Daily Retreat 07/07/09
2009 Jul 7 Tue:Ordinary Weekday
Gn 32:23-33/ Ps 16(17):1b. 2-3. 6-7ab. 8b and 15/ Mt 9:32-38
From today’s readings:“You shall no longer be spoken of as Jacob, but as Israel.... In justice, I shall behold Your face, O Lord.... 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.”
Wrestling with Scripture
Some, but certainly not all, of the verses of Scripture are clear enough that the meaning is quite obvious - for instance, when Jesus spoke of the coming judgment of all on the basis of concrete charity put into action (Matthew 25:31-46), so much of what long-winded preachers and commentators might find to say about those words is superfluous, because the King’s basic message can’t be missed: “Whatsoever you do to the least of My brothers, that you do unto Me!”
But the point and purpose of many passages of the Bible is ambiguous and even cryptic at times. For instance, the account of Jacob wrestling explains how his name was changed to Israel, and how a certain locale was called “Penual,” and how a certain Jewish dietary restriction arose, but there’s obviously more to the story than all that.
But what exactly is the point of this episode? God is almighty and Lord of all, so not even the most literal interpretation would dare to suggest that Jacob was physically stronger than God (or His angel) and so actually proved himself the victor in a hand-to-hand wrestling match. So, in the end, we are the ones who must wrestle with the meaning of this passage! Starting with the simple fact that these verses narrate a uniquely formative event in Jacob’s life, we’re certainly entitled and encouraged to seek the deeper significance of the event, and ask “Why?”
From the wider context, it’s evident that this moment is a clear turning point in Jacob’s life, for in the events that follow, he shows himself to be more spiritually mature, having now passed his test, even as his grandfather Abraham had to struggle through his test when God commanded him to sacrifice Isaac (cf. Genesis 22). Also, even though the Bible consistently affirms God’s omnipotence, Scripture also gives constant reminders that human initiative and response to God is an essential part of the equation of our destiny, which can be considered a form of “contending with God.” Yet all the insights I’ve come upon, all the commentaries I’ve read and sermons I’ve heard about Jacob’s struggle still leave me feeling that there’s still much more to be learned and discovered as we continue to wrestle with Scripture - and maybe that in itself is the most important lesson for today!
Gn 32:23-33/ Ps 16(17):1b. 2-3. 6-7ab. 8b and 15/ Mt 9:32-38
From today’s readings:“You shall no longer be spoken of as Jacob, but as Israel.... In justice, I shall behold Your face, O Lord.... 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.”
Wrestling with Scripture
Some, but certainly not all, of the verses of Scripture are clear enough that the meaning is quite obvious - for instance, when Jesus spoke of the coming judgment of all on the basis of concrete charity put into action (Matthew 25:31-46), so much of what long-winded preachers and commentators might find to say about those words is superfluous, because the King’s basic message can’t be missed: “Whatsoever you do to the least of My brothers, that you do unto Me!”
But the point and purpose of many passages of the Bible is ambiguous and even cryptic at times. For instance, the account of Jacob wrestling explains how his name was changed to Israel, and how a certain locale was called “Penual,” and how a certain Jewish dietary restriction arose, but there’s obviously more to the story than all that.
But what exactly is the point of this episode? God is almighty and Lord of all, so not even the most literal interpretation would dare to suggest that Jacob was physically stronger than God (or His angel) and so actually proved himself the victor in a hand-to-hand wrestling match. So, in the end, we are the ones who must wrestle with the meaning of this passage! Starting with the simple fact that these verses narrate a uniquely formative event in Jacob’s life, we’re certainly entitled and encouraged to seek the deeper significance of the event, and ask “Why?”
From the wider context, it’s evident that this moment is a clear turning point in Jacob’s life, for in the events that follow, he shows himself to be more spiritually mature, having now passed his test, even as his grandfather Abraham had to struggle through his test when God commanded him to sacrifice Isaac (cf. Genesis 22). Also, even though the Bible consistently affirms God’s omnipotence, Scripture also gives constant reminders that human initiative and response to God is an essential part of the equation of our destiny, which can be considered a form of “contending with God.” Yet all the insights I’ve come upon, all the commentaries I’ve read and sermons I’ve heard about Jacob’s struggle still leave me feeling that there’s still much more to be learned and discovered as we continue to wrestle with Scripture - and maybe that in itself is the most important lesson for today!
posted by FrPitstick | 7/03/2009
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