The first reading at Mass today is from the book of Genesis. In it Jacob wrestles with God and seems to be winning until God turns the tables. Yet God blesses Jacob with divine favor. God nevers stops blessing even when are not grateful.

How many times in life do we wrestle with God. Maybe it is a fun momemt when we play with a friend. God enjoys these moments with us. Maybe we and God are wrestling with a problem, a decision or a tragedy. God surely wants to be part these moments as well. The image of God wrtestling with us signifies the blessed reality that God desires to be a part of every aspect of our lives. From deep within the center of our lives God wants to be present to us that his love can produce faith, and his blessing can bring us hope everlasting. What is it you need God's blessing on today. Don't be afraid to wrestle with God over it and feel his loving blessing over you.

What is Massfest ’09? I asked this question of one of our young persons who is a member of a group of our young people who have been attending the 8:00 am Mass each day this week. Massfest is an opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist as the profound gift of God to us. These young people are committed to living their faith in a positive manner in which the decisions they make in life are guided by the Lord through the Church and nourished in the Eucharist. These kids are normal, happy young people and not some “crazies” or “weird” kids. These wonderful young people are getting up early each morning to participate in Mass and witness their love for Christ, His Church and the Eucharist. Should not each of us be doing the same all of the time? These young people are my inspiration and my hope for a future full of God’s goodness.