Daily Catholic Mass Readings for July 6, 2021
First Reading: Genesis 32.22-32
22And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two womenservants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok.23And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had.24And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.25And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.26And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.27And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.28And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.29And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.30And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.31And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.32Therefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrank, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob's thigh in the sinew that shrank.
Psalm 17
1Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.2Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.3Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.4Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.5Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.6I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.7Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.8Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,9From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.10They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.11They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth;12Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.13Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword:14From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.15As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
Gospel: Matthew 9.32-38
32As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.33And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.34But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.35And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.36But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.37Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;38Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers 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.