Brawling for a Blessing

Today's Old Testament reading was from Genesis 32 - the story of Jacob wrestling with the Angel.

Do you recall this wild story of Jacob's spending an entire night brawling for a blessing?

"In overcoming God you are overcome.

God enjoys a good fight as much as an Irish publican.

From hearts that struggle there is the hope of honest love.

A lover does not want gratitude or compliance;

soggy affection is no more appealing than cold porridge.

Nothing short of a free and equal passion will suffice.

If such love must be won from long and painful wrestling,

better that than an insipid pretence which does not stir the gut.

It is possible to keep running for a long time.

But once you join battle with the Stranger, you are at risk.

- Michael Riddell from Godzone: A Traveller's Guide, 1992

quote from here

i would also say that cold affection is no more appealing than soggy porridge!

Art: Jacob Wrestling with the Angel, by Ben-Zion, 1935