Upside Down
The Daily Way · Fall 2026 · Week Four of Twelve
Upside Down
SEPTEMBER 27 TO OCTOBER 3, 2026 · PROPER 21
“The tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you.” Matthew 21:31
A Devotion to Begin the Week
Jesus tells of two sons, one who says the right thing and does nothing, another who refuses aloud and then quietly goes to work in the vineyard. The question he leaves hanging in the temple court is dangerous precisely because it is simple: which of the two did the will of his father? The chief priests answer correctly and condemn themselves, for the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed the message they had merely admired. God’s kingdom has a habit of turning our seating charts over. The last are first, the outsiders lead the procession, and polished words count for less than a changed direction. Ezekiel says it plainly: turn, then, and live. Households know this reversal well. Children forgive faster than adults, the smallest hands are often the most eager to serve, and the family member we underestimate is frequently the one through whom grace arrives. This week, watch for the upside down kingdom at your own address. Praise the deed rather than the promise, let actions carry your apologies, and be suspicious of any religion that stays safely in the mouth. The Father is not collecting correct answers; he is looking down the road for children who turn around.
The Week Day by Day
Sunday, September 27 · The Lord’s Day
Come to the Holy Eucharist. The readings are Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 and Matthew 21:23-32. Field Life teens continue with Upside Down from The Gospels.
Monday, September 28Read Matthew 21:23-32
ReflectOne son spoke well and did nothing. Where has your yes to God stayed only words?
PrayFather, give us deeds to match our promises. Amen.
PracticeComplete today one good thing you have long said you would do.
Tuesday, September 29Read Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32
ReflectGod says, get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. What old excuse is God inviting you to retire?
PrayCreate in us new hearts, O God, for you desire our life, not our ruin. Amen.
PracticeReplace one complaint today with one step toward change.
Wednesday, September 30Read Luke 1:46-55
This passage echoes the teens’ Field Life lesson this week, Upside Down.
ReflectMary sings that God lifts the lowly and fills the hungry. Where do you see that reversal near you?
PrayMagnify the Lord with us, O God, and scatter our proud imaginations. Amen.
PracticeRead Mary’s song aloud together, slowly, once.
Thursday, October 1Read Psalm 25:1-9
ReflectThe psalmist prays, lead me in your truth and teach me. In what decision does your household need leading right now?
PrayShow us your ways, O Lord, and remember us according to your love. Amen.
PracticeBring one real family decision into prayer before discussing it.
Friday, October 2Read Philippians 2:1-11
ReflectChrist emptied himself and took the form of a servant. Who in your daily path is easiest to overlook?
PrayGive us the mind of Christ, who humbled himself for our sake. Amen.
PracticeDo a hidden act of service and tell no one.
Saturday, October 3Read Matthew 21:33-46
Read ahead: this is tomorrow’s Gospel.
ReflectIn the parable of the vineyard and the beloved son, what do you notice about the owner’s patience?
PrayPatient God, prepare us to receive your Son when he comes to us tomorrow. Amen.
PracticeGo to bed early enough that worship is a gift, not a scramble.
Table Talk for the Week
When did doing turn out to matter more than saying?
St. Francis in-the-Field Episcopal Church · All are welcome, always
