Faith Today

September 27, 2026

Repentance Opens the Door

“"Tax collectors and prostitutes are making their way into the kingdom of God before you."”
Matthew 21:31

Today's Reflection

To our community, the news of Alex Saab, once a powerful ally, now pleading guilty in a corruption case, echoes today’s call: no matter one’s past position or influence, true change and accountability are possible. The readings challenge us to respond not with condemnation, but with a spirit that seeks justice and restoration. Ultimately, society is stronger when it values repentance and offers space for renewal.

Coping

When faced with difficult news or personal setbacks, todays readings remind us that change is always possible. No matter our past, the choice to turn toward what is right and true is open to us. God welcomes those who seek a new path with humility and hope, offering the chance for a fresh start.

Family

In our families, we often see both failure and redemption. Like the two sons in the Gospel, words are less important than actions—choosing to do what is right, even after mistakes, strengthens family bonds. Patience, forgiveness, and encouragement can help loved ones grow into their best selves.

Community

Communities thrive when members support each other in growth and repentance. The call for unity and humility in Philippians encourages us to lift up those who are struggling and rejoice in each other’s transformations. Extending mercy, rather than judgment, builds a more loving and just community.

Today's Readings

First Reading · Ezekiel 18:25-28

[25] 'Now, you say, "What the Lord does is unjust." Now listen, House of Israel: is what I do unjust? Is it not what you do that is unjust? [26] When the upright abandons uprightness and does wrong and dies, he dies because of the wrong which he himself has done. [27] Similarly, when the wicked abandons wickedness to become law-abiding and upright, he saves his own life. [28] Having chosen to renounce all his previous crimes, he will most certainly live: he will not die.

Psalm · Psalms 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

[4] DIRECT me in your ways, Yahweh, and teach me your paths. [5] ENCOURAGE me to walk in your truth and teach me since you are the God who saves me. FOR my hope is in you all day long -- such is your generosity, Yahweh. [6] GOODNESS and faithful love have been yours for ever, Yahweh, do not forget them. [7] HOLD not my youthful sins against me, but remember me as your faithful love dictates. [8] INTEGRITY and generosity are marks of Yahweh for he brings sinners back to the path. [9] JUDICIOUSLY he guides the humble, instructing the poor in his way.

Gospel · Matthew 21:28-32

[28] '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." [29] He answered, "I will not go," but afterwards thought better of it and went. [30] The man then went and said the same thing to the second who answered, "Certainly, sir," but did not go. [31] 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. [32] 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.

Second Reading · Philippians 2:1-11

[1] So if in Christ there is anything that will move you, any incentive in love, any fellowship in the Spirit, any warmth or sympathy -- I appeal to you, [2] make my joy complete by being of a single mind, one in love, one in heart and one in mind. [3] Nothing is to be done out of jealousy or vanity; instead, out of humility of mind everyone should give preference to others, [4] everyone pursuing not selfish interests but those of others. [5] Make your own the mind of Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in the form of God, did not count equality with God something to be grasped. [7] But he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, becoming as human beings are; and being in every way like a human being, [8] he was humbler yet, even to accepting death, death on a cross. [9] And for this God raised him high, and gave him the name which is above all other names; [10] so that all beings in the heavens, on earth and in the underworld, should bend the knee at the name of Jesus [11] and that every tongue should acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord, to the glory of God the Father.