Deacon Randy Kiel previews the readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, starting with Ezekiel's answer to Israel's complaint that the Lord's ways are "not fair." He explains how God hears even our grumbling as a form of prayer and responds with the bigger picture of justice, repentance, and salvation. Deacon Randy then connects Ezekiel to Saint Paul's letter to the Philippians, unpacking kenosis, Christ's self-emptying love, and why the very name of Jesus means salvation.
Deacon Randy Kiel joins Bo Bonner and Deacon Mark Campbell for his weekly look at the Sunday Mass readings, this time for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Sunday, September 27, 2026).
In Ezekiel 18:25–28, the Lord confronts Israel's complaint that His ways are unfair. Deacon Randy points out that God hears our grumbling and answers it, which makes even our complaints a kind of prayer. The Lord's answer shifts the focus from short-term disappointment to eternal consequences. The righteous person who turns to sin faces spiritual death, while the wicked person who turns back to righteousness saves his life.
Deacon Randy then turns to Philippians 2:1–11. There Saint Paul urges the Church in Philippi to be of one mind and one heart, grounded in the encouragement, love, and compassion already present among them. Deacon Randy walks through the Christ hymn and its key word, kenosis: Christ emptied Himself to take on human form so humanity could dwell in Him. He closes on the name of Jesus (Yeshua), which itself means salvation, and at which every knee should bow.
The hosts reflect on how these readings challenge our instinct for instant gratification and call us to trust God's long game of mercy. Read this Sunday's readings at USCCB.org.
Heard on the Catholic Morning Show, weekdays at 7 a.m. Central on Iowa Catholic Radio. More at IowaCatholicRadio.com.
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