Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 27, 2020
First Reading: Ezekiel 18.25-28
25"Yet you say, 'The way of the Lord is not just.' Hear now, O house of Israel: Is my way not just? Is it not your ways that are not just?26When a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice, he shall die for it; for the injustice that he has done he shall die.27Again, when a wicked person turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he shall save his life.28Because he considered and turned away from all the transgressions that he had committed, he shall surely live; he shall not die.
Psalm 25
1To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.2O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me.3Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.4Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.5Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.6Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.7Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O LORD!8Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.9He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.10All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.11For your name's sake, O LORD, pardon my guilt, for it is great.12Who is the man who fears the LORD? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose.13His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land.14The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.15My eyes are ever toward the LORD, for he will pluck my feet out of the net.16Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.17The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses.18Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.19Consider how many are my foes, and with what violent hatred they hate me.20Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.21May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.22Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
Second Reading: Philippians 2.1-5
1So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,2complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.3Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.4Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.5Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
Gospel: Matthew 21.28-32
28"What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.'29And he answered, 'I will not,' but afterward he changed his mind and went.30And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, 'I go, sir,' but did not go.31Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you.32For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of personal responsibility, humility, and genuine conversion. The first reading from Ezekiel addresses the fairness of God’s justice, emphasizing that our choices have consequences. Ezekiel counters the complaint that God is unfair by highlighting that it is our actions, not God’s justice, that determine our fate. This passage underscores the importance of personal responsibility and the opportunity for repentance.
The second reading from Philippians shifts the focus to humility and unity within the community. Paul encourages the Philippians to embrace a mindset of selflessness and compassion, urging them to prioritize others’ needs over their own. This call to humility is rooted in the example of Christ, who emptied himself for the sake of others. The reading reminds us that true strength lies in humility and serving one another.
The Gospel from Matthew presents a parable about two sons, illustrating the contrast between empty promises and genuine obedience. Jesus uses this parable to challenge the religious leaders, pointing out that those often considered sinners—tax collectors and prostitutes—enter the kingdom before them because they responded to John the Baptist’s call to repentance. This parable emphasizes that it is not words but actions that matter, and that true repentance involves a change of heart and life.
These readings together call us to examine our lives and ensure that our actions reflect our faith. They remind us that our choices have consequences, humility is essential for community, and genuine conversion requires more than words—it demands a change in how we live. Let us strive to live out our faith with integrity, humility, and a commitment to following God’s will.