Daily Readings - Tue Jul 11 2017

First Reading - Genesis 32.22-32

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

Gospel - Matthew 9.32-38

Matthew

Chapter 9

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

The first reading from Genesis tells the story of Jacob wrestling with a mysterious figure, often interpreted as God or an angel, at the ford of Jabbok. This encounter is a pivotal moment in Jacob’s life, marking a transformation. Despite his struggle, Jacob refuses to let go, insisting on a blessing. His persistence is rewarded as he is given a new name, Israel, symbolizing his strength and the beginning of a new identity. The reading reminds us that our struggles, though challenging, can lead to growth and deeper relationship with God. In the Gospel, Matthew describes Jesus healing a mute man possessed by a demon, which amazes the crowds but is dismissed by the Pharisees as the work of the devil. Jesus then reflects on the vast needs of the people, likening them to sheep without a shepherd. He calls his disciples to pray for more laborers to help with the harvest, emphasizing the urgency of spreading God’s message and caring for those in need. This passage highlights Jesus’ compassion and the call to action for all believers to participate in God’s work. Both readings invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and our role in the world. Jacob’s wrestling match reminds us that faith often involves struggle and perseverance, but it can lead to transformation. Jesus’ words challenge us to see the needs around us and respond with compassion and action. In our daily lives, we are called to embrace the struggles that shape us and to be attentive to God’s call to serve others. May we, like Jacob, hold fast to God in our struggles, and may we, like the disciples, answer the call to labor in God’s harvest with love and faithfulness.