Tuesday 6 July 2021

Today is Tuesday the 6 July, in the 14th week of Ordinary time.  

The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing Domine praevenisti eum. ‘Lord, you advanced to meet him with rich blessings. You have placed a crown of precious stones on his head.’ As I listen, can I ponder for a moment the blessings the Lord bestows on me, all the things for which I want to give thanks to God?  

Today’s reading is from the Book of Genesis.    

Genesis 32:23-33

He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had. Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, ‘Let me go, for the day is breaking.’ But Jacob said, ‘I will not let you go, unless you bless me.’ So he said to him, ‘What is your name?’ And he said, ‘Jacob.’ Then the man said, ‘You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed.’ Then Jacob asked him, ‘Please tell me your name.’ But he said, ‘Why is it that you ask my name?’ And there he blessed him. So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, ‘For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved.’ The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. Therefore to this day the Israelites do not eat the thigh muscle that is on the hip socket, because he struck Jacob on the hip socket at the thigh muscle.  

Sir Jacob Epstein carved a statue of his namesake, wrestling with the angel. It is well worth seeking out this artwork to see the moment of vulnerability and surrender that this wrestling comes to. Despite his strong physique, there is clearly no way that Jacob can win. Whether we first name the stranger angel or man, we come to understand that Jacob is actually wrestling with God.  After he has gained his blessing, the injury to his hip, like many battle scars, is oddly, a badge of honour. Have you experienced a similar situation with God in your life?  

We accept that our faith life may have challenges, but have there been times when the challenge has caused such a conflict between you and the Lord? How has that conflict changed you and your relationship with the Lord?  

Listen to the scripture again…imagine how the scene unfolds in your mind.      

‘I will not let you go, unless you bless me.’ As this time of prayer comes to an end, become aware of any fears or struggles you have and ask the Lord for this blessing.     

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.