Reflection –
There is another version of this story, not found in English translations, but well attested in manuscripts, where the responses of the two sons are reversed so that the first one promises to work for his father in the vineyard but doesn’t. The Pharisees still say the first son did his father’s will, but now they are saying that it’s more important to say the right thing than to do it! Do actions really speak louder than words?
Mass readings.
26th Sunday of the Year -Year A, 26th & 27th September 2026
1st Reading: Ezekiel 18:25-28
Responsorial Psalm. Remember your compassion, O Lord.
Second Reading: Philippians 2:1-5
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia.… My Sheep hear the voice, says the Lord, and I know them, and they follow me … Alleluia
Gospel: Matthew 21: 28-32
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PARISH UPDATES:
Mass Bookings. We invite mass bookings for special intentions, wedding anniversaries, Birthdays, Death anniversaries of our loved ones and general prayers. The mass stipends (Donations) are part of our contribution towards the good of the church and support of our priest. Please use the envelopes at the back of the church and fill out all detals. A minimum of one week’s notice is advised, earlier if possible so we can include in the weekly newsletter on time.
Catechesis – Parents with children who don’t attend catholic school and would like them to receive the sacraments during school term times 2026/27, please register them for catechesis asap using the form at the back of the church. This is applicable to P3 children for Reconciliation, P4 for First Communion, and P7 for Confirmation.
Catechism classes will start soon on Saturdays afternoon, according to demand. Also, if you’d like to join the catechist team please let us know on office.stcuthbertsedinburgh@staned.org.uk.
Special Collection – Special collection towards the training of the congregation of the Sons of Mary Mother of Mercy will take place on the weekend of October 4th. This is the congregation that Fr’s Francis and Malachy belong to.
Father Tom Molloy – Fr Tom Molloy, a Redemptorist priest who served our parish and hospital communities, died in hospital on Saturday 12th September. He was 91, and his death was unexpected. Funeral arrangements: As informed< this will take place at Bishop Eton in, Liverpool; Wednesday 30th September at 12pm for Fr Tom’s funeral Mass. His body will be brought into church the evening before at 5pm for a Vigil service and Office of the dead. May he rest in peace.
Parish Council meeting – The next Our Lady’s Pastoral Parish Council (PPC) will be held on Tuesday 13 October. Parishioners are encouraged to contact the PPC Secretary (Gerry Higgins) or any member of the Parish Council if they have any issues they would like to be discussed at the PPC meeting. Minutes of the meeting will be posted on the church notice board and also posted on the parish website.
Sacristans & Passkeepers – Due to illness we are currently very stretched on the Sacristan and Passkeeper teams. We are also looking for a new coordinator for the Passkeeper rota. If you are able to help by joining the team please speak to Fr Francis or drop a message to office.stcuthbertsedinburgh@staned .org.uk
Archdiocese Updates
Safeguarding – Annual Safeguarding statement will be read to parishioners on the weekend of 3rd and 4th October. Your patience is requested to listen to the statement from the Safeguarding Coordinator.
Consultation on Diocesan Structures – The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland has announced the latest phase of its consultation on the future structure of dioceses in Scotland. The proposals include possible changes affecting the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh. This is a consultation process and no decisions have been made. Read more at archedinburgh.org/news/
Poverty in Scotland: can we do more? – An event to dive into the reality of poverty in Scotland. You’ll hear from a range of speakers working on the frontline, discuss what’s being done and explore ways we can do more to help. It takes place on Saturday 3 October, 10:30am-4:00pm at, The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB. Register now at bit.ly/povertyinscotland
Red Mass – The annual Red Mass takes place at 12 noon on Sunday 4 October at St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, Edinburgh. The Mass marks the beginning of the new legal year in Scotland and brings together members of the legal profession to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the administration of justice. All are welcome.
Pro-Life Candlelight Procession – SPUC Scotland’s annual Candlelight Procession takes place in Glasgow on Thursday 29 October to pray for the protection of unborn life. The evening begins with the Rosary at the Mercat Building, Glasgow Cross, at 6:30pm, followed by the Candlelight Procession at 7:00pm and Mass at St Andrew’s Cathedral at 7:30pm. All are welcome.
Catholic Conversations for Women on the Rosary – In October, the month of the Rosary, all women are invited to join ‘Catholic Conversations’ on Saturday 17 October, 3:45pm-4:45pm in St Andrew’s Parish rooms at 77 Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DS to look at how the mysteries of the Rosary are rooted in Scripture. Optional Holy Hour at the adjacent convent with Adoration, Rosary and Vespers from 5:10pm. To register email edinburgh@almamercy.org or call 0131 343 3380.
Edinburgh Day for Life – SPUC Edinburgh West is holding its first Day for Life on Saturday 31 October, 9.30am–3.30pm, at the Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh. Include talks from Dr Calum MacKellar, Margaret Akers and Chris McEleny, with a welcome from Archbishop Cushley. Admission is free, but advance registration is required through Eventbrite: bit.ly/dayforlife
Archdiocesan events – Events are listed at archedinburgh.org/events
Our Lady’s Offertory Collections.
Last Sunday’s collection: £322
Month total collections (Cash) £798
Special Collections: £-
Bank Total (month) £820
Mass Bookings.
We are reminded that the booking of mass for our special intentions, wedding anniversaries, Birthday thanksgiving, Death anniversaries of our loved ones and general prayers is highly recommended. The mass stipends (Donations) are part of our contribution towards the good of the church and support of our priest.
Blessings to you, your families and those who are dear to you in Jesus’ name, Amen.
MASS TIMINGS
MASS INTENTIONS
MASS DONOR
Wednesday, September 30th, 10.00am
- Fr Michael McDonald
- Elizabeth McLean & family
Friday October 2nd, 10.00am
- Michael Glennon, Birthday greetings
- Irene & Donald
Sunday, October 4th, 11.30am
- Mrs Vanda Staszek (RIP) and Fr Tom Molloy (RIP)
- Margaret & Rob Meek
A man had two sons
Matthew 21:28-32
At that time: Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people, ‘What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, “Son, go and work in the vineyard today.” And he answered, “I will not”, but afterwards he changed his mind and went. And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, “I go, sir”, but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?’ They said, ‘The first.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterwards change your minds and believe him.’
Reflection on the engraving
There is a great deal of humility in being willing to change our mind. We sometimes imagine that strength means sticking to what we have said, whatever happens. We do not want to appear inconsistent or admit that our first reaction may have been wrong. Yet there are moments when changing our mind is not a sign of weakness at all, but of wisdom.
So there is something of each of the two sons in us in today’s reading. At times we are like the second son: quick to say ‘yes’, perhaps with the best of intentions, but slow to turn that promise into action. At other times we are like the first: our instinctive response is ‘no’, but something happens within us and we reconsider. Jesus seems to suggest that what matters is not simply the first word that leaves our lips, but where we eventually allow our heart to go. Words come quick, but our heart can be a bit slower. God leaves room for second thoughts, for changed minds and new beginnings.
We can also find ourselves on the receiving end of someone else changing their mind. Perhaps they once refused us, disagreed with us, or took a position that disappointed us, and then later thought differently. When that happens, we should resist the temptation to remind them too quickly of what they once said. If we hope that others will give us room to change, we must offer them the same courtesy.
Today’s engraving by the German Renaissance artist Georg Pencz takes us directly into Jesus’ parable. Made in 1534–35 as part of his series The Story of Christ, it is remarkably small, measuring less than six centimetres across. Yet Pencz manages to tell the whole story within this tiny space. We see the father addressing his two sons, while behind them the vineyard stretches into the distance: the place where words must eventually become deeds. That vineyard is important. Jesus is not particularly interested in which son gave the better first answer; he is interested in who eventually went to work. Pencz visually expresses that there is always space between our first response (on the right of the engraving) and what we finally choose to do (on the left).