August 23, 2026
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Do You Recognize Jesus?
You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Matthew 16:16

We love taking our children to new churches‚ to gaze at the incredible architecture, be inspired by the art and celebrate the liturgy with the wider Church. Inevitably, one of the younger children will see a statue or painting, point excitedly and exclaim, “It’s Jesus!”

I envy how easily my kids recognize Jesus. In my pride and distraction I have a hard time remembering that the person standing in line with me at the store, the homeless person on the street corner and the driver who cuts me off in traffic are opportunities to see Jesus too. Like Peter, I sometimes need to be confronted directly—“Who do you say that I am?” (v. 15)—before I can see and reply with faith.

Loving God, help me to see Jesus in every person I meet today and to reverence him in them.

- Jonathan F. Sullivan

Isaiah 22:19-23 ✚ Psalm 138:1-3, 6, 8 ✚ Romans 11:33-36 ✚ Matthew 16:13-20
The Messiah, Jesus Christ. Image by meryll | stock.adobe.com
Image of the day

Comments

Cheryl
August 23, 2026 at 11:13 AM

Amen

Debbie H
August 23, 2026 at 10:31 AM

Amen.

freeter
August 23, 2026 at 10:24 AM

Amen. :)

Gary
August 23, 2026 at 08:56 AM

"Loving God help me see Jesus in every person I meet today and to reverence Him to them". Thanks for your words today Jonathan.

Mike
August 23, 2026 at 09:50 AM

Amen

Salina (not in control)
August 23, 2026 at 08:42 AM

******* Is recognizing Jesus as God sufficient or just the first step? Even the demons believe that in James 2:19, “You believe there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that. And they tremble!” *** Matthew 8:28-29, “Jesus arrived at the other side of the lake in the area of the Gadarenes. Two men controlled by demons met Him. They came from the tombs. The men were so wild that no one could pass that way. “Son of God, what do You want with us?” they shouted. “Have You come here to punish us before the time for us to...
Read more

The Messiah, Jesus Christ. Image by meryll | stock.adobe.com
Image of the day

STAY CONNECTED

Living Faith provides brief daily Catholic devotions based on one of the Mass readings of the day. Published new each quarter, these reflections are written by women and men from a variety of backgrounds - lay people as well as clergy and religious. Learn more.

Receive a free reflection for Sundays every week via email

About Living Faith Living Faith Foundation Ambassador Privacy Policy F.A.Q. Contact Us

© 2026 Creative Communications for the Parish, a division of Bayard, lnc. All Rights Reserved.