Mystery of the day: Sorrowful
Celebration: Ferial
Liturgical Colour: Green
Table of the Word
First Reading: Genesis 32:23–33
Gospel: Matthew 9:32–38
Theme: Persevere in prayer.
Reflection
Beloved in Christ, our reflection this morning revolves around the journey of encounter, struggle, healing, and mission. In the first reading we witness the account ofJacob’s mystical wrestling with God, a pivotal moment of transformation (cf. Genesis 32:23–33)
In the Gospel pericope, Evangelist Matthew presents before us Jesus' confrontation with spiritual oppression and reveals His compassion for the lost and suffering (cf. Matthew 9:32–38).
Both texts invite us to wrestle with our faith, embrace healing, and respond to God's call to labour for His kingdom.
In our journey of faith, we encounter one challenge or the other beginning from setback, hatred, envy, malice, deceit and all kinds of vices, amidst this with Perseverance in faith through prayer we overcome them as St. Paul admonished (cf. Romans 12:12)
From the table of the Word today, Jacob’s encounter as contained in the first reading reflects the reality of the spiritual journey; we often wrestle with God in prayer, in suffering, in decisions. Yet through the struggle, God transforms us, giving us a new identity and a deeper understanding of His presence. That is why the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) remarked: Jacob's wrestling with the mysterious stranger is seen as a model of persevering prayer. The Catechism teaches that prayer is a “battle” against ourselves and the spiritual forces that oppose God’s will (cf. CCC 2570–2573). And St. Ambrose has this to say on this:
“We wrestled with the Word of God. When we engage in prayer, study, and faith, we too wrestle with Christ and we are transformed.”
In the Gospel pericope, we also seen an encouter of faith again. Here a dumb demoniac encountered Jesus and got healing to the bewilderment of the crowd as they said:
“Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”
In the light of this, we are being invited as Christ followers to embrace the struggle of faith
Like Jacob, and not to wrestle with doubt, fear, suffering, or confusion but hold firm to God in prayer.
On another note, we are equally exhorted to open ourselves to healing and show compassion to one another as Christ our Master was moved when He saw the pitiable condition of the crowd.
Finally we are reminded that, God is not distant from us. His abiding presence is always there, when we walk, when we rest, in moment of challenge and difficulties. Like Jacob, we may walk away limping, but blessed and transformed. Like the mute man, we may come broken and shattered, but we leave whole and entire. May He who restores and transforms grant us wholeness in our encounter with Him.
+ Peace be with you.
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