In justice, I shall behold your face, O Lord.-- Psalm 17:15
Mass readings: Genesis 32:23-33 / Matthew 9:32-38
"I will not let you go until you bless me, '' Jacob told the Lord as he wrestled with Him all night and then received what he'd asked for (Gen 32:27). There's something very efficacious about tenacity and expectancy.
When my daughter was going through teenage rebellion, I went to the adoration chapel and cried, ''Lord, I'm not leaving until You give me something to hold onto.'' I really meant it, and God's response, through the daily Mass reading, was right on the money as it addressed a mother's lamentations for her children, ''Wipe the tears from your eyes, says the Lord, they shall return from the enemy's land. There is hope for your future . . . your sons shall return to their own borders'' (Jer 31:16-17). When we wrestle with God, everybody eventually wins!
Prayer: Lord, as we struggle in prayer, You never disappoint us! You see and deliver us.