Reflection
In today's readings, we witness two powerful narratives: Jacob's encounter with God at Bethel and his subsequent marriages, alongside Jesus's triumphant entry into Jerusalem and His authority demonstrated in the temple. These passages reveal God's faithfulness to His promises and the nature of spiritual authority.

The key insight we can draw from these passages is this: God's presence and promises transform ordinary places and people into vessels of His divine purpose, while true spiritual authority comes from a relationship with Him rather than human institutions.

Let's break this down into a simple principle we can apply:

Recognize God's presence in your daily journey and submit to His transforming authority in your life.

Here are five practical steps we can take to apply today's readings:

1. Create memorial moments: Like Jacob at Bethel, mark the places and times where God meets you in a special way.

2. Trust God's timing: Jacob waited seven years for Rachel. What promises are you waiting for? How can you remain faithful in the waiting?

3. Examine your "temple": Jesus cleansed the temple. What areas of your life need to be realigned with God's purposes?

4. Exercise faith: Jesus taught about mountain-moving faith. What seemingly immovable obstacle do you need to bring before God?

5. Bear spiritual fruit: Jesus cursed the fruitless fig tree. How can you become more fruitful in your spiritual life?

As you go about your day, reflect on this question: Where do you need to acknowledge God's presence more fully, and what areas of your life need to submit to His authority?

Conclusion 
Thank you for joining me today. Remember that every place can become holy ground when we recognize God's presence, and every challenge is an opportunity to exercise mountain-moving faith. Until tomorrow, may you walk with eyes open to God's presence and a heart ready to trust His promises.