Psalm: Ps 91:1-4, 14-15ab -- In you, my God, I place my trust
Gospel: Mt 9:18-26
In you and your descendants all the nations of the earth shall find blessing.Friends,
Know that I am with you; I will protect you wherever you go, and bring you back to this land. I will never leave you until I have done what I promised you. - Genesis 28:14b-15
It never ceases to amaze me how the promises of God work throughout time. In today's first reading, we hear God's promises for Jacob, son of Issac, grandson of Abraham. These are some pretty spectacular promises: countless descendants, possession of a rich homeland, protection in your travels and the nations of the world finding blessing in your family.
Two things jump out when reading through this passage, and the promises made to Abraham and Issac. First, it is not that different from the promises that are seen from mythology. There are countless stories where the "gods" promise protection, many kids, lots of riches, to those that will do what they say. However, there are few, if any, others that say that all others will count them as a blessing. Most often, they are concerned with conquering other nations. Yet, we know that
Second, we must keep in mind that Jacob, Issac and Abraham did not see these promises fulfilled in their lifetimes. Abraham and Issac each had two sons, hardly the start of a great nation. Jacob died in Egypt, far from the lands God had promised to him and his fathers. It seemed impossible that Still, they trusted that the Lord would keep His promise to them. History tells us that God did just that.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of this day. Thank you for your Son, a blessing to all nations. We stand in awe when we contemplate the wonders you have done for us. Lord, grant that we might learn to trust you. Remind us when we are despairing that you have never failed to keep your promises. Let our faith in your word glorify your name. We ask all of this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
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