Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Benedict, Abbot
Readings: Gn 32:23-33; Ps 17:1b, 2-3, 6-7ab, 8b and 15; Mt 9:32-38
Notes: Jacob is known as the great deceiver.
But in this flaw a marvelous springing forward of understanding.
From flaw to virtue – understanding.
Jacob had to deal with Laban, who over the twenty years, cheated him and changed his wages ten times. Jacob had to come to terms with Esau (the next chapter of his life).
This time Jacob and Esau part in peace. Reconciled, contending no more, each to his own home, each to his own peace. When it was time for Isaac to go to the Lord, after a full life, his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.
Jacob became a shepherd of sorts. He contended within himself, with the Lord and with his Brother and Father-in-law. He struck Jacob’s hip at its socket, so that the hip socket was wrenched as they wrestled. That is to say, he showed Jacob his weakness is to become his strength – understanding. Jacob limped along because of his hip, and peace came.
You can too.
As you contend, you become, peace.
Job Description: Go around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their places, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. Have a heart moved with pity for people because they are troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.
- Attend to the outcry of the honest man.
- Dispense the wonderful mercies of the Lord.
- Help those fleeing from the foe.
Open positions: Many.
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”
First Reading
“You shall no longer be spoken of as Jacob, but as Israel, because you have contended with divine and human beings and have prevailed.”
Responsorial
In justice, I shall behold your face, O Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me.
Gospel
Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry