Proper 20 (Ordinary 25) · The Episcopal Church
The Episcopal Church edition — hymn suggestions lead with The Hymnal 1982 (Episcopal). See the general version.
September 20, 2026 — liturgical color: green
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Readings for Proper 20 (Ordinary 25)
- First ReadingIsaiah 55:6-9
- PsalmPsalm 145:1-8
- Second ReadingPhilippians 1:20c-24, 27a
- GospelMatthew 20:1-16
Sermon angles to start your study
Starting points for your OWN study — not finished sermons.
The Scandal of Grace
The parable of the laborers in the vineyard upends our notions of fairness. Those who worked only an hour received the same pay as those who bore the day's heat. God's kingdom operates on generosity, not merit. This challenges our resentment when grace is extended to others. Preach on how the landowner's question—"Is your eye evil because I am good?"—exposes our resistance to unearned love, and how the cross ultimately embodies this scandalous, equalizing grace.
Seek the Lord While He May Be Found
Isaiah urges urgent seeking of God, who is near and ready to pardon. The call to forsake wicked ways and return highlights a divine mercy that transcends human logic. God's thoughts and ways are higher, yet accessible through repentance. This sermon could explore what it means to seek God in times of crisis or complacency, emphasizing that God's nearness is an invitation, not a threat. The window of opportunity calls for a response today.
Living or Dying: Christ Is Gain
Paul's reflection in Philippians captures his profound dilemma: to live is Christ, to die is gain. He is torn between desiring departure to be with Christ and remaining for the sake of the community. This tension speaks to a life wholly oriented toward Christ, where even death loses its sting. A sermon might unpack how we can live with such singular devotion, finding our purpose in serving others, while holding loosely to this life because our ultimate hope is secure.
Illustrations from the tradition
Teasers from Sermon Helper's illustration archive, matched to this week's texts.
Grace
“No, he that worketh not to-day, shall have grace to turn and to work to-morrow; and in the mean season I pity him, and pray for him.”
Grace
“The lord of the vineyard gave to those labourers who had done work therein for one hour as much as to those who had borne the burden and heat of the day.”
Heaven
“We who shall be with God shall be together; since we shall all be with the one God.”
Hymn suggestions by hymnal
Cross-referenced to this week's texts via the Hymnary.org scripture index.
- Come, Labor OnNo. 541
- Jesus, Lover of My SoulNo. 699
- There's a Wideness in God's MercyNo. 469
- Thine Arm, O Lord, in Days of OldNo. 567
- God Moves in a Mysterious WayNo. 677
- Joyful, Joyful, We Adore TheeNo. 376
- Come, Labor OnNo. 719
- Jesus, Lover of My SoulNo. 440
- The Bread and the Wine Are HereNo. 512
- There's a Wideness in God's MercyNo. 435
- Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and NeedyNo. 415
- I Need Thee Every HourNo. 735
- Jesus, Lover of My SoulNo. 479
- There's a Wideness in God's MercyNo. 121
- As the Sun Doth Daily RiseNo. 675
- Come, Ye DisconsolateNo. 510
- Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and NeedyNo. 340
- I Need Thee Every HourNo. 397
- As We Gather at Your TableNo. 522
- There's a Wideness in God's MercyNo. 587
- Come, Ye DisconsolateNo. 607
- Joyful, Joyful, We Adore TheeNo. 836
- Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)No. 779
- Of the Father's Love BegottenNo. 295
Call to worship
One responsive reading for each of the day's lessons — original compositions grounded in the passage. Free to adapt.
Based on Isaiah 55:6-9
Based on Psalm 145:1-8
Based on Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a
Based on Matthew 20:1-16
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