In the first reading we see Jacob
contending with an angel of the Lord in a contest that was
meant to be an act of faith for him. And Jacob was victorious not because he
won or lost the battle (which wrenched his hip socket), but because his
response – when his opponent was about to leave – was to ask for a blessing
from him. This is an unlikely reaction to a night-long encounter with a
powerful assailant.
But
because Jacob was firm in his faith, and generous in his charity he asked the
blessing, and it was given in abundance, so much so that his name was changed
to Israel – because he contended with
divine and human beings and prevailed. And thus the history of Israel as a
nation began in earnest.
At some point God will contend with us, under the guise of any number of disguises, and when we are finished with the test, we will feel like everything is different (that our name, our identity and destiny) has been changed.
This
is all part of God’s leading us along the path that he has already marked out
for us – the road that leads to him. We simply need to let him lead us, stay on
the path, and follow in the footsteps of those who have gone before us, like
Jacob, Israel, David, Jesus, the Apostles and the saints. We will not be
disappointed if we do.
The
gospel passage tells us that there is a lot of work still to be done in
announcing the kingdom, and bringing in the sheep, all of them, to the one true
pasture – may we do all we can to help in this regard – and follow the one
shepherd into everlasting life!
I am the good shepherd,
says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me!
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