A Twofold Answer: Saying “Yes” to God’s Will
We may say “no” to communities where we experience hatred, ridicule and judgement, but if we are loving each other and making the world a better place, we are really saying “yes” to God.
September 27, 2026: Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
Ezekiel 18:25–28
Psalm 25:4–9
Philippians 2:1–11
Matthew 21:28–32
Breath of the Spirit enriches readers through weekly reflections that nurture the integration of faith, sexuality, and gender identity—fostering connections between lived experiences and the richness of Catholic spirituality.
A Twofold Answer: Saying “Yes” to God’s Will
A reflection by Stephen Fratello
Many people say that it’s never a good idea to discuss religion and politics, but I would have to strongly disagree. As followers of Jesus, we have been charged with a mission. We are to love others and do good in this world – to bring about the kingdom of God here and now, on this earth. In today’s gospel reading, we find Jesus talking to the chief priests and elders. In the Parable of the Two Sons, Jesus tells them that those who are “all talk” and have pious attitudes but never deliver on their empty words and promises will not inherit the kingdom.
“Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did.” (Mt 21:31–32)
Imagine how shocking this was to hear! Tax collectors and prostitutes were not looked upon very favorably in that time. You might say that they were as popular with religious folk then as us queer people are today. Imagine Jesus telling them that the gay man and trans person would enter the kingdom of God ahead of them. Ultimately, it’s not about your rank in the church, how well you know the Bible, or how many times a day you attend mass. It’s about how you put into practice the will of God. And what is the will of God? The same example that Jesus set for us. The trans man who helps others without judgment and the gay women and men who go about doing good in their communities – they get it right. They are pleasing to the Lord. They hear the words of their God and act on them, and so they spiritually surpass those who make empty promises to God to love everyone while hating or excluding some.
Some of us LGBTQIA+ people may say “no” to the church because of the hatred, ridicule and judgement we experience from our local faith communities. Some of us may say “no” to attending mass because we feel the congregation’s ambivalence towards our presence there. But ultimately, if we are loving each other and making the world a better place, aren’t we really saying yes to God?
Leave it to Jesus to say things that were unpopular but true. We are called to do the same, but make no mistake – we will not be without resistance when we do. The institutional church sometimes struggles with equality and inclusion among its people. The most scrupulous and sanctimonious often become indignant when called to welcome everyone to their exclusive communities.
In today’s reading from Ezekiel we find a protest and lament against God, full of accusations that the Lord’s ways are unfair. And God replies, essentially saying, “You think MY ways are unfair? It is YOU who need to get it together and stop sinning before you suffer consequences.” Some translations go as far as to use the word “die.” Spiritual death occurs when we turn away from doing what is just, merciful and loving. Ezekiel reminds us that there is always the option to repent and turn from injustice, oppression and evil.
Let us pray for those who struggle with saying yes to God and following through. If we are honest, we all find ourselves there sometimes.
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