for their poverty that he decides to give them a full day's wages. If not, their families would be starving that day. In this context Khalil Gibran says: "Generosity is giving more than what you can." St. Francis of Assisi says: "For it is in giving that we receive." R.E. Goodrich says: "Every sunrise is an invitation for us to arise and brighten someone's day."

Conclusion: Through the parable, Jesus is expressing the unlimited goodness, compassion and graciousness of a kind and loving God and not about labour relationships. Often we grudge others who are in some way more favoured by God. Sometimes we are not willing to accept God's unlimited generosity and kindness. Jesus gives us a lesson that it does not matter when we come to the Kingdom of God: Early, midday, or at the last hour. All that matters is that we are part of His Kingdom. 

May the Lord Jesus, who through the parable of the vineyard owner teaches us about the generosity of God, bless you and grant you the grace to be generous to everyone in need. Amen. 

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Twenty-fourth Sunday of the Year: September 13, 2026

 FORGIVENESS: THE ROAD TO HOLINESS

Introduction: Today's liturgy invites us to take a deep look at our attitude towards forgiveness. In the first reading the book of Sirach speaks about our desire to take revenge and retaliate to people who have wronged us. In the Gospel Jesus tells St. Peter: "Forgive your brother not seven times but seventy times seven." A woman named Corrie Bona was arrested by Gestapo and was sent to concentration camp along with her sister. They were brutally treated, humiliated and molested numerous times there. After the war, Corrie Bona was set free and she became a Bible preacher in Munich, Germany. One day during the service, she caught sight of a man, a former Gestapo, who was their guard at the concentration camp. After the service, this man came to her and said: "Thank you for your message, Jesus has washed away my sins." She was confused and prayed silently: "Lord Jesus, forgive me and help me to forgive him." But still she could not smile or acknowledge him. Then she prayed: "Lord, give me your forgiveness. I can't forgive him on my own." Then she took his hand and was able to forgive him totally and she felt peace in her heart. 

First Reading: Sirach 27: 30 to 28: 7

Second Reading: Romans 14: 7 to 9

Gospel Reading: Matthew 18: 21 to 25

   *First reading is from the book of Sirach (Ecclesiastes). The desire to take revenge and vengeance is a human tendency. But our refusal to forgive those who did harm and hurt us is unacceptable in the eyes of the Lord God. Such an attitude makes us unworthy of the Lord God's forgiveness and mercy. We can experience the forgiveness of the Lord God only to the extent we forgive others. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. Paul instructs the Christian community at Rome that we live in union with the Lord Jesus so that we become precious in the eyes of God. Our living and dying is for the Lord and for others. 

Not seven times but seventy times seven                                                   Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. Jesus graphically explains to St. Peter regarding the need to forgive others unconditionally. Peter thinks forgiving his offending brother seven times is being generous and noble. But Jesus corrects him and tells him to forgive his brother not seven times but seventy times seven. Which means, he has to forgive his erring brother countless times. Jesus further explains this teaching through a parable: The parable of two debtors. It is about a Master and his two servants. The first one owed the Master ten thousand talents (today's approximate value is 4 billion US dollars). He is asked to pay back the entire amount immediately. Unable to pay such a huge sum, he pleads for mercy and the Master, out of pity, forgives all his debt. Sometime later, the same servant meets a fellow servant who owed him hundred denarii, (approximate value today is 40,000 US dollars). He asks his fellow servant to pay back the entire amount immediately. This man too pleads with him to have mercy. But the first servant does not relent and puts his fellow servant in prison till he paid the entire debt. When the Master comes to know about the unforgiving attitude of the servant who is a recipient of his mercy, he is extremely upset and angry. As a result, the Master deals with him very harshly till he paid the whole debt. Jesus adds: "So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart." In this context an ancient proverb says: "To err is human but to forgive is divine." On the cross Jesus says: "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23: 24)

Conclusion: Forgiving those who have done wrong to us is the pre-condition for us to receive forgiveness and mercy from God. Thus the only obstacle that we can put in the way of God's forgiveness for our sins is our refusal to forgive the sins of others. When we are faced with such painful moments in our lives let us have the humility to pray like Corrie Bona: "Lord, give me your forgiveness. I cannot forgive him/her on my own." 

May the Lord Jesus, who taught us to forgive others through the parable of two debtors and through His own life by forgiving His executioners, bless you and grant you the grace to forgive everyone. Amen. 

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Twenty-third Sunday of the Year: A: September 6, 2026

RECONCILIATION AND FORGIVENESS

Introduction: Today's liturgy invites us to take the first step towards reconciliation and forgiveness when we are hurt and upset by unfriendly and hostile behaviour of another. It is indeed very hard. We know from our past experiences. But Jesus assures us that He is with us and His divine presence can ensure the things we think difficult and humanly impossible to do. 

First Reading: Ezekiel 33: 7 to 9

Second Reading: Romans 13: 8 to 10

Gospel Reading: Matthew 18: 15 to 20

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Ezekiel. The Lord God asks Ezekiel to be the watchman for the house of Israel. He is given the duty to warn all wicked people in the land. The instructions given to Ezekiel by the Lord God are applicable to all the leaders who are chosen to play a prophetic role in the community. He/she has the duty to speak against all forms of injustice and evil in the community and to correct the erring members.

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. Paul reminds the Christian community at Rome about the pre-eminence of the law of love in all situations in life. He affirms that the practice of Christian love fulfils all other commandments and prevents a person from wrongdoing.

Healing broken relationships                                                                       Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. In the first part, Jesus gives some important and relevant guidelines regarding the duty of a Christian and the community in correcting an erring member in a gentle and delicate manner. The instructions of Jesus are simple and straightforward. The offended person (not the offending one) should be the first one to seek reconciliation. The Christian community should resolve internal conflicts with one another privately and in a personal manner. The purpose of this open personal meeting is in no way to humiliate or cast aspersions on the offending person but to be reconciled with him/her. This reconciliation process is to regain the brother/sister who had a break in relationship. It is solely for restoring the broken relationship and not for denouncing or to put blame on one another. That is why Jesus says: "If he listens to you, you have gained your brother." (Matthew 18:15). In the second part of the Gospel, Jesus assures us His divine presence wherever two or three are gathered in His name. These words of Jesus encourage us and strengthen us to be a part of a caring, forgiving and praying community. In this context, St. Augustine says: "The fruits of charity are joy, peace and mercy; charity demands beneficence and fraternal correction." Pope Benedict XVI says: "Today we have to learn all over again that love for a sinner and love for the person who has been harmed are correctly balanced." 

Conclusion: A few months ago someone told me that in their family, parents have not spoken to each other for the last 7 years. They are living under the same roof. Seven years, just imagine the terrible situation. This may go on till they die. All because no one wants to take the first step to reconcile. Let us try to iron out our differences whether it is in the family or outside of it, in a brotherly, Christian way. Reconciliation is very hard and we feel the pain of it. But that is the only way we can live in a truly Christian way. 

May the Lord Jesus, who taught us how to be reconciled with one another in conflict situations in life, bless you and grant you the  grace to forgive everyone unconditionally. Amen. 

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Twenty second Sunday of the Year: A: August 30, 2026

               THE CHALLENGES OF DISCIPLESHIP

Introduction: Today's liturgy challenges us to say 'no' to the very attractive but one-sided idea of power and glory at all cost. In the first reading, Prophet Jeremiah finds it difficult to accept Lord God's call and preach His Word. He has to suffer much and be punished like a criminal. In the Gospel Jesus speaks about His own suffering and death. He has to endure  pain and humiliation on the cross. Blessed Mother suffered in silence. It was not easy for the many men and women Saints who faced rejection, pain and much sufferings to follow the Lord. Our faith demands us to recognise that the crosses and contradictions in our lives are necessary steps in following our Lord and Master. 

First Reading: Jeremiah 20: 7 to 9

Second Reading: Romans 12: 1 to 2

Gospel Reading: Matthew 16: 21 to 27

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah bitterly complains about the painful situation that he is facing: Fierce opposition, insults, reproach and derision from the people. He is despised by everyone because he is speaking for the Lord God. Trusting in the power of the Lord God, he begs the Almighty that he be able to continue the mission entrusted to him.

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. Paul urges the Christian community at Rome not to be influenced by the worldly ways of people around them. He pleads with them to live their lives as living sacrifices holy and acceptable to the Lord. 

Gaining life and losing life                                                         Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. In the first part of the Gospel, Jesus explains to His disciples His imminent rejection at Jerusalem and His death on the cross. This revelation shocks the disciples. Their dreams of having power and glory in His kingdom lay shattered. They do not want to accept such a situation. Consequently, Peter and others protest and try to persuade Jesus: That such an event should never happen to Him. Listening to them, Jesus tells Peter: "Get behind me Satan." Jesus tells him not to be a stumbling block to the plan of God. It is indeed surprising that Peter, who was praised by the Lord and was told that he would become the rock on which the Church would be built (Matthew 16:18) turned out to be a stumbling block to the plan of God. What a total turn of events! It is a clear warning for everyone, especially those who exercise authority in the Church and in the community. In the second part of the Gospel, Jesus tells His followers the challenges of being His disciples. To be a disciple would mean that he/she should take up one's cross and follow the Lord in the most difficult and challenging situations in life. He warns us that those who want to save their life will lose it and those who lose their life for His sake will find it. 

Conclusion: In catechism class, a teacher was explaining the stations of the cross. They got to the fourth station where Jesus on the road to Calvary, meets His beloved mother. The teacher explained at length that even though the mother and Son could not talk to each other, they spoke through their eyes. She asked the children: "What do you think they said to each other?" After a brief silence, one child said: "It is unfair." Another said: "Why me?" Finally a little child got up and said: "Keep on going, my Son." Why would a mother encourage her only son on the way to crucifixion? Because the Blessed Mother understood the life and message of Jesus: "No cross, no crown." Jesus said, "What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?" This is the challenge Jesus puts before us everyday of our lives. It we put ourselves at the centre of our lives, we will fail. But if we put Jesus at the centre of our lives, we will surely succeed. The Lord wants us to be His authentic and genuine disciples. 

May the Lord Jesus, who gave His life for the salvation of the world, bless you and give you the grace to put Him at the centre of your life. Amen.

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Twentieth Sunday of the Year: A: August 16, 2026

JESUS PROMISES SALVATION TO ALL 

Introduction: Today's liturgy invites us to be open to the ways of God in saving people of various religions, castes, languages and ethnic origins. In the first reading Prophet Isaiah looks beyond the chosen people of God. He affirms that the Lord God's salvation is inclusive of everyone, no matter to what religion or race they belong. All they need is faith in the Lord God. In the Gospel this fact is illustrated when a Canaanite woman (a non-Jew) approaches Jesus and requests Him to heal her daughter possessed by a demon. After initial hesitation, listening to her persistent appeal, Jesus grants her wish and her daughter is healed. 

First Reading: Isaiah 56: 1 and 6 to 7

Second Reading: Romans 11: 13 to 15 and 29 to 32

Gospel Reading: Matthew 15: 21 to 28

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah looks forward to a time when salvation for all nations and races is granted by the Lord God. He affirms that the salvation promised by the Lord God is inclusive of all: It is not limited to one's nationality, race or religious affiliations. It is open to everyone who worships the Lord God with sincerity of heart, no matter where they come from. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. Paul explains to the Christians at Rome that God never takes back His call and His gifts. He affirms that in order to receive the gifts of God and to live His call, we have to accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. We receive the mercy of God by turning away from our sinful ways and by turning to the love of God. 

Jesus heals the daughter of a Canaanite woman                                            Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. A Canaanite woman pleads with Jesus to heal her daughter who is possessed by a demon. At that time, Jews and Canaanites had a hostile relationship. At first, Jesus does not respond to the woman's desperate pleas. The disciples are disturbed and they too plead with Jesus to grand her request. Jesus cites the reason for His inaction. He tells them that His ministry is limited to the Jews. It is not reasonable that the bread of the children is given to the house dogs. He has come to bring back the lost sheep of Israel. However, this woman does not take Jesus' no for an answer. She persists with her request. She humbly accepts her unworthiness and tells Jesus: "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table." Hearing her reply, Jesus praises her faith and grants her wish and her daughter is healed. In this context Bishop Desmond Tutu says: "God's dream is that you and I and all of us realise that we are family, that we are made for togetherness, for goodness and for compassion." St. Thomas Merton says: "The whole idea of compassion is based on a keen awareness of the interdependence of all these living beings which are part of one another and all involved in one another." 

Conclusion: This miracle story illustrates to us the following: 1. We need to be persistent in our prayers even when our prayers are not immediately answered. 2. No one is to be denied of God's love, mercy and healing touch because he or she does not belong to a particular caste, race or a particular religious tradition. We should never take a negative and fascist way of looking at others. All are God's children, even those whom we consider illiterate, outcast, or worthless. God takes care of each of them. The Canaanite woman in the Gospel is the teacher of servants of God. 

May the Lord Jesus, who healed the daughter of a Canaanite woman and praised her faith, bless you and heal you from all your infirmities and evil inclinations. Amen. 

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