Daily Readings - Tue Jul 06 2021
Genesis
22The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok.23He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had.24And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day.25When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him.26Then he said, "Let me go, for the day has broken." But Jacob said, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."27And he said to him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Jacob."28Then he said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed."29Then Jacob asked him, "Please tell me your name." But he said, "Why is it that you ask my name?" And there he blessed him.30So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, "For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered."31The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip.32Therefore to this day the people of Israel do not eat the sinew of the thigh that is on the hip socket, because he touched the socket of Jacob's hip on the sinew of the thigh.
Matthew
32As they were going away, behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to him.33And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marveled, saying, "Never was anything like this seen in Israel."34But the Pharisees said, "He casts out demons by the prince of demons."35And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction.36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few;38therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into 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.