Genesis 32:23-33 / Matthew 9:32-38
The name Jacob is of Hebrew origin and it means "held by the heel, or supplanter".
Jacob was given that name because he had a twin brother Esau and at birth, he came out after Esau holding on to his heel.
Supplanter means one who takes the place of another and Jacob tricked Esau, who was his elder twin brother, of his birthright and blessing.
So the name Jacob had a negative connotation of being a trickster and someone who causes others to trip.
But we heard in the 1st reading that Jacob's name was changed to Israel, a name which means "God perseveres or God contends".
Jacob wrestled with God and God persevered and also God tested him and found him strong and courageous.
Hence God blessed him and changed his name to Israel and he became the patriarch of a great nation which took his name.
So whenever we are tested and face trials and challenges, let us see it as a blessing from God.
The present challenge in the Church is the shortage of vocations and the shortage of priests.
So praying for vocations is an obligation for us because if we don't see it as an urgency, then the present generation of the Church will be answerable to the next when there is not enough priests to celebrate the Eucharist for the growth and the life of the Church.
Indeed as Jesus said in the gospel, the harvest is rich but the labourers are few.
Yet the Lord wants to bless us, as long as we persevere and be strong and faithful in praying for vocations. Then we would have done our duty for the next generation.