GOD HAS A NEW NAME FOR YOU!

⏰Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week of Ordinary Time 1 (11 July 2017 – Memorial of St. Benedict)

????Gen 32:22-32; Ps 17:1, 2-3, 6-7, 8 and 15 (R.v.15a); Matt 9:32-38

The story of Jacob in Gen 32:24-25 is indeed the story of many of people. Jacob had always had his way in most things before this time. That success was probably getting into his head and he felt that he could get everything he wants by the power of his hand. That could be why God decided to wrestle with him to teach him humility.

Sometimes too, when we are going weird, God tries to correct us by allowing us to pass through trials so as to bring us back. These trials can be through sickness, childlessness, poverty, etc. Indeed, that very challenge you are having now could be that trial. From the experience of Jacob, God wants us to know that we cannot overcome it by our own power.

When Jacob had made that realisation, he held on to God and would not let him go until he has received his blessing (Gen 32:26). That is an attitude of faith and dependence on God that we are called to embrace. If you hold on to him, he is going to change a name for you:
????From sickness to health
????From barrenness to fruitfulness
????From poverty to wealth
????From sorrow to joy, etc.

In Matt 9:32-33, he changed a name for the demoniac and the people marvelled. Yet the Pharisees remained obstinate; they were not ready for the change of name.

The option is yours: To join the movement for change be clinging unto God or to remain tied to your problems by thinking more of your own strength. As for me, I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day for a crown.

That was exactly what happened in the life of St. Benedict whose feast day we celebrate today. He is known as the father of Western Monasticism and lived a life of detachment which gained him the crown of glory and also inspired others to seek that crown.

May our faith in God’s saving grace urge us on to seek God alone and never fail us in the end. Amen.

I wish you a joyful day with the Lord. Peace be with you.