Week of August 9, 2026

My Sisters and Brothers in Jesus Christ,

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus weeps over Jerusalem because the people did not recognize “the time of their visitation.” God had come among them, yet life appeared to continue as usual. People were working, buying, selling, worshiping, and attending to the routines of daily life. The presence of Christ was in their midst, but many did not see him.

It is easy for us to look back and wonder how they could have failed to recognize Jesus. Yet the Gospel asks us a more difficult question: Do we recognize Christ when he comes among us today?

Christ often comes quietly and without spectacle. We encounter him in the Scriptures, in prayer, and in the sacraments. We also meet him in the sick, the lonely, the grieving, the hungry, the immigrant, and those who feel forgotten. Sometimes we wait for God to do something dramatic while overlooking the holy presence already standing before us.

Saint Paul reminds us that the Holy Spirit gives different gifts to different people “for the common good.” Some are called to offer wisdom, others encouragement, healing, service, prayer, or compassionate presence. None of us possesses every gift, but together we can become a community that recognizes Christ and responds to the needs of others.

We especially want those who are sick or homebound to know that they remain an important part of our community. We are happy to provide the sacraments to those who are unable to attend in person, including Holy Eucharist and the Anointing of the Sick. Please contact us when you or someone you love would benefit from a pastoral or sacramental visit.

We also continue to pray for everyone who watches our liturgy from home, for the intentions entrusted to us, and for the needs of our entire community. Physical distance does not place anyone beyond the reach of our common prayer or outside the life of the Church. Whether gathered together or joining us from home, we remain united in Christ.
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May the Holy Spirit open our eyes to recognize the day of visitation. May we receive Christ in Word and Sacrament, recognize him in one another, and use the gifts we have been given for the good of all.
Peace,
Rev. Ben