Reminiscere ("Remember Your mercies")

Today’s Readings

Old-32 Testament: 32: 22-32

In this account from Genesis 32, Jacob wrestles with a mysterious "Man" (the pre-incarnate Christ) throughout the night, refusing to let go until he receives a blessing. Although God strikes Jacob’s hip to show His power, He honors Jacob’s persistent faith by renaming him Israel, marking his transformation from a "deceiver" to one who strives with God and prevails through His grace.

Epistle: Romans 5:1-5

St. Paul declares that because we are justified by faith, we possess an objective peace with God through Jesus Christ. This certain hope allows us to rejoice even in tribulations, as God uses suffering to forge a "chain" of spiritual growth—endurance, character, and a hope that will never disappoint because it is rooted in the Holy Spirit’s outpouring of God's love.

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 meets her with silence and then a difficult test regarding "the children's bread." She brilliantly turns His own words into a plea for mercy—arguing that even the "dogs" eat the crumbs—leading Jesus to commend her great faith and grant her request.

Psalm: 121 (v 1-2)

Thought for the Day

The Faith That Won’t Let Go

Today we see that faith is often a wrestle. Like Jacob struggling in the dark at the Jabbok and the Canaanite woman refusing to be turned away by Jesus’ silence, we learn that God actually invites us to hold Him to His promises. When life feels like a "no" or God seems silent, faith looks at the Cross and remembers His "Yes." We do not pray as beggars hoping for a scrap, but as children who know the Heart of the Father—clinging to Him until the blessing comes.

"I will not let you go unless you bless me." — Genesis 32:26