Daily Readings - Tue Jul 06 2021
Genesis
22That night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two maidservants and his eleven sons and crossed the ford of the Jabbok.23After he had sent them across the stream, he sent over all his possessions.24So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak.25When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man.26Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is daybreak." But Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."27The man asked him, "What is your name?Jacob," he answered.28Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome."29Jacob said, "Please tell me your name." But he replied, "Why do you ask my name?" Then he blessed him there.30So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, "It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared."31The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip.32Therefore to this day the Israelites do not eat the tendon attached to the socket of the hip, because the socket of Jacob's hip was touched near the tendon.
Matthew
32While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus.33And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel."34But the Pharisees said, "It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons."35Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
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.