Sunday September 27, 2020
Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost
We always want to know why. The rulers of the people wanted to know why Jesus was saying what He said and doing what He did. But Jesus challenged them with His Word and with the prophetic voice of John the Baptist. Why did they not listen, and why did they not repent? Why do we not listen and repent? Jesus told a parable of two sons—one whose words were yes but his heart was no, and the other whose words were no but whose heart said yes. We are called to listen. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and we shall be saved.
First Reading:
Psalm:
Epistle:
Gospel:
READINGS
Ezekiel 18:1–4, 25–32
The Lord takes no pleasure in the death of anyone, so turn to Him
Psalm 25:1–10
Philippians 2:1–18
At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow
Matthew 21:23–32
Which of the two did the will of his father?
COLLECT
It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who, out of love for His fallen creation, humbled Himself by taking on the form of a servant, becoming obedient unto death, even death upon a cross. Risen from the dead, He has freed us from eternal death and given us life everlasting.