Saying “Yes” to God with Our Lives

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 27, 2026

Readings: Ezekiel 18:25–28; Psalm 25:4–9; Philippians 2:1–11; Matthew 21:28–32

Vineyard Workers

Change is possible in our lives. We may turn away from good things, but there is always a chance to get back. Our human spirit is mysterious. Often we find it difficult to understand ourselves. That's why regrets are part of our lives. We feel sorry for the things that have occurred in our lives. We try to mend our lives as well. As we read the Word of God on the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, it encourages us to realize that we are two parts of the same coin. God gives us always another chance. It is up to us to take it forward.  

1. Right action follows from the right intention. 

Jesus tells us in  Matthew 21:28–32 about a father who asks his two sons to go and work in the vineyard. The first son initially says, “I will not,” but later changes his mind and goes. The second says, “Yes, sir,” but does not go. Jesus then asks, “Which of the two did his father’s will?” Certainly the first one. 

God is not merely interested in what we say; He looks at what we do with our lives. It is possible to speak beautiful words of faith, pray sincerely, attend religious services, and make many promises, yet fail to translate our faith into concrete acts of love, justice, compassion and service. Obedience begins with actions. 

2. A Delayed Right Response is Acceptable

We see clearly the transformation that happens in the first son who had said initially, "no." Actually, God does not define us by our negative responses. God puts in our mind what is just and accordingly makes us act that way. There is always an opportunity to change direction and return to the path God has shown us. Our faith becomes credible when it is translated into action.

Sometimes we may also say “No” to God—not necessarily with our lips, but through our choices. We may resist forgiveness, avoid responsibility, remain indifferent to someone in need, or choose our own comfort instead of responding to God's call. Our stubbornness might make us hard-hearted people and to mellow down or seeing the sufferings of others.  God invites us to have a kind word, forgive someone, take time to a lonely person, honesty and solidarity with our neighbours and such other possibilities. 

3. There is a chance for change

If God has called us to be what we ought to be, then he will also give us the grace to be His worthy instruments. He gives the grace to change. It is about having the humility to recognize where we have gone wrong and the courage to begin again. Sometimes our words might be empty because no action follows. Faith must become action. Repentance is not a weakness, but a strength. 

Often we see in our lives so much energy and interest to do things. However, after sometime, we see there is no absolute interest in doing anything. We make many resolutions, take up commitments, assure our support and commit ourselves to something urgent, but hardly are they followed. We go on pilgrimages and attend retreats, and come back with so much enthusiasm to do things, but as time flies away, there is hardly anything done. Therefore, we must inculcate within us the urgency to do things now and without ceasing. 

Questions for self-reflection

1. Do my actions correspond to the faith I profess?
2. Are there areas of my life where I say “Yes” to God but fail to act?
3. Is there something I need to change, repair or make right?

Prayer

Lord, you call us to work in your vineyard and to show our faith through our actions. Forgive us for the times when our words have said “Yes” but our lives have said “No.” Give us the humility to recognize our mistakes, the courage to change, and the grace to begin again. Help us to respond to your call with sincerity and to express our love through kindness, forgiveness, compassion and service. May our lives become a faithful “Yes” to you each day. We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.

- Fr Olvin Veigas, SJ

E-mail: olvinveigas@jesuits.net

Blog: Celebrate Faith

Video: YouTube

25 September 2026