Genesis 35:3 — Tuesday, August 4, 2026

God calls Jacob back to Bethel, where he had appeared to him during his flight. The patriarch asks the family to abandon the idols, and in the chosen verse he invites everyone to go up to Bethel, promising to build there an altar to the God who answered him in the day of his distress. The text shows Jacob's gratitude: he did not forget the moments when God helped him. Bethel was the place of promise and presence; returning there was renewing the covenant. Spiritual life also needs moments of returning to the roots. Jacob teaches us that we should build altars of memory and worship where God acted. Today we are invited to remember the times when God answered us. Building altars of gratitude renews our walk. When we return to the house of God, we find strength to continue.