Hello, Reader!
This Sunday, September 27, we celebrate the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost with Morning Prayer at 9:00 AM.
These readings invite us to reflect on the gap between our words and actions and on God’s justice and grace.
FIRST READING – Ezekiel 18:1–4, 25–32
Ezekiel rejects the proverb that “the parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge”—the notion that guilt and punishment are inherited. Instead, God declares that each person is accountable for their own choices. When the righteous turn to wickedness, they die for it; when the wicked turn away and embrace righteousness, they live. God pleads with the people: “Repent and turn from all your wrongdoings. Why will you die? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone. Turn, then, and live.”
PSALM 25:1–8
The psalmist lifts his soul to God in trust, asking to be taught and led in God’s truth. He pleads: “Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions, but remember me according to your love and for the sake of your goodness, O Lord.” The Lord is gracious, teaching sinners His ways, guiding the humble, and showing His path to the lowly.
EPISTLE – Philippians 2:1–13
Paul presents Christ’s radical self-emptying as the model for Christian humility. Though Christ existed in the form of God, He did not cling to equality with God. Instead, He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant and becoming obedient to death on a cross. Because of this humility, God exalted Him so that every knee should bend and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. We are called to work out our salvation with the same humble mind.
GOSPEL – Matthew 21:23–32
Jesus tells the parable of two sons whom their father asks to work in the vineyard. The first refuses but later changes his mind and goes. The second agrees but never follows through. Jesus asks which son did the father’s will, and the answer is clear: the first son. Jesus then tells the religious leaders that tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before them—because they repented and believed, whereas the leaders professed faith but did not act.
These readings remind us that true faith is shown by action, not mere profession. They call us to trust in God’s grace, turn away from our past, and align our words with our deeds.
Read the full readings and reflections
The podcast of today’s service will be available later today on your favorite podcast platform, or you can listen here.
Don’t forget to review this week’s announcements and the church calendar.
This week, please include those on our prayer list in your prayers as we work to strengthen our community.
If you need inspiration for prayer, consider the Book of Common Prayer or these prayers to guide your prayer journey.
Blessings, and have a great week!
