ST BENEDICT, ABB. (Memorial) White

He was the twin brother of St Scholastica. While studying in Rome, he was dismayed by the lack of indiscipline of his fellow students; so he fled to a cave and lived there as a hermit for three years. Inspired by his life, a group of monks asked him to be their spiritual leader. He founded twelve monasteries and wrote the Rule of his order. The summation of the Benedictine Rule is “Pray and work” (Latin: Ora et Labora). Benedict had the gifts to read consciences and to prophesy and forestall the attacks of the Devil.

First Reading: Gn 32:22-32; Psalm: 17 R. v. 15a; Gospel: Mt 9:32-38

DID JACOB REALLY WRESTLED WITH GOD?

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

The Biblical story on how Jacob wrestled with God from night until morning sounds weird at first read. How can a human being wrestle with God undefeated from night until morning? Did this really happen? A brief reflection on the person of Jacob before and after this contest may help us understand this story better.

Jacob was the son of Isaac. He was the twin of Esau and was the second to be born. Ever since their childhood there was a rivalry between Jacob and Esau. The name ‘Jacob’ means “someone who is cunning” or “someone who supplants.” Jacob tricked his father Isaac into believing he was Esau (the first born) and stole Esau’s birthright. (Gn 25:19-34). This and some of his other treacherous acts ruptured his relationship with his brother and made him flee from home. After many years, Jacob decided to return home with his family. He had already sent his family ahead of him and was very close to joining them when he got to the Jabbok stream where this contest happened. Jacob was wondering what awaited him as he was close to joining his brother Esau whom he stole his birthright when a man wrestled with him that night. The battle ended with God dislocating Jacob’s hip. And God also blessed Jacob and changed his name to “Israel.”

“Wrestling with God” is a metaphorical way of saying that Jacob encountered God in prayer that night. An encounter that changed his name, his attitude and even his style of movement. Jacob needed this transformation before reaching home. Indeed, God answered his prayer: “I will not let you go, unless you bless me.” This prayer of Jacob mirrors an attitude of persistent faith with which we should approach God in prayer. When we are fed up with our old ways and truly desire to change, God blesses and reinstates us. So persistent faith is not enough when we pray; our intentions and desires must be sincere and pure too. God does not overlook this.   

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord God, grant us a repentant heart and the faith to approach you with a sincere spirit. Amen.