Daily Readings - Tue Jul 06 2021
Genesis
22And when he had arisen early, he took his two wives, and the same number of handmaids, with his eleven sons, and he crossed over the ford of Jabbok23And having delivered over all the things that belonged to him24he remained alone. And behold, a man wrestled with him until morning25And when he saw that he would not be able to overcome him, he touched the nerve of his thigh, and immediately it withered26And he said to him, "Release me, for now the dawn ascends." He responded, "I will not release you, unless you bless me.27Therefore he said, "What is your name?" He answered, "Jacob.28But he said, "Your name will not be called Jacob, but Israel; for if you have been strong against God, how much more will you prevail against men?29Jacob questioned him, "Tell me, by what name are you called?" He responded, "Why do you ask my name?" And he blessed him in the same place30And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, "I have seen God face to face, and my soul has been saved.31And immediately the sun rose upon him, after he had crossed beyond Peniel. Yet in truth, he limped on his foot32For this reason, the sons of Israel, even to the present day, do not eat the nerve that withered in Jacob’s thigh, because he touched the nerve of his thigh and it was obstructed
Matthew
32Then, when they had departed, behold, they brought him a man who was mute, having a demon33And after the demon was cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds wondered, saying, "Never has anything like this been seen in Israel.34But the Pharisees said, "By the prince of demons does he cast out demons.35And Jesus traveled throughout all of the cities and towns, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the Gospel of the kingdom, and healing every illness and every infirmity36Then, seeing the multitudes, he had compassion on them, because they were distressed and were reclining, like sheep without a shepherd37Then he said to his disciples: "The harvest indeed is great, but the laborers are few38Therefore, petition the Lord of the harvest, so that he may sent out laborers to his harvest.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on transformation, mission, and the call to serve. The first reading from Genesis tells the story of Jacob wrestling with God at the ford of Jabbok. This dramatic encounter marks a turning point in Jacob’s life, as he is renamed Israel, symbolizing his new identity as one who has struggled with God and prevailed. The second reading from Matthew’s Gospel shifts our focus to Jesus, who after healing a mute man possessed by a demon, expresses deep compassion for the crowds and calls his disciples to pray for more laborers to serve in the harvest of God’s kingdom.
The context of these readings is crucial. In Genesis, Jacob is on the verge of a significant moment in his journey, about to meet his estranged brother Esau. His wrestling match with the mysterious figure (often interpreted as a manifestation of God) signifies his inner struggle and his need for divine blessing and strength. In Matthew, Jesus is in the midst of his ministry, demonstrating his authority over evil and his concern for the spiritual and physical needs of the people. Both readings highlight the transformative power of God’s presence and the call to participate in His work.
These readings are connected by the theme of mission and transformation. Jacob’s new name, Israel, signifies not only his personal transformation but also his role as the father of a people chosen by God. Similarly, in Matthew, Jesus’ compassion for the crowds and his call for laborers emphasize the universal mission of the Church. The readings remind us that our struggles, like Jacob’s, can lead to growth and a deeper sense of purpose. They also challenge us to respond to the needs of others with the same compassion Jesus showed, recognizing that we are all called to be laborers in God’s harvest.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: How are we being transformed by our struggles? Are we open to the ways God is calling us to serve others? Like Jacob, may we emerge from our challenges with a renewed sense of identity and purpose. And like Jesus, may we see the world with eyes of compassion, eager to share the love and light of God with those around us. The harvest is great, but the laborers are few—let us pray for the courage and grace to answer the call.