Prayer: Battle of Faith, Triumph of Perseverance

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI continued his catecheses on prayer at the May 25, 2011 General Audience by speaking about the Patriarch Jacob and his fight with the unknown man (cf. Genesis 32:23-33).

In the episode of the fight at the ford of Jabbok, the Pope observed, "the people of Israel speak of their origin and outline the features of a unique relationship between God and humanity. This is why, as also affirmed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 'from this account, the spiritual tradition of the Church has retained the symbol of prayer as a battle of faith and as the triumph of perseverance'".

"Our entire lives", concluded the Holy Father, "are like this long night of struggle and prayer, passed in the desire of and request for God's blessing, which cannot be ripped away or won over through our strength, but must be received with humility from Him as a gratuitous gift that allows us, finally, to recognize the face of the Lord. And when this happens, our entire reality changes: we receive a new name and God's blessing".

For more information please visit:

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/audiences/2011/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20110525_en.html

http://visnews-en.blogspot.com/2011/05/jacob-prayer-battle-of-faith-call-for.html