Trinity/After Pentecost
The Twenty-Seventh Sunday after Trinity
Trinity 27 · December 6, 2026
Overview & Insights
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)
Chapter 24 concludes and chapter 25 begins with a call to be prepared, since there will be no precursor signs for Jesus’ reappearing (24:36–51). Matthew 25:14–46 continues with this theme of readiness by narrating two more parables of Jesus, one focusing on faithfulness as the way to continually stay prepared (25:14–30), and one on actions of mercy and justice as the way to live out covenant faithfulness (25:31–46). Themes of faithfulness, mercy, and justice have already been introduced as hallmarks of Torah adherence (23:23), which are to typify Jesus’ followers. Chapter 25 concludes the fifth and final Matthean discourse of Jesus’ teachings (chaps. 24–25). The final words of Matthew’s Gospel will make clear that Jesus expects his followers to obey all his teachings (28:20; see 26:1).
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Commentary
Matthew 25:31–46 (Gospel) Working Preacher
Weekly exegesis of the Gospel by a named seminary scholar.
Ezekiel 34:11–24 (Old Testament) Working Preacher
God the shepherd who seeks the lost and judges between sheep.
Ephesians 1:15–23 (Epistle) Working Preacher
Christ raised and enthroned above all rule and authority.
The Least of These: SALT's Lectionary Commentary for Reign of Christ the King Sunday SALT Project
Ties the sheep-and-goats judgment to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, stressing faith enacted as service to the vulnerable.
Matthew 25:31–46 Center for Excellence in Preaching
Preaching commentary that recenters the passage on merciful love flowing from God's prior love, not a courtroom scene.
Christ the King: 'You Did It for Me' National Catholic Register
Roman Catholic reading of the Solemnity's Mass texts on Christ's caring, accessible kingship.
Background & Word Study
Questions preachers ask
What is the judgment of the sheep and the goats?
The Son of Man, enthroned in glory, separates the nations as a shepherd separates sheep from goats, and the criterion is mercy shown to the hungry, the stranger, the sick, and the prisoner, “one of the least of these” (Matthew 25:31–46). The King identifies himself with the needy.
What is Christ the King Sunday?
The last Sunday of the church year (also called the Reign of Christ), the week whose date falls between November 20 and 26, before Advent begins a new year. In Year A the Revised Common Lectionary appoints Matthew 25:31–46.
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