The 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

September 27, 2026

GOSPEL MEDITATION

This Sunday, Jesus tells a short, uncomfortable story. A father asks two sons to go work in the vineyard. One says no, but later goes. The other says yes, but never shows up. It is a parable so simple; we almost miss how sharp it is. Jesus is clear about who it is for. This is not aimed at pagans or outsiders. It is aimed squarely at religious people, people who know the right words and sound obedient.

Jesus is not condemning unbelief so much as disobedience. The polite hypocrisy that says the right things while quietly resisting the Father’s will. St. John Chrysostom put it bluntly, “Not words, but deeds, are what God requires. Nothing so exasperates Him as insincere obedience, while nothing so delights Him as repentance.”

Every disciple must face that mirror. Do I publicly profess faith in Christ while privately resisting what He asks of me? It is easy to say, I believe in God in my heart. But if faith never becomes action, it slowly becomes an illusion. Jesus does not expose hypocrisy to shame us. He reveals it to heal us. He wants our hearts and our deeds to speak the same word, to let our yes truly mean yes. Like the second son who initially refused but afterwards changed his mind and went, Jesus invites us to step into the Father’s will, however late, however imperfectly.

Challenge: Where are your public faith and private obedience divided? Where do you say, I will go, but never enter the vineyard? Go, get to work, even if it is late. The Father’s vineyard is still open.
- Father John Muir

PRO-LIFE CORNER

Nothing is easier than self-deceit. Some have convinced themselves that abortion is a woman’s “right”. That is the ultimate self-deceit. A nation that kills its unborn children cannot teach its citizens to love one another.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Have you ever considered exploring the Vocation/Ministry of serving in your parish as a Catechist? It is a unique opportunity to grow in faith and in your relationship with the Lord. Sacred Heart is currently looking for people with strength of character, generosity of spirit and a healthy faith which they are willing to share with others. This is a volunteer position working with youth of the parish, and persons would be required to participate in Virtus/Protecting God's Children Training. For more information, please contact Judy Wahl, DRE at 814-215-5113 or 814-944-3922 or email jwahl@dioceseaj.org Thank You.

EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP

Today’s readings challenge the modern-day disciple to imitate more fully both the actions and attitudes of Christ. This is, after all, the point of our stewardship way of life.

St Paul encapsulates the actions and attitudes we must strive for in the Second Reading, from the Letter to the Philippians. “Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also for those of others.” In other words, Paul continues, “Have in you the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus.” Whether we are at work or school or within our own homes, our actions should be focused on others first in imitation of Christ, Who is always perfectly focused on others.

We are called to a high and holy standard – living as Christ’s disciples every day and with every person the Lord places in our path. But we can move towards this goal in ‘baby steps.’ We can even take a step backward from time to time because our Father is merciful and kind. What matters is that we keep baby-stepping along, assured of the grace we need to more closely imitate the actions and attitudes of Christ. This is the beauty of the stewardship way of life.

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

In commemoration the Feast of St. Francis of Assis the annual blessing of the pets will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Sacred Heart Courtyard. All pets welcome!

TO SCHEDULE A MASS INTENTION

Please contact the parish office. The suggested donation for a Mass intention is $10. We will Schedule on or as close as possible to the date(s) you request.

Prayer Requests

Kathy Ansman, Mark Blackie, Rod Baronner, Dan Bauer, Dave Bauer, Jack Chilcote, Harry Chirdon, Karen Claar, Brandon Conaway, Shirley Conlon, Denise Conrad, James Conrad, Kathy Corl, William Costlow, Joe DeGennaro Jr., Colette DiMemmo, Tim Dodson, Joan Donnelly, Matthew Dorman, Nate Dorman, Amelia Doughurty, Lois Duncan, Thomas Duncan, Ashley Eagen, Corinda Ermin, Roberta Farabaugh, Herman Frederick, Pat Harpster, Leighton Hess, Lucy Horton, Raymond Kargo, Russell Keith, John Kleine, Ruth Lamca, Cyndi Lansberry, Mary Ann Larson, Donna Laughlin, Beth Lloyd, Joel McElhinney, Charles McGrain, Shirley McIntyre, Mason Wayne McManus, Paul Angelo Morelli, Bev Mueller, Bonnie Neal, Jessica Neff, Lee Neff, Sarah Rihnovich, Nancy Servello, Elizabeth Siglow, Laura Snyder, Alex Walter, Margo Wascherl, Scotty Wavrek, Joan Weston, Renee Williams, Pat Zeak.

If you would like to add a sick or hospitalized person to our prayer list or readd a person, please call the rectory office, at 943-8553. Parishioners of Saint Mary are encouraged and welcome to participate. Remember, you must have the permission of the ill person/family to publish their name.

Sacred Heart Church