26th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) The Way of the Day Week 4 Sundays Scripture 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, Each week we break from the current theme and explore the scriptures coming up at Mass this Sunday. The Sign of the Cross In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

A reading from the Gospel of St Matthew Jesus said, ’What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He went and said to the first, “My boy, go and work in the vineyard today." He answered, "I will not go," but afterwards thought better of it and went. The man then went and said the same thing to the second who answered, "Certainly, sir," but did not go.

Which of the two did the father's will?' They said, 'The first.' Jesus said to them, 'In truth I tell you, tax collectors and prostitutes are making their way into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you, showing the way of uprightness, but you did not believe him, and yet the tax collectors and prostitutes did. Even after seeing that, you refused to think better of it and believe in him.

We often like to paint the Pharisees as the “bad guys.” Reflection We often like to paint the Pharisees as the “bad guys.” They were foes to Jesus and ultimately sought to put Jesus to death, but had good intentions. The Pharisees were content with a God who they could keep happy through sacrifice and external offerings because that meant they did not have to change. Jesus comes into the picture and requires them to change, and they don’t want to. Meanwhile, tax collectors, and other sinners, who were once told that they could never measure up to the purity laws of their faith, are hearing that God loves them.

In the silence of your heart, say sorry to God. The sinners in today’s Gospel are responding to Jesus’ call to repent, remaining in His love, and emptying themselves enough to be able to receive more of it. Pause for a moment now and think about some of the things you are sorry for having done. In the silence of your heart, say sorry to God.

We ask Mary, the mother of Jesus to pray for us as we say together: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of death. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, The Sign of the Cross In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen