Do you remember the story in the Bible about Jacob wrestling with God?
Jacob
Jacob was destined for a great inheritance, even though he was the second-born son in the birth order. God told his mother Rebekah that Jacob would receive the special blessing.
Genesis 25:23 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
23 and the Lord answered her:
Two nations are in your womb, two peoples are separating while still within you; But one will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.
Rebekah knew that God favored Jacob over his brother Esau. Though they were twins, Esau would have the right to the blessing because he was the first-born son.
As the boys grew older, Esau, who was a hunter, came home famished and begged his brother Jacob for lentil stew. He sold his birthright to his brother for a bowl of stew! Jacob, along with his mother managed the entire scenario in order for Jacob to receive the blessing from his father Isaac. (Gen 27) As the narrative of the brothers continued, Jacob, because of his brother’s murderous intentions, had to flee.
Jacob’s New Name
Many years and several chapters of Genesis have passed, so I pick up the story in Genesis 32:22-32. Before he meets his brother Esau, Jacob has a heavenly encounter. He wrestles with God but this match lasted throughout the night. Even with a dislocated hip socket Jacob did not give up: he wanted his blessing. God granted his blessing and changed his name to Israel. The blessing took place right before Jacob and Esau met. It was a reconciliation between the two brothers that could only take place with God in the midst.
Why did God give Jacob a new name? He received his new name Israel because he never gave up the struggle. Israel’s meaning is “the one who struggled with God.”
Our Sin
We are all sinners, and share some of the characteristics of both Jacob and Esau. (John 1:8-9) The correlation between these struggles is that we are always going to be wrestling with God because of our sin. But in our case, God will always win. Sin is a constant reminder that we need courage to remain in the fight. We will always get wounded, but the wounds are a stepping stone closer to God. It takes years of training to attain spiritual growth. Jacob had to wait 14 years before he could marry Rachel.
Moses
In every instance in the Bible there was always a mountain that our great patriarchs had to ascend to reach God. For Moses it started with the angel of the Lord appearing to him at “the mountain of God Horeb.” Moses was alone when he received his commission from God. That’s how it works; we must separate ourselves from the world in order to truly hear from God. Moses did not want the responsibility of saving his people. He questioned and wrestled with the idea of God’s will for his mission. In the most authoritative manner, God spoke to Moses:
Exodus 3:14 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
14 God replied to Moses: I am who I am. Then he added: This is what you will tell the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.
Moses struggled with his commission and wanted an easy way out. God told Moses that He would put the right words in his mouth yet he still questioned His authority? God’s gracious and patient attitude toward Moses was painstakingly teaching Moses to become a great leader. Moses was to lead the Israelites out of slavery and guide them to the Promised Land.
The Ten Commandments
Mount Sinai was the next mountain for Moses to climb. There he received the Ten Commandments from God.
Exodus 19:18-19 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
18 Now Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke, because the Lord had come down upon it in fire. The smoke rose from it as though from a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled violently. 19 The blast of the shofar grew louder and louder, while Moses was speaking and God was answering him with thunder.
My Mountain
There will always be something or someone who could take me out of the spirit. My climbing takes place daily because, like the people on the bottom of Mount Sinai in the time of Moses, I fall short. I get upset, I yell, and it usually ends in tears. How does this happen to a seasoned Christian? My only reply is that I am human and I sin. One thing that I have taken into account is that my anger and all that is attached to it subsides quickly because I am a seasoned Christian.
This is how it starts with me. In the midst of my anger, I question God and ask Him where He is. I cry out to Him in anger and ask Him why I must go through this. I always say, “What is the use of me attending daily Mass, if You are not with me?” By this time I’m probably crying. After a good cry, I pull myself up and in some cases have to apologize for my ungodly behavior.
I promise you I have a wonderful, imperfect life and I know how to pull up my bootstraps to get ready for another round with the Enemy. In every one of our battles there is always a sweet victory and a hidden blessing. We must never give in to the Enemy because he will recognize our weakness. The Devil is a dirty fighter whose goal is always to destroy families, especially marriages. So stay in the fight and wrestle with God for your blessing. Lick your wounds and move on to what God has planned for you.
The Devil attacks those who are seeking God. Though I do not welcome his attacks, I have developed an arsenal of spiritual warfare and, with God on my side, the victory belongs to Him.
My Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You that with each attack, we are growing stronger in You. Give us the spirit that was imparted on Jacob, bless us mightily and give us a new name. Use us to minister Your love and bring the lost into Your Kingdom. Amen.
It all started after the Christmas Mass. My throat was feeling a little raw, so after leaving church I went to bed. Not wanting this illness to escalate, I decided to drive myself to Urgent Care, but by the time I arrived they had already closed. The following day, just as I suspected, my condition worsened. This time Mike drove me to Urgent Care. Nothing too serious but, because of my age, I was given a seven day’s dosage of antibiotics.
Mask
I have a tendency to misjudge others for wearing masks, especially if they are in a car driving by themself. I hated the whole mask mandate during COVID and was so excited when the ban was lifted. When I give out Holy Communion at Mass to people who insist on wearing masks, it is my responsibility to be sure that that person has removed the mask and ingested the host.
I learned a lesson about mask wearers; it’s not my business as to why they choose to wear a mask. I found myself wearing a mask when walking into Urgent Care. I did not want to compromise the health of others, and now I somewhat understand why people wear masks. There are exceptions to the rule and a small percentage of these mask wearers are suffering from some type of paranoia or phobia. To those few random people, free yourselves of all fear!
Sicker
It’s Saturday night 10:57 p.m. and I can’t sleep. Normally most of my writing for this Blog is inspired by the readings or homilies from the daily Mass. But due to the cough and slight fever, there was no way I could attend Mass.
My hacking cough sounds like an elderly old man who has spent his entire life smoking and finally paying the price for his youthful pleasures. In the past, muscling through these illnesses was always a breeze…not anymore!
Old And Sick
Jacob, our 12-year-old grandson, was sick last week but that did not stop him from attending the Boat Parade or spending the night at a friend’s house. It took him one full day of rest to recover. Not me. Today is day five, my laundry is piling up, the floors need to be cleaned, the sheets need changing, and at this point none of this is going to get accomplished anytime soon.
Mike has been making all the meals and keeping the kitchen clean. He really took the “in sickness and in health” part of our vows to a new level. How he keeps up with my lamenting is a miracle.
The Changing World
Another misjudgment on my behalf is prescription medication. Homeopathic has always been my preference, but now I have to set up timers for the special medication I need to take three times a day. And that does not include the thyroid medication, plus the antibiotics and cough syrup. I refused to get any type of flu or COVID immunizations because from my own experience I know for a fact that a dirty flu shot caused my autoimmune condition. All these immunizations are products of China.
Feast Days
I have missed the feast days of Saint Stephen, the first martyr, Saint John, the Apostle and Evangelist, The Holy Innocents, martyrs and today, Sunday, December 29th, the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
Saint Stephen
In Acts Chapter Seven, Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, is introduced. Stephen was assigned to oversee the daily distribution to the widows of the community. The Word of God was spreading, so Jewish priests were also being converted. As in all cases, as soon as the spread of Christianity occurs, Satan comes in with a vendetta to destroy the work of God. Thus Stephen was accused of blasphemy. Because of the tenets of the highest Jewish court, the Sanhedrin could not tolerate that Stephen was placing Jesus above Moses.
In one of the longest narratives written in the Bible Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, explains the historic transition from Jewish beliefs to Christianity. The words that flowed from deep within him captured the truth of how the Israelites disobeyed God so many times. The members of the high court knew that Stephen was exposing their uncircumcised hearts and ears.
Acts 7:51 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
51 “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always oppose the holy Spirit; you are just like your ancestors.
In 2025 the situation will remain as it was 2,000 years ago. Some will come around, while others will continue to live a life walking around with scales over their eyes. If we could all take into account the beautiful act of martyrdom from Saint Stephen, we would understand why he, without fear, preached the truth.
Telling The Truth
Saint Stephen, because he was filled with the Holy Spirit, was given one of the greatest platforms to preach the Word. He was completely aware of the venomous character of the Sanhedrin and how they would react to his preaching, but that only fueled the fire in him to spread the Gospel further. He also knew that being a witness and exposing truth to these stiff-necked leaders would cost his life.
As they ordered his stoning, the Sanhedrin witnessed the calm demeanor of Stephen. As the sky opened up to welcome him home, his last words were:
Acts 7:60 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
60 Then he fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them”; and when he said this, he fell asleep.
Saint Steven’s last words echoed Christ plea for forgiveness during His Crucifixion.
Luke 23:34 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
34 [Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” They divided his garments by casting lots.
My Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, give us the boldness that You gave Saint Stephen. Teach us to always stand up to any ungodly injustice, and may our words be filled with Your Holy Truth. Consecrate our hearts to do Your Holy will and restore hope for those who most need it. Happy New Year and may the spirit of forgiveness indwell our hearts this coming year. Amen
The birth of our Savior Jesus Christ is profoundly beautiful and filled with hope. As I reflect on this special blessing in my life, I thank God for knowing that nothing is impossible with Him. I continue to pray and experience small miracles for those who God has placed in my heart for prayer.
Novena Tradition
On December 9th, I started a novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague. A Novena is a special prayer petition that is recited for nine consecutive days. Each day the prayers are different and are concentrated on particular matters. One of the main prayers of this petition is asking God what direction to take with this Blog. I want to continue to be a light for others and to bring the truth of the Gospel to those who are either confused or do not understand who God really is.
There is a special place in my heart for those who are sitting on the fence about religion. They have one foot in the world and another foot in the murky waters of which Jesus to follow. Those in the valley of decision will one day become great soldiers in the kingdom of God. ( Joel 3:14) They have learned from life’s experiences and have grown to trust in God. I am a perfect example of this.
The Tamale Crew
God was always on my radar, but I did not know how to converge my world with His. It took a journey of almost 15 years to make a full circle and finally understand my calling. The gratitude that I have for the Protestant teachings will forever be part of my growth. My path to Catholicism was paved by searching for real truth. This Novena will become a Christmas tradition.
The First Nativity
St. Francis of Assisi was the first to introduce the Nativity scene to the world.
St. Francis had a special devotion to the Child Jesus. He was inspired after visiting the Holy Land and the humble stable, a Bethlehem cave. In the year 1223, with permission from Pope Honorius III on Christmas Eve, St. Francis set up a manger in the village of Grecio, Italy, with hay and two live animals. There St. Francis preached about “the Babe of Bethlehem.” St. Francis was so overcome by emotion that he could not say “Jesus.” So the first Nativity did not have Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, or wise men either, just an ox and an ass.
Silent Night
Joseph Mohr, a Catholic priest from Austria, wrote the lyrics to Silent Night. The choir director of St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf, Austria, Franz Xaver Gruber composed the melody. Silent Night was first performed on Christmas Eve in 1818 at St. Nicholas Church.
The Holy Family
The divine providence of God was in perfect order when He picked this family. Mary was visited by the Archangel Gabriel heralding the great news of the upcoming birth of the Christ Child. Mary was engaged to marry Joseph, but when he discovered that she was with child (by the Holy Spirit) Joseph had second thoughts. After an angel appeared to him in a dream, he understood the importance of his role as the holy foster father of Jesus. He was called to protect his family from all harm.
St. Joseph is mentioned in the Bible, but he was never quoted in the Word of God. He became the silent example of holiness. He listened to the messages sent from God through holy angels, and departed to Egypt to save the Christ Child from the hands of King Herod.
Matthew 2:13 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
The Flight to Egypt.
13 When they had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt,and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.”
Because of Joseph’s obedience, Jesus’ life was spared from the hands of the evil King Herod. That’s what holy fathers do; they protect their children from all harm. Joseph serves as a role model on how to be a great father. The idea that he was a foster father to the Son of God gives us insight as to how deep the Lord wants fathers to exemplify Joseph’s fatherhood. Not only did he raise Jesus as his own, he handed down his trade as a carpenter to his Son. It is a common misconception that Jesus had brothers and sisters, but in New Testament times close relatives were referred to as brothers and sisters. Mary was set aside to carry the Christ Child in her womb; this was her main purpose in life, and Jesus, God’s only begotten Son, was her only child.
St. Anne and St. Joachim
Mary was born to St. Anne and St. Joachim. St. Joachim was a wealthy man who benevolently gave to the work of God. He gave one-third to the Temple, one-third to the poor, and kept one-third for St. Anne and himself. They were judged harshly by their Jewish community because they were elderly and they could not bear children. They both fasted and prayed for a child. St. Joachim went to the desert and prayed for 40 days and 40 nights, while his wife fasted and prayed at the temple.
An angel appeared to St. Anne first to announce that she would bear a child. St. Joachim experienced an angel apparition around the same time, telling him to go back home to his wife because she was with child. When Mary was three-years-old her life was consecrated in the temple.
Jesus’ Grandparents
As parents, St. Anne and St. Joachim made the ultimate sacrifice by consecrating Mary in the temple. They understood that Mary was a special gift from God. Their role as grandparents was to pray for the future of the Mother of God, their daughter Mary. St. Anne must have known that Mary would become the most famous woman in the world. Mothers have a God-given intuition for their children.
Newport Beach Boat parade “Jesus Boat”Newport Beach boat parade
Mike and I have four grandchildren. Each one is different, and we have learned that we cannot treat them the same. We love them the same, but our involvement as grandparents is to be available to help at any time. I will drop everything when it comes to the needs of our grandchildren. I want to teach our grandchildren to love the Lord and to be an example of serving God. All grandchildren are special because we as grandparents have a great opportunity to witness what we have experienced in life. We have grown from all of our past hurts and pains, so we offer great wisdom.
My Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, may all our Christmas traditions include Jesus. May we make room in our heart for the greatest gift of all. Help us to fill the void in our souls, that we may receive the peace that surpasses all understanding. O Come, O Come Emmanuel! Amen.
Do you remember the story in the Bible about Jacob wrestling with God?
It all started after the Christmas Mass. My throat was feeling a little raw, so after leaving church I went to bed. Not wanting this illness to escalate, I decided to drive myself to Urgent Care, but by the time I arrived they had already closed. The following day, just as I suspected, my condition worsened. This time Mike drove me to Urgent Care. Nothing too serious but, because of my age, I was given a seven day’s dosage of antibiotics.
The birth of our Savior Jesus Christ is profoundly beautiful and filled with hope. As I reflect on this special blessing in my life, I thank God for knowing that nothing is impossible with Him. I continue to pray and experience small miracles for those who God has placed in my heart for prayer. 
