26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIMES 27TH SEPTEMBER 2026
Ezekiel speaks to the Jews living in exile in Babylon after the destruction of Jerusalem. The second generation of exiles questioned why they should suffer because of their ancestors’ sins. Ezekiel presents an important development in biblical morality: instead of collective responsibility within the family or clan, each person is responsible for his or her own sins. Individuals are not permanently condemned by their past, nor can they depend on previous good deeds. People can change direction: the righteous can fall into sin, while sinners can repent and return to goodness. God ultimately promises a new heart and spirit, showing that repentance and new life are always possible.
The passage from Philippians presents a beautiful hymn celebrating Christ’s humility, self-emptying, exaltation and vindication by God the Father. Paul uses this hymn to encourage unity and humility within the Christian community at Philippi. Although the community appears joyful and united, Paul gently challenges them to avoid selfish ambition and vanity. Christ is presented as the model of humility. Unlike Adam, who sought to become like God and was humbled through disobedience, Christ willingly humbled himself and accepted death, after which God exalted him. The hymn strongly affirms Christ’s divine status, applying to him words from Isaiah that describe the worship owed to the Lord. Christ therefore receives divine homage to the glory of God the Father.
Matthew’s Gospel contrasts two sons to teach that actions matter more than words. Although one initially refuses his father but later obeys, while the other agrees but does not act, the important lesson is that true obedience is demonstrated through behaviour. This connects with Jesus’ teaching that merely calling him “Lord” is insufficient; people must do the Father’s will. The reflection also compares Matthew’s simple contrast between good and bad with Luke’s more complex parables, especially the Prodigal Son, where repentance and changed behaviour are central. Together, these readings emphasise responsibility, repentance, humility, obedience and the possibility of transformation.
Fr Jerome Otitoyomi Dukiya
