Memorial of Saint Benedict, Abbot

The man then said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go until you bless me.” The man asked, “What is your name?” He answered, “Jacob.” Then the man said, “You shall no longer be spoken of as Jacob, but as Israel, because you have contended with divine and human beings and have prevailed.”

Jacob’s persistence pays off with a blessing from God. He could have easily given up at any time, especially when his hip socket was wrenched. However, he refused to let go and so he was blessed. Sometimes we have things we must wrestle with in our lives. They might be bad habits and sins, they might be major decisions about our lives, or they might be trials that test our faith. But no matter what they are, if we persist in holding onto God as our rock and savior, we shall be rewarded in the end.

Are we persistent in the things that matter most... in faith, hope, and love? Are we willing to wrestle with the tough choices of our lives instead of flee from them? How ca we prepare ourselves for the physical, mental, and spiritual struggles that lie ahead?

O Lord, bless us who hold onto you.

Amen.