dreams
"Taking one of the stones at the shrine, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep at that spot. Then he had a dream." —Genesis 28:11-12
Jacob used a stone for a pillow and dreamed about "the gateway to heaven" (Gn 28:17). Jesus is the Fulfillment of Jacob's dream. He is the Rock that is the Foundation-Stone (1 Cor 3:11), Cornerstone (Ps 118:22), and Capstone (Eph 2:20).
Jesus is also the Gate (Jn 10:9). No one goes to the Father except through Him (Jn 14:6). Like Jacob's dream, all our dreams are fulfilled in Jesus. He is the Truth, Who makes all godly dreams come true (Jn 14:6). When our dreams are fading after years of suffering and disappointment, they can suddenly come true if we but touch the hem of Jesus' garment (Mt 9:21).
Even if our dreams are shattered by tragedy and death, Jesus can take us by the hand, raise us up, and give us a reason for living (Mt 9:25). In the middle of the night, when dreams and nightmares vie for our subconscious attention, we have Jesus, the Light in the darkness, the Morning Star (Rv 22:16). "As the visions during the night continued, I saw One like a son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven" (Dn 7:13). Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
Prayer: Lord, give to Your beloved in their sleep (Ps 127:2).
Promise: "In solemn wonder he cried out: 'How awesome is this shrine! This is nothing else but an abode of God, and that is the gateway to heaven!' " —Gn 28:17
Praise: St. Elizabeth served the Lord as a peacemaker, bringing reconciliation to her own family and preventing wars between nations.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape on Jesus the Redeemer on audio AV 50-3 or video V-50.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 20, 2004
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