Twenty Sixth Sunday of the Year (Year A)

 Twenty Sixth Sunday of the Year 

September 27, 2026

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

(Image courtesy: AI)

A man applied for a job as a handyman. The prospective employer asked, “Can you do carpentry?” The man answered in the negative. “How about bricklaying?” Again, the man answered, “No.” The employer asked, “Well, what about electrical work?” The man said, “No. I don’t know anything about that either.” Finally, the employer said, “Well, tell me then what is handy about you.” The man replied, “I live just around the corner. I can be available at any time of the day or night.”

The answer was amusing, but it contains a profound lesson. The man did not have many skills, but he had something valuable: availability. Neal Maxwell expressed this beautifully: “God does not begin by asking us about our ability, but only about our availability, and if we then prove our dependability, he will increase our capability.”

This thought takes us directly into today's Gospel. Jesus tells us about two sons. One says “no” to his father but later changes his mind and goes to work. The other says “yes” immediately but never goes. Jesus asks, “Which of the two did the will of his father?” The answer is obvious: the first. The message is simple but challenging. God is not looking merely for people who say the right things. He is looking for people who are willing to respond with their lives.

The first reading from Ezekiel speaks about conversion. God challenges the people who complain that His ways are unfair. Ezekiel makes it clear that God looks at the direction of a person's life. If a person turns away from wrongdoing and begins to live rightly, that person will live. This is a powerful message of hope. Our past does not have to determine our future. A person may have made mistakes, wasted opportunities, hurt others, or wandered far from God. But conversion is always possible. God does not close the door on anyone who sincerely turns back.

At the same time, Ezekiel reminds us that a good beginning is not enough. We must remain faithful. A person cannot simply depend on past goodness while refusing to live rightly in the present. This is precisely what Jesus illustrates through the two sons. The first son says, “I will not.” Perhaps he is rebellious, impatient, or unwilling. Yet something happens within him. He changes his mind and goes to work. The second son says, “Yes, sir.” His words sound respectful and obedient. But he does nothing. Jesus deliberately contrasts words and actions.

We can say beautiful prayers and still fail to love. We can speak about service and never serve. We can say that we forgive while continuing to hold resentment. We can say that we love God while ignoring the needs of people around us. God is not impressed merely by our “yes.” He asks what our “yes” produces in our lives.

The second reading from Philippians gives us the perfect example in Jesus Himself. St Paul presents Christ as the model of Christian life. Though He was in the form of God, He emptied Himself, took the form of a servant, humbled Himself, and became obedient even to death on a cross. This is the heart of Christian discipleship. Jesus did not simply speak about love. He lived it. He did not merely preach humility. He humbled Himself. He did not merely tell us to serve. He became a servant.

Paul therefore invites Christians to have the same mind that was in Christ Jesus. This is especially important because we often think of greatness in terms of status, achievement, authority, or recognition. The Gospel presents a completely different vision. True greatness is found in humility and service. Jesus shows us that obedience to God is not about saying impressive words. It is about allowing God's will to shape our choices.

The Gospel also gives us an important message about second chances. The first son initially says “no,” but he eventually changes. How many times have we said “no” to God? “No” to forgiveness. “No” to reconciliation. “No” to prayer. “No” to service. “No” to change. Perhaps we have delayed responding to God for years. Yet today's Gospel tells us that a delayed “yes” is still possible. God does not ask us to have a perfect past. He asks us to make a faithful response today.

There are three important life messages for us today.

First, availability is more important than perfection. God can work through people who are willing. We may not have every talent, but if we make ourselves available, God can develop our abilities and use them for His purposes.

Second, let your actions speak louder than your words. Christian faith is not simply about what we say. Our forgiveness, kindness, service, honesty, compassion, and generosity must make our faith visible.

Third, never be afraid to change. If you have said “no” to God in some area of your life, it is not too late to change your answer. Conversion begins when we turn around and take the next faithful step.

Let us return to the handyman who had almost no practical skills. When the employer asked what was “handy” about him, he replied, “I live just around the corner. I can be available.” Perhaps that is exactly what God is asking from us today. God may not begin by asking, “Are you talented enough?” He may not ask, “Are you perfect?” He may simply ask, “Are you available?” Are you available to forgive? Are you available to serve? Are you available to listen? Are you available to help someone who is struggling? Are you available to change something in your own life?

The first son in the Gospel eventually became available to his father's will. The second had the right words but lacked the action. Jesus Himself shows us what complete availability looks like: He humbled Himself and became obedient. May we not merely say “yes” to God with our lips. May our lives become our “yes.” And when God calls, may we be able to say, “Lord, I may not have everything. I may not be perfect. But I am available. Send me. Use me. I am ready to do your will.”

Happy Sunday