Monday, July 6, 2009

Tuesday July 7, 2009

Tuesday July 7, 2009 of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Genesis 32: 23-33 Psalm 17: 1-3, 6-7, 15 Matthew 9: 32-38
Psalm Response: “In justice, I shall behold Your face, O Lord”

This is a strange tale of Jacob’s encounter with a ‘man’ and wrestling with ‘him. Evidently, Jacob was very strong and adept at wrestling maneuvers. For the ‘man’ was unable to subdue him or vice-versa.
Jacob must have had a revelation during the battle for he wondered aloud, “What is your name?” The response was vague but the ‘man’ evidently twisted Jacob in such a manner, his sciatic nerve was strained.
Jacob assumed he was in combat with a divine being as he named the place where the combat took place, “Penuel” with the thought, “I have seen God face to face and yet my life has been spared.” This was contrary to the traditions of the people and religious leaders, who thought meeting God face to face, was a death sentence!
We are engaged in an encounter with God every time we come in contact with someone in need and we supply the answer. It may be our guess, just as Jacob guessed! However, it is not for us to make a positive determination but rather to assume Christ is in the person in need just as He is with us always if we recognize Him in Faith.

A demoniac was someone suspected of being possessed by a demon of some sort. Often in the Society of Jesus’ time, people thought afflictions were the result of someone’s sin and possession was thought to be the punishment for breaking the Law.
When Jesus exorcized the demon, the nay-sayers said He dispelled the demon by demonic action rather than the prayers of a Holy Man. It was one of the first hints, the religious leaders wouldn’t accept the simple fact of His divinity.
Undaunted by their skepticism, Jesus proceeded to proclaim the Good News of His presence and mission and proving His divinity by various cures of illnesses and afflictions.

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