What God Promises, God Fulfills

Speaker: Archbishop Loren Thomas Hines

September 27, 2026

in Spritual Growth

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September 27, 2026

Readings:

Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32
Philippians 2:1-13
Matthew 21:28-32

18th Sunday of Ordinary time 2026 Homily – Abp. Hines

Our Gospel today may be short but it does not mean that it’s less important or less valuable. Sometimes, we put too much emphasis on big things and do not put value in small things. One thing we really need to understand is that the gospels we listen to are not just stories but there is always meaning behind it. Some people spend too much time studying about the deep things of the world but then do not yield results.

The Gospel talks about two sons whom the father had asked each to work in the vineyard. The First Son says, “I will not,” but later changes his mind, repents, and goes to work. The Second Son says, “I’ll go, sir,” but never actually goes to do the work. Jesus then asks the religious leaders listening to him: “Which of the two did the will of his father?” They answer, “The first.

The two sons actually represent us. Professing faith or making promises to God means nothing if your daily life and actions do not back them up. We have not fully implanted within our minds the things of God. Philippians 2:13 states, “for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” If God is the Father, shouldn’t He not bring forth sons who are obedient and who truly follow Him? We make so many promises but do not perform them. If we do not perform that which we have promised with our mouth, then that means nothing.

This is what He desires of us in our lives. Fine fancy words will never substitute performance. Sometimes we are so enticed with fancy words and great speeches, but these are nothing if they are not backed up by performance. How many promises has God made? For each promise, He made sure to perform it. The moment Christ died, He went to hell and emptied it. Paradise, which had been locked and guarded by angels was restored. We have hope because when we die, we will be in the presence of the Lord. What Christ promises, He will fulfill. We are His ambassadors. He said, “you are the light of the world.” We therefore have the responsibility to fulfill this task.

The two sons represent two types of character. One is quick to say yes but does not do what was told. One says no, but somehow along the way, he has a realization and regrets what he said, and does what was asked of him. We are children of the King of kings. Are we holding on to His promises? If He has given us everything pertaining to life and godliness, then why are we living in lack? Too often we speak negativity into our lives. Shouldn’t we rather say, “Our Father, who art in heaven. Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” We are God’s workmanship, created in His image and likeness. We’ve been given the responsibility to cultivate and keep that which has been given to us. We are to “keep the garden.” We are to speak His word and fulfill it. Fulfilling the will of the Father is the core message of the Gospel. Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh but serve one another through love. Luke 6:28 Bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. Because of disobedience, the world was cursed. But Jesus came to restore us. He even forgave and blessed those who cursed Him. Matthew 5: 43-44 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” God proves who He is by what He does.