Choosing Imperfect Humility

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary on the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time challenge us to consider humility as the ground from which we make our choices.

Humble Walking with the Lord

The Reading from the Prophet Ezekiel rejects the idea that punishment is transferred from one generation to the next.

* [18:25] The LORD’s way is not fair: this chapter rejects the idea that punishment is transferred from one generation to the next and emphasizes individual responsibility and accountability. (Ezekiel, CHAPTER 18 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 25 presents expressions of confidence in God who forgives and guides.

* [Psalm 25] A lament. Each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Such acrostic Psalms are often a series of statements only loosely connected. The psalmist mixes ardent pleas (Ps 25:1–2, 16–22) with expressions of confidence in God who forgives and guides. (Psalms, PSALM 25 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Philippians is a Plea for Unity and Humility

* [2:1–11] The admonition to likemindedness and unity (Phil 2:2–5) is based on the believers’ threefold experience with Christ, God’s love, and the Spirit. The appeal to humility (Phil 2:3) and to obedience (Phil 2:12) is rooted in christology, specifically in a statement about Christ Jesus (Phil 2:6–11) and his humbling of self and obedience to the point of death (Phil 2:8). (Philippians, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus presents the Parable of the Two Sons.

* [21:28–32] The series of controversies is interrupted by three parables on the judgment of Israel (Mt 21:28–22:14) of which this, peculiar to Matthew, is the first. The second (Mt 21:33–46) comes from Mark (12:1–12), and the third (Mt 22:1–14) from Q; see Lk 14:15–24. This interruption of the controversies is similar to that in Mark, although Mark has only one parable between the first and second controversy. As regards Matthew’s first parable, Mt 21:28–30 if taken by themselves could point simply to the difference between saying and doing, a theme of much importance in this gospel (cf. Mt 7:21; 12:50); that may have been the parable’s original reference. However, it is given a more specific application by the addition of Mt 21:31–32. The two sons represent, respectively, the religious leaders and the religious outcasts who followed John’s call to repentance. By the answer they give to Jesus’ question (Mt 21:31) the leaders condemn themselves. There is much confusion in the textual tradition of the parable. Of the three different forms of the text given by important textual witnesses, one has the leaders answer that the son who agreed to go but did not was the one who did the father’s will. Although some scholars accept that as the original reading, their arguments in favor of it seem unconvincing. The choice probably lies only between a reading that puts the son who agrees and then disobeys before the son who at first refuses and then obeys, and the reading followed in the present translation. The witnesses to the latter reading are slightly better than those that support the other.

* [21:31] Entering…before you: this probably means “they enter; you do not.”

* [21:32] Cf. Lk 7:29–30. Although the thought is similar to that of the Lucan text, the formulation is so different that it is improbable that the saying comes from Q. Came to you…way of righteousness: several meanings are possible: that John himself was righteous, that he taught righteousness to others, or that he had an important place in God’s plan of salvation. For the last, see note on Mt 3:14–15. (Matthew, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB, n.d.)

Anish Kochanichottil, SJ, comments that the “inordinate attachment” Saint Ignatius of Loyola talks about is what pulls him away from doing what is right and what is good in the sight of God.

This makes me ask myself, especially when I am unhappy, “What am I clinging to? What are my attachments? It could be a person, an idea, an expectation, power or possession.”

Today I am invited to change, to let go, to make the right decisions in order to be free and happy. The second reading reminds me that Jesus, even though was in the form of God, did not cling to equality with God. He did not cling to a good life or comfort. He emptied himself, became like one of us and died on the cross.

This self-emptying is what all of us are asked to ponder today. You and I need that trust and faith in our heavenly Father to let go, to change and to become better. (Kochanichottil, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “The Father and his two sons,” author unknown, from the 5th century A.D.

"Who is this if not the God who created all people and loves them with a fatherly affection, the God who preferred to be loved as a father rather than feared as a lord, even though he was Lord by nature? On this account, at the beginning of the commandments of the law, he did not say, 'You shall fear the Lord with all your heart' but 'you shall love the Lord with all your heart' (Deuteronomy 6:5). To elicit love is not characteristic of a lord but of a father. Of the two sons in this parable, the older one represents the Gentiles, since they come from their father Noah. The younger son represents the Jews, who come from Abraham. 'And approaching the first, he said, "Son, go and work today in my vineyard." 'Today' refers to this present age. How did he speak to his sons? He didn't address them face to face like man, but he spoke to the heart, like God. Man only utters words to the ear, but God supplies understanding to the mind." (excerpt from an incomplete Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew, HOMILY 40) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winker comments on the texts for today. Ezekiel speaks about the bad one who turns to the good and the good one who turns to evil and punishment. The person is getting what he has chosen. The Philippians were liked by Paul and he teaches them to consider the other as more important than themselves and live a life of service. Jesus emptied Himself of his divinity and took the form of a slave and a human being. He is a Being in the form of God, yet he emptied Himself. Jesus took on our flesh. How much did he know? He was one like us except in sin. Friar Jude ponders if this is the exaltation, the reward, or is the cross the exaltation where we see who God truly is on the cross most clearly. In Hebrew literature citing two extremes means to include everything in between. ALL bow down to the Holy Name. Friar Jude notes this  requires us to treat It with reference too.

The Word Among Us Meditation on Philippians 2:1-11 comments that when we hear St. Paul calling us to be “of the same mind” and “united in heart,” it can seem almost impossible (Philippians 2:2). It’s hard enough staying civil and polite, but to actually be united in heart and mind? Can we even do that? Paul seems to think we can. So let’s consider how we can apply his words to our lives today.

So how can we embrace this calling? One way is to ask yourself if you should be spending less time taking in the news, political commentary, or celebrity gossip and more time serving God. The simple act of putting your energy toward listening to God and being among his people will bring down dividing walls and empower you to follow Jesus’ command to love all of your brothers and sisters.

So enjoy the benefits of our connected world, but remember to guard the true, lasting unity of your family in Christ.

“Jesus, help me to hear your call to unity and respond with love.” (Meditation on Philippians 2:1-11, 2026)

Father Richard Rohr reflects on his first encounter with the writings of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (1873–1897) as a young man.

It was her underlying spirituality, complemented by Francis of Assisi and Franciscanism, that got me through the seminary. It wasn’t the academic teaching I was being given by the professors, which was still tainted with legalism, and where the unspoken premise was basically, “If you’re perfect, if you do it right, God will love you.” That was the underlying assumption, and it was—and still is—utterly false. I guess I trusted Thérèse because what she wrote felt like common sense to me. Most of my confessors were legalists, and I would just quietly think to myself, “Okay, they’re going to say that, but I know it’s not true.”

It was an important antidote to my own inclination to perfectionism as a “one” on the Enneagram (although I didn’t have the language for it at the time). We “one’s” set a standard of perfection by our own self-centered definition, and so we’re always defeated. We define the rules and then we can’t live up to them. Thérèse is the best counterweight to any theology or spirituality of perfectionism. She was my liberation. I just didn’t believe in it anymore. It simply wasn’t true. (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the Wisdom of the Spirit to be open to those events in life which can be opportunities to affirm our “Yes” to work in the vineyard of the Lord even if our initial response was non committal or “No”.

References

Ezekiel, CHAPTER 18 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 27, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ezekiel/18? 

Kochanichottil, A. (2026, September 27). Daily Reflection September 27, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved September 27, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-september-27-2026 

Matthew, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 27, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/21?28 

Meditation on Philippians 2:1-11. (2026, September 27). The Word Among Us. Retrieved September 27, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/09/27/1678507/ 

Philippians, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 27, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/philippians/2? 

Psalms, PSALM 25 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved September 27, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/25?4

Rohr, R. (n.d.). An Influential Teacher. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved September 27, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/an-influential-teacher/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Which Son Did the Father's Will? Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved September 27, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/? 

Love is the Law

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge our understanding of what might be the consequence of a spiritual attitude determined by legalism.

Path of Love

In the First Letter to the Corinthians Paul deals with a Case of Incest.

* [5:1–13] Paul first deals with the incestuous union of a man with his stepmother (1 Cor 5:1–8) and then attempts to clarify general admonitions he has given about associating with fellow Christians guilty of immorality (1 Cor 5:9–13). Each of these three brief paragraphs expresses the same idea: the need of separation between the holy and the unholy.

* [5:2] Inflated with pride: this remark and the reference to boasting in 1 Cor 5:6 suggest that they are proud of themselves despite the infection in their midst, tolerating and possibly even approving the situation. The attitude expressed in 1 Cor 6:2, 13 may be influencing their thinking in this case.

* [5:5] Deliver this man to Satan: once the sinner is expelled from the church, the sphere of Jesus’ lordship and victory over sin, he will be in the region outside over which Satan is still master. For the destruction of his flesh: the purpose of the penalty is medicinal: through affliction, sin’s grip over him may be destroyed and the path to repentance and reunion laid open. With Paul’s instructions for an excommunication ceremony here, contrast his recommendations for the reconciliation of a sinner in 2 Cor 2:5–11.

* [5:6] A little yeast: yeast, which induces fermentation, is a natural symbol for a source of corruption that becomes all-pervasive. The expression is proverbial.

* [5:7–8] In the Jewish calendar, Passover was followed immediately by the festival of Unleavened Bread. In preparation for this feast all traces of old bread were removed from the house, and during the festival only unleavened bread was eaten. The sequence of these two feasts provides Paul with an image of Christian existence: Christ’s death (the true Passover celebration) is followed by the life of the Christian community, marked by newness, purity, and integrity (a perpetual feast of unleavened bread). Paul may have been writing around Passover time (cf. 1 Cor 16:5); this is a little Easter homily, the earliest in Christian literature. (1 Corinthians, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 5  proclaims the security of the house of God.

* [Psalm 5] A lament contrasting the security of the house of God (Ps 5:8–9, 12–13) with the danger of the company of evildoers (Ps 5:5–7, 10–11). The psalmist therefore prays that God will hear (Ps 5:2–4) and grant the protection and joy of the Temple. (Psalms, PSALM 5 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke presents Debates About the Sabbath.

* [6:1–11] The two episodes recounted here deal with gathering grain and healing, both of which were forbidden on the sabbath. In his defense of his disciples’ conduct and his own charitable deed, Jesus argues that satisfying human needs such as hunger and performing works of mercy take precedence even over the sacred sabbath rest. See also notes on Mt 12:1–14 and Mk 2:25–26. (Luke, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Eileen Wirth comments that Franciscan theology offers helpful guidance. In his book “The Universal Christ,” Richard Rohr notes that “in Franciscan theology, truth is always for the sake of love and not an absolute end in itself.”

This speaks to our belief in a loving God who understands that people live messy lives that no rules will change. Thank heaven that most of us have moved on from the days when people stayed in bad marriages or hid their sexual orientation for fear that their families would disown them if they broke church rules,.

What joy Pope Francis brought to many when he famously said, “Who am I to judge?”

I sympathize with parish priests, who must juggle the conflicting demands of caring for hurting people with following rules that contribute to the pain. It would be brutal to have to refuse to marry couples in the church because they aren’t in compliance with a rule. Priests need our understanding and our prayers.

There are no easy answers but it’s comforting to again turn to the example of Pope Francis who had a loving relationship with the trans community which lives near the Vatican. He may or may not have approved of their lifestyle, but he cared so deeply about them that they greeted his funeral procession. This reminds us that you can never go wrong by loving people. (Wirth, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus heals to teach the Pharisees mercy,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"The miracle sometimes converts to faith those who had disbelieved the word, but the Pharisees watched him to see if he would heal on the sabbath. The nature of an envious person is such that he makes the praises of others food for his own disease and is wickedly maddened by their reputation. Once more he spoke to this; 'he reveals deep and mysterious things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him' (Daniel 2:22). And why did he do this? Perhaps it might be to move the cruel and unpitying Pharisee to compassion. The man's malady [his withered hand] perhaps might shame them and persuade them to dispel the flames of their envy.

"This question is most wise indeed and a most suitable statement to meet their folly. If it is lawful to do good on the sabbath and nothing prevents the sick being pitied by God, cease picking up opportunities for fault-finding against Christ and bringing down on your own head the sentence which the Father has decreed against those who dishonor the Son. You have heard the Father where he says of the Son by the voice of David, 'I will crush his foes before him and strike down those who hate him' (Psalm 89:23). But if it is not lawful to do good on the sabbath and the law forbids the saving of life, you have made yourself an accuser of the law." (quote from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 23). (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the texts for today. Paul begins by condemning the immorality of a man living with his stepmother implying they are married. This marriage is not accepted. Excommunication is to show the conduct is wrong and unacceptable. We live according to certain values so it is a therapeutic tool. Jews clean out the old yeast during the week of unleavened bread and they are scrupulous to clean the house. Sinfulness and bad examples is a yeast. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus encounters a man with a withered hand seeking healing on the Sabbath. Technically, it is ok if he is at the point of death. Is it OK to do good? Not counting this as work but sharing rest time with others. The Scribes and Pharisees are furious but we hear from Jesus the fulfillment of the Law is Love.

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 6:6-11 asks "So what does it mean for us to “do good” on the Sabbath? 

Of course, we should go to Mass. We might also set aside some extra time for prayer or Adoration. But focusing only on set times of prayer might make us less likely to notice unplanned opportunities to do good. Ask the Lord to help you see the needs in front of you—needs like your neighbor’s unexpected car repair that means they need a ride to the grocery store. Or the loneliness of an isolated family member who could benefit from a visit either in person or by phone. The possibilities are endless.

It doesn’t just have to be Sunday, either. It’s always the right time to “do good!”

“Lord Jesus, help me enter into sabbath rest and honor you by doing good today and every day.” (Meditation on Luke 6:6-11, n.d.)

Father Richard Rohr introduces CAC core faculty member Brian McLaren who speaks of doubt as an essential part of his growth in faith, from a focus on “orthodoxy” or right belief to “orthopraxy” or right living. 

For example, whether or not the creation story happened factually as described in Genesis, I was committing myself to live in the world as if it actually were a precious, beautiful, meaningful creation, and as if I were too…. 

What mattered most was not that I believed the stories in a factual sense, but that I believed in the meaning they carried so I could act upon that meaning and embody it in my life, to let that meaning breathe in me, animate me, fill me…. Whether I considered the stories factually accurate was never the point; what actually mattered all along was whether I lived a life pregnant with the meaning those stories contained. To my surprise, when I was given permission to doubt the factuality of my beliefs, I discovered their actual life-giving purpose…. 

Doubt need not be the death of faith. It can be, instead, the birth of a new kind of faith, a faith beyond beliefs, a faith that expresses itself in love, a deepening and expanding faith that can save your life and save the world. (Rohr, n.d.)

We invoke the Spirit as we seek to make Love the guiding principle in our relationships with people and the environment.

References

Luke, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 7, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/6? 

Meditation on Luke 6:6-11. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved September 7, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/09/07/1664448/ 

1 Corinthians, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 7, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/5? 

Psalms, PSALM 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved September 7, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/5?5 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Before and After Doubt. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved September 7, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/before-and-after-doubt/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Is It Lawful to Save Life or to Destroy It? Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved September 7, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Wirth, E. (2026, September 7). Daily Reflection September 7, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved September 7, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-september-7-2026