Friday, July 29, 2011 – Proper 13 & Ordinary 18, Year A
Genesis 32:24 – Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak.
Matthew 14:13 – Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself.
These scriptures are tied together in that both Jacob and Jesus wanted to be alone. Jacob feared for his life, and Jesus had just learned of the death of John the Baptist. Through wrestling with a man, and through the miracle feeding of the 5,000, God’s presence with both men is made apparent. No matter how alone we might feel, God remains a steadfast presence in our lives.
Prayer: Eternal God, when we go through dark hours in our lives, may we be especially mindful of your constant presence. AMEN.