Readings: Genesis 32:23-33, Psalm 17 and Matthew 9:32-38
“Your name shall no more be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” (Genesis 32:28)
There are two categories of people: those who complain (and criticise continuously) and those who know how to make the best of their circumstances (those who take advantage of whatever comes their way).
While Jesus was going about healing the sick and freeing those oppressed by demons, some persons from among the crowds were busy running their mouths (criticising Jesus), saying He was doing all that by the power of Beelzebub (the prince of demons). Honestly, some people are just impossible to please. There is nothing you do that would not warrant their attack. Whatever you do, they must talk.
On the other hand, however, in our first reading, Jacob said to the man he had wrestled with all night: “I will never let you go unless you bless me.” It is interesting to note that despite wrestling all night, Jacob did not complain. Instead, he devised a plan to improve his circumstances. Jacob, despite having been blessed tremendously by his father, Isaac, asked for more blessings.
The blessing Jacob got was a change of name. Jacob was given a new name: Israel. The name indicates one who had successfully wrestled with God and man and prevailed. Jacob’s life would never remain the same. His new name, Israel, has become synonymous with all the blessings God promised Abraham. A name is more than a means of identity; it could be a blessing or a curse.
Dear friend, do you constantly complain about others? Or are you a Jacob who knows how best to take advantage of whatever situation may arise? When was the last time you asked for a blessing from your parents or an older person? Jacob did not complain about the time spent wrestling. He looked at the positive side. Jesus also did not say anything to those who criticised Him; instead, He focused on His Call; He attended to the crowds who were like sheep without a shepherd.
When Jesus saw the vast crowds, he was moved with compassion because those who were supposed to shepherd the people (bring them to God, pray for them and attend to their spiritual needs) had become whitewashed tombs. Jesus concluded that the harvest was plentiful, but the labourers were few. He asked that we pray to God to send more labourers. Jesus did not complain. He identified the problem and immediately found a solution. Pray that God sends more labourers into the harvest. Pray for your leaders, pray for your pastors, pray for me!
You may have noticed some bad shepherds. Instead of complaining about spreading rumours about them, do what Jesus says: “Pray to God to send more labourers into His harvest.” God might also call you into the priesthood and religious life; pray for the spirit of discernment. Accept this call and be determined to make a difference. Perhaps your vocation is to contribute to the training and support of labourers in God’s vineyard. Agreed, there are bad shepherds. Why not encourage the good ones?
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, like Jacob, we will not let you go unless you bless us. Use us as your instruments now and always. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Tuesday of week 14 in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Genesis 32:23-33, Psalm 17 and Matthew 9:32-38).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu