In the reading from Genesis, Jacob, is on the threshold of a new beginning. He has been away and was about to re-enter Canaan (after many years). He was afraid of meeting Esau, his twin brother - having swindled Esau's blessings from their father, Isaac. He is full of apprehension and meticulously plan how to pacify Esau with gifts and how to escape from him, should he turn hostile. Jacob had just sent his family and his possessions "across the stream." (v 24) and was now alone.

Why was Jacob alone? Perhaps to pray. During this time alone, he encounters God. So vivid was this encounter that he named the place "Peniel" (meaning "face of God"; v 31) - "because I have seen God face to face ... and have survived" (v 31).

It was an encounter where Jacob had to wrestle with God. And even though Jacob prevailed in the wrestling, it left him limping (as God "struck him in the socket of his hip" and dislocated it {v26}). However, God gave Jacob a new name and blessed him. The new name, "Israel" (meaning "May God strive [for him"]) clearly point to the new life of how Jacob is to live: not through his own cunning "Jacob" figuratively means "he deceived") but Jacob will now live under the grace of God - God will strive for him.