HOMILY FOR THE 14TH TUESDAY IN ORDINARY TIME — YEAR A
HOMILY FOR THE 14TH TUESDAY IN ORDINARY TIME — YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: WRESTLING WITH GOD
BY: Fr. Paul Karabari
Gen 32:23-33; Psalm 16(17):1-3, 6-8; Matt 9:32-37
‘And Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day.’
Today, we reflect on the story of Jacob, who wrestled the angel of God (Genesis 32:23-33). The focus of this story is not about how powerful Jacob was to have wrestled a strange or heavenly being. Jacob couldn’t have overpowered God’s angel. This story rather shows God’s willingness to engage with us, even in our struggles and doubts, and to bless us in our weaknesses. His experience should teach every struggling Christian that challenges can lead to spiritual growth, transformation, and a deeper understanding of God’s purpose.
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But notice something very important: ‘Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak.’ When God deals with you on important issues, He does it one-on-one, not as part of the crowd. In fact, being in a crowd can keep you from hearing His voice. Being alone with God can feel threatening because your facade and ego get stripped away. Your first impulse may be to stay with the crowd, but you soon discover they can’t calm the restlessness in your spirit. That restlessness is God calling you to a meeting! So, like Jacob, do not be afraid to wrestle with Him until a new day breaks for you. The wrestling brought a new name; new blessings.
Jacob was just determined to get his blessing. When we are persistent in seeking grace, God’s blessing and guidance, through prayers, we are sure of getting what we seek. Our prayers must be built on consistency and faith. The insistence of Jacob on getting a blessing should inspire us to always seek God’s blessing and favour in our lives.
God does not give up on us. We do not have to give up on ourselves. Jacob had his name changed, showing a new identity and purpose. This means that our good encounters with God can change who we are and what we are meant to do. We need to persist in prayer with faith, trusting in God’s transformative power. Challenges are bound to come, but they can also change us spiritually. Change happens through crisis. God used a crisis to change things for Jacob. Jacob was in a desperate situation. He realised he needed to go home, but that meant he had to face the anger of his brother Esau. That night, in his tent, he wrestled with the angel of the Lord until the morning. GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE. May God have mercy on us, heal our world and land, and bless you and your household always through Christ Our Lord Amen.
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