25th Sunday

25^th

Sunday

9/20/2026

Contents:

Volume 2 - September 20, 2026

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The readings for the 25^th Sunday in Ordinary Time can help to align our priorities… if we will only let them! The first reading from the Book of Isaiah reminds us about the great gap between God’s ways and our ways. The Gospel account according to Matthew gives a very clear example as proof.

God is everything good. Humanity, not so much! If we recall the best characteristics of people we love or admire, (and that is a great thing to do occasionally), we have only a glimmer of Who God is in totality! Each one of those people, and each of us, is made in God’s image and reflects the Supreme Being in some way. But there is more to each human, too… the not-so-good that reminds us that we are all sinners.

The furrowed brow that many of us have when we read/listen to and then try to understand the extravagant generosity of the landowner in Jesus' parable reveals that we all do indeed need to be more mindful of and model God’s ways. Mindful is a good word here, for becoming more aware of God’s presence as exhibited in others can move us closer to acting more according to God’s ways.

St. Paul got it 100% correct in the Letter to the Philippians! The Supreme Being is well, supreme, so who better would know what is best? Let us pray that our acknowledgment of that becomes as strong as Paul’s, no matter what our present circumstance might be. Let us trust the One who is always worthy of trust and worthy of our allegiance. May each of us act accordingly!

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What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous? “ Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last."

God’s generosity is not measured by our calculations. God does not give love, mercy, or grace according to what we think someone deserves. The parable reminds us that God’s goodness is not a limited supply that we have to compete for. Another person’s blessing does not diminish ours.

· When have I found myself comparing what I receive with what someone else receives? What does this reveal about my attitude toward God?

· Is there someone whose good fortune or blessing I find difficult to celebrate? Can I ask God to free me from envy?

· Who are the “last” people in my community or in my life? How might Jesus be inviting me to see and treat them differently?

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Volume 2 is for you. These reflections follow the Liturgical Calendar and appear late each week. They are written by various guest authors. If you would like to submit a reflection of your own, or subscribe to our free weekly emails, then click here to send an "email request to post" to the Webmaster. Deadline is Monday morning of each week for the upcoming Sunday.

A service of The Order of Preachers, The Dominicans.
Province of St. Martin De Porres
(Southern Dominican Province USA)
P.O. Box 8129, New Orleans, LA 70182
(504) 837-2129; Fax (504) 837-6604
http://www.opsouth.org
(form revised 10/13/2025)