28/09/2026
Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel Proclamation: Matthew 21:23–32
Homily by Bishop Romie-Jun Peñalosa
In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the religious leaders the parable of a father and his two sons after they questioned His authority.
The second son was asked by his father to work in the vineyard. He said yes politely, but in the end, he did not go. His obedience was only in words. The first son, however, initially refused and responded disrespectfully, but later changed his heart and went to work. Through this, Jesus showed the difference between what we say and what we actually do.
Jesus then referred to the tax collectors and prostitutes who initially lived sinful lives but eventually repented and believed. Meanwhile, the religious leaders heard the message of John but refused to change. This reminds us that God continues to call us, even when we have gone far from Him.
The parable gives us three important lessons.
First is the gift of human freedom. God loves us, but He does not force us to love or obey Him. He respects the freedom He has given us, and we are responsible for how we respond to His call.
Second is the connection between our words and our actions. Saying yes to God is not enough if our actions do not follow. The faith we profess with our words should also be seen in the way we live.
Third is repentance. Our mistakes and failures do not have the final word in our lives. We are not permanently defined by our past. Like the first son, we can change our hearts and choose to follow God. Repentance is not simply being sorry; it means allowing God to change the direction of our lives.
God’s invitation is always addressed to us in the present moment. If we hear His voice asking us to change, forgive, or repent, we should not keep saying, “Tomorrow.” Yesterday is already gone, and tomorrow is not promised. we have is today, and today is the time to respond to God.
Homily Recap by Ma. Sandy Masangya
