Did you ever have a bad sciatic attack? The back hurts, you limp along, you're miserable. If you ever wanted someone to blame, today's first reading from Genesis gives you the scapegoat - Jacob.
It seems that Jacob, in his journey, found himself in a wrestling match one night with someone that he didn't know. It was intense and lasted the night. Jacob gave this man a run for his money. In fact, after struggling through the night, at the first light of daybreak, when the man wanted to end things, Jacob persisted. The man struck and wrenched Jacob's hip socket, causing him to yield, and leaving him with a limp.
What Jacob did not know was that he had wrestled with a messenger of God, and angel in human form, and prevailed. And when he asked for a blessing from the man, he received a "new name" - no longer Jacob, but now Israel "because he had contended with divine and human beings and had prevailed." He recognized that he had survived seeing God face to face, and was grateful.
So, if you ever have sciatica, thank Jacob / Israel. It is his fault!
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I hope that your 4th was enjoyable and relaxing. I give mine an "F" ++++++ = friends, food, fellowship, festivities, fireworks and fun on the fourth. A good day.
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