Invocabit ("He shall call upon Me")

Today’s Readings

Old Testament: Genesis 32:22-32

Jacob wrestles all night with a mysterious Man (the pre-incarnate Christ), refusing to let go until he receives a blessing. God strikes Jacob’s hip but grants him the name Israel, signifying that he has striven with God and prevailed through persistent faith.

Epistle: Romans 5:1-5

In this passage, St. Paul explains that because we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through Jesus Christ. This grace allows us to rejoice even in sufferings, knowing that "suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope"—a hope that never shames us because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.

Gospel: Matthew 15: 21-28

In this Gospel account, a Canaanite woman begs Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter, persisting even when He initially remains silent and then tests her with a difficult comparison to "dogs" eating the children's bread. She humbly accepts His word but clings to His mercy, prompting Jesus to marvel at her great faith and grant her request instantly.

Psalm: 121 (v1-2)

Thought for the Day

This Sunday traditionally focuses on the Temptation of Jesus in the Wilderness. It sets the tone for the season by showing Christ's victory over the devil through the Word of God, providing the foundation for our own Lenten journey.