Daily Readings - Tue Jul 08 2025
Genesis
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.
Matthew
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 profound narratives that invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and our role in the world. The first reading from Genesis recounts Jacob's transformative encounter with God, where he wrestles through the night and emerges with a new name, Israel, symbolizing his perseverance and divine favor. This passage highlights Jacob's journey from self-reliance to surrender, as he limps away with a reminder of God's presence in his life. The second reading from Matthew presents Jesus, moved by compassion for the crowds, healing a mute man and calling His disciples to pray for laborers in God's harvest. This passage underscores Jesus' mission of mercy and the urgency of spiritual work.
These readings are connected by themes of struggle and divine intervention. Jacob's wrestling match with God mirrors our own struggles, where perseverance leads to transformation. Similarly, Jesus' compassion and call to action remind us of our responsibility to serve others. Both narratives emphasize trust in God's plan and the need for active participation in His work.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to embrace our struggles as opportunities for growth and to trust in God's grace. They also call us to compassion and service, urging us to pray for guidance and to be laborers in God's harvest. The moral lesson is clear: trust in God during life's challenges and actively seek to serve others with compassion and faith.