Download “In the World” for June 29, 2025, here.
KOTZO’S LADDER
Earlier this month, a firefighter with the FDNY (New York City Fire Department) received the department’s top medal for a double rescue last year. When firefighters Michael Kotzo and Jason Lopez arrived at a six-story building engulfed in flames, the crew of Ladder Company 28 extended an aerial ladder for a high-risk rescue. At the sixth floor, they located a trapped civilian, and Kotzo lowered Lopez and the civilian to the ground via rope. Then Kotzo observed a second person in immediate danger. With no time to obtain another rope, he lowered the civilian and himself to safety, himself bearing the weight of two people. Citing Kotzo’s “incredibly dangerous and highly technical operation,” Chief of Department Peter J. Ganci Jr. awarded him the Fire Chiefs Association Medal, their highest award.
JACOB’S LADDER
Today’s reading is from Genesis 28, when Jacob is heading north to Haran—for safety from his brother Esau and to find a wife among his extended family. One night, he camps near the town of Luz, sleeping in a certain spot where he is forced to use a stone as a pillow. While he sleeps, he dreams of a ladder that stretches from heaven to earth. He sees angels traveling back and forth, carrying out the will of God. Jacob awakes with a newfound appreciation that God is actively engaged with his situation and able to rescue him.
- What’s the most amazing rescue you’ve heard of?
- When has a certain location become special to you because of what God did there?
- Read John 1:51. What could it mean that angels ascend and descend on the Son of Man, like they were doing on Jacob’s ladder?
Additional Resources
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