Council 12376

Are You Envious Because God Is Generous?

September 14–20, 2026

This Sunday, Jesus tells the story of workers who enter the vineyard at different hours but receive the same generous wage. The parable challenges our instinct to compare ourselves with others and reminds us that God's mercy, grace, and invitation to eternal life are gifts — not prizes we earn by outperforming someone else.

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Isaiah 55:6–9
Philippians 1:20c–24, 27a
Matthew 20:1–16a

Isaiah first reminds us that God's thoughts and ways are far beyond our own. Jesus then gives us a perfect example: a landowner pays those hired near the end of the day the same wage as those who worked from the morning. The workers who labored longest receive exactly what was promised — yet they become angry because someone else received generosity too.

The question Jesus leaves us with is not simply whether God is fair, but whether we can rejoice when His goodness is poured out on someone else.

Read the complete Sunday readings at the USCCB →

Bishop Robert Barron

How Not to Think About Heaven

Bishop Barron preached this sermon for these exact same Cycle A readings. He explains why the workers in the vineyard disturb us so much — and why our discomfort reveals something about the way we imagine salvation, merit, heaven, and God's generosity.

View on Word on Fire →

Dr. Scott Hahn

First and Last

Scott Hahn places Jesus' vineyard parable in the larger story of salvation history. The landowner is God, the vineyard is His Kingdom, and those called at different hours remind us that entry into God's covenant ultimately depends upon His invitation and generosity.

Read Scott Hahn's reflection →

September 14 — Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The week begins with a feast centered entirely on the Cross of Christ. What appeared to be defeat became the instrument of our redemption. The Church proclaims with St. Paul that Christ humbled Himself even to death on a cross and was therefore exalted.

Read the feast-day readings →

September 15 — Our Lady of Sorrows

Immediately after contemplating the Cross, the Church contemplates the Mother who stood beneath it. Mary's fidelity in suffering teaches us how to remain close to Christ even when we cannot understand what God is allowing.

September 16 — Sts. Cornelius & Cyprian

Pope Cornelius and Bishop Cyprian were third-century martyrs remembered not only for their courage but also for defending the Church's ability to reconcile Christians who had fallen away during persecution.

September 17 — St. Hildegard of Bingen & St. Robert Bellarmine

The Church offers optional memorials of two Doctors of the Church: St. Hildegard of Bingen and St. Robert Bellarmine — two very different witnesses to the richness of Catholic theology, prayer, learning, and evangelization.

September 19 — St. Januarius

An optional memorial honors St. Januarius, bishop and martyr, remembered especially in Naples for his witness to Christ during persecution.

Fr. Mike Schmitz

Words Fail

In this homily for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Fr. Mike reflects on one of Christianity's great reversals: the sign of shame and execution has become the sign of hope. The Cross is God's answer to sin, distrust, suffering, and evil.

Listen to Fr. Mike's Homily

Fr. Chris Alar, MIC

Our Lady of Sorrows

Fr. Chris explains the meaning of Mary's Seven Sorrows, why the Church celebrates this memorial immediately after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, and how Mary's suffering remained united to faith, hope, and trust in Christ.

Watch Fr. Chris Alar

Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI

Generous Orthodoxy

Fr. Rolheiser uses this Sunday's exact parable to ask a challenging question: why should God's generosity toward somebody else make us less grateful for what He has given us? Faithfulness to truth and generosity toward others do not have to be enemies.

Read Fr. Rolheiser →

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… to bring good news to the poor.”

This Sunday the Church in the United States recognizes and commissions those who hand on the Catholic faith. Catechists, teachers, parents, grandparents, clergy, and parish volunteers all share in this mission through Baptism.

The 2026 USCCB theme reminds us that catechesis is more than passing along information. We are called to help others encounter Christ and to carry His Good News especially to the poor, brokenhearted, forgotten, and vulnerable.

Explore the 2026 USCCB Catechetical Sunday resources →

Carry the Word Through the Week

The USCCB provides the readings for Mass every day, along with audio and video resources. Spend a few minutes with Scripture before beginning your day.

Can I rejoice when God is generous to someone else?

Pay attention this week to the moments when comparison enters your mind — someone's success, family, gifts, recognition, finances, faith, or opportunities. Instead of asking, “Why did they get that?” deliberately thank God for something He has given them and then thank Him for three gifts He has already given you.