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Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Genesis 32:23-33; Matthew
9:32-38)
Today’s first reading
reports another notable event in the life of Jacob. It takes place at least twenty years after the
dream described in yesterday’s reading.
In the long interval between the two Jacob has acquired two wives and
twelve children. He has become rich by
hard work, skill, and cunning, but not through reliance on God. As he returns
to his father’s land and an encounter with his brother Esau, whom he swindled, someone
attacks him. The two wrestle all night
with neither able to thwart the other.
Then the assailant, in a hurry to leave, strikes Jacob at his hip. Still Jacob holds on to his adversary. Finally, the assailant gives up. But Jacob, realizing that his opponent is not
a man at all but God, will release him only on condition that he bless Jacob. The man obliges. He gives Jacob a new name suggestive of a new
stature. He will no longer be called “Jacob,”
a name which means heel catcher
because he was born holding his twin brother Esau’s heel. From now on, he will be “Israel,” a name meaning
that he has prevailed in the struggle with God.
What are we to make of all
this? For most of his life to this point
Jacob has ignored God. As he is about to
encounter his brother Esau, however, God throws Himself on Jacob in an act of saving
grace. Jacob is forced to struggle with
God, who mercifully does not destroy him.
Rather God leaves him limping as a constant reminder of his presence to
him. The incident changes Jacob’s life
entirely. He is no longer defined by
Esau, but by God whom he will come to acknowledge as “Lord.”
Perhaps in our doubts and
fears we too struggle with God. We may
not like to adhere to one of his commandments.
Or perhaps we feel like God has betrayed us when a loved one has
died. We may get tired of the struggle
and want to give up our faith. That,
however, will be a mistake. We only have
to submit to God’s will. That will bring
us His blessing.
