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Reflection on the Gospel – Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Dear friend,
Often we fight against circumstances that challenge us in life: an illness, a betrayal, a broken relationship, a job or financial failure, a misunderstanding… We don’t lack battles or fronts to fight on. Today we see Jacob in such a struggle, wrestling until dawn with a mysterious figure.
We know life is not easy. But, like Jacob, these battles help us rethink the direction of our lives if we rely on God. In Jacob’s case, there was a transformation: he changed his name from Jacob (“the one who grabs by the heel” or “the supplanter”) to Israel (“the one who struggles with God” – not against Him). Life’s trials should help us grow, mature, and leave behind victim attitudes, becoming strong people thanks to God’s strength.
Summer is a good time to rest and review our lives. When we do, we often first think of those parts of our life that are not going well. We tend to see the negative first, the shadow inside us, because those wounds shout loudly. But it is necessary not to avoid this healthy exercise of self-reflection, so we can also see the seed of good and potential inside us, which usually appears second. Today, the Word reminds us that God also fights by our side and helps us in our battles if we let Him.
Again, a healing in today’s Gospel. A demon-possessed man who is deaf and mute — I don’t know if there can be a worse condition. Once again, Jesus shows compassion and does not abandon him. And just to be clear, Matthew’s text says: “When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were tired and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
In Jesus’ way, have compassion for those around you, as the Lord has compassion for you. And remember: be kinder than necessary, because everyone you meet is fighting a battle.
Your brother in faith,