Saint Maria Goretti, Virgin and Martyr

22And when he had arisen early, he took his two wives, and the same number of handmaids, with his eleven sons, and he crossed over the ford of Jabbok. 23And having delivered over all the things that belonged to him, 24he remained alone. And behold, a man wrestled with him until morning. 25And when he saw that he would not be able to overcome him, he touched the nerve of his thigh, and immediately it withered. 26And he said to him, “Release me, for now the dawn ascends.” He responded, “I will not release you, unless you bless me.” 27Therefore he said, “What is your name?” He answered, “Jacob.” 28But he said, “Your name will not be called Jacob, but Israel; for if you have been strong against God, how much more will you prevail against men?” 29Jacob questioned him, “Tell me, by what name are you called?” He responded, “Why do you ask my name?” And he blessed him in the same place. 30And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “I have seen God face to face, and my soul has been saved.” 31And immediately the sun rose upon him, after he had crossed beyond Peniel. Yet in truth, he limped on his foot. 32For this reason, the sons of Israel, even to the present day, do not eat the nerve that withered in Jacob’s thigh, because he touched the nerve of his thigh and it was obstructed.

1A Prayer of David. Lord, listen to my justice, attend to my supplication. Pay attention to my prayer, which is not from deceitful lips.

2Let my judgment proceed from your presence. Let your eyes behold fairness.

3You have tested my heart and visited it by night. You have examined me by fire, and iniquity has not been found in me.

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6I have cried out because you, O God, have listened to me. Incline your ear to me and heed my words.

7Make your mercies wonderful, for you save those who hope in you.

8From those who resist your right hand, preserve me like the pupil of your eye. Protect me under the shadow of your wings,

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15But as for me, I will appear before your sight in justice. I will be satisfied when your glory appears.

32Then, when they had departed, behold, they brought him a man who was mute, having a demon. 33And after the demon was cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds wondered, saying, “Never has anything like this been seen in Israel.” 34But the Pharisees said, “By the prince of demons does he cast out demons.” 35And Jesus traveled throughout all of the cities and towns, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the Gospel of the kingdom, and healing every illness and every infirmity. 36Then, seeing the multitudes, he had compassion on them, because they were distressed and were reclining, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples: “The harvest indeed is great, but the laborers are few. 38Therefore, petition the Lord of the harvest, so that he may sent out laborers to his harvest.”