Gospel: September 6, 2026

September 6, 2026 (Sunday)

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Psalter: Week 3 (Green)

Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9 (8)

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

1st Reading: Ezekiel 33:7-9

2nd Reading: Romans 13:8-10

Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20

If your brother has sinned against you, go and point out the fault to him, when the two of you are alone; and if he listens to you, you have won back your brother. If he doesn’t listen to you, take with you one or two others, so that the case may be decided by the evidence of two or three witnesses. And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembled Church. But if he does not listen to the Church, then regard him as a pagan, or a tax collector. I say to you: whatever you bind on earth, heaven will keep bound; and whatever you unbind on earth, heaven will keep unbound. In like manner, I say to you, if, on earth, two of you agree in asking for anything, it will be granted to you by my heavenly Father; for where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there, among them.”

Lectio Divina:

Love fulfills the Law.

Read: God commissioned the prophet Ezekiel to serve as Israel’s sentinel, delivering His warnings to them. Meanwhile, in the second reading, Paul explained to the Romans that love fulfills the Law, conveying the precept, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” In the Gospel, Jesus instructs His disciples on how they should behave as members of the Church.

Reflect: What motivates us to do the things we do? What keeps us moving each day? St. Paul provides us with a teaching that synthesizes the Mass readings for today and explains the reason behind our actions: love. This is not merely an emotion or a sentimental feeling but a commitment to do good for others. In our lives as members of the Church, love ought to be the power that drives us to connect with others and strive for their well-being. It is also the reason behind our efforts to correct our brothers and sisters.