In the Gospel, Jesus tells the chief priests and leaders that those whom they least expect are entering the Kingdom of Heaven, while those whom one would expect—and who were prepared—are not entering the Kingdom.
Why is this the case, one may ask? What lesson is there in this passage from the Gospel of Saint Matthew 21:21–32 for us?
Faithful to the Way of God
In the first reading from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, we learn that we have a responsibility for our moral behavior. Living in union with God helps us to live in union with God and with others.
The second reading, from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, tells us, the followers of Jesus, that we must have in us the same attitude that is in Christ Jesus. This attitude is one of faithfulness to love, peace, mercy, goodness, humility, kindness, chastity, generosity, patience, gentleness, and self-control, even when things are not going well.
Look at the behavior of Christ in the Gospel. He is faithful to the way of God in every situation.
Faith Lived in Action
What lesson can we learn from this? We can learn that we are called to have a personal relationship with Christ Jesus in the context of the community—the Church—the Eucharist, and the Sacred Scriptures.
In this way, Christ is seen as Lord of one’s personal life as well as Lord of the world. Believing this helps us to be responsible for our moral actions. We can live out the faith we have through our actions.
Such behavior as racism, prejudice, and domestic violence has no place in the lives of those who follow Christ.
Therefore, how does my presence and your presence at Mass today make our worlds of home, work, and community better?
Msgr. Guy A. Massie
September 27, 2026
Sunday Readings
