Daily Readings - Mon Aug 02 2021
Numbers
4So then, the mix of common people, who had ascended with them, were enflamed with desire, and sitting and weeping, with the sons of Israel joining them, they said, "Who will give us flesh to eat5We remember the fish that we ate freely in Egypt; we call to mind the cucumbers, and melons, and leeks, and onions, and garlic6Our life is dry; our eyes look out to see nothing but manna.7Now the manna was like coriander seed, but with the color of bdellium8And the people wandered about, gathering it, and they crushed it with a millstone, or ground it with a mortar; then they boiled it in a pot, and made biscuits out of it, with a taste like bread made with oil9And when the dew descended in the night over the camp, the manna descended together with it10And so, Moses heard the people weeping by their families, each one at the door of his tent. And the fury of the Lord was greatly enflamed. And to Moses also the matter seemed intolerable11And so he said to the Lord: "Why have you afflicted your servant? Why do I not find favor before you? And why have you imposed the weight of this entire people upon me12Could I have conceived this entire multitude, or have given birth to them, so that you might say to me: Carry them in your bosom, as a nursemaid usually carries a little infant, and bring them into the land, about which you have sworn to their fathers13From where would I obtain the flesh to give to so great a multitude? They weep against me, saying, ‘Give us flesh, so that we may eat.14I alone am unable to sustain this entire people, because it is too heavy for me15But if it seems to you otherwise, I beg you to put me to death, and so may I find grace in your eyes, lest I be afflicted with such evils.
Matthew
13When Jesus had heard it, he withdrew from there by boat, to a deserted place by himself. And when the crowds had heard of it, they followed him on foot from the cities14And going out, he saw a great multitude, and he took pity on them, and he cured their sick15And when evening had arrived, his disciples approached him, saying: "This is a deserted place, and the hour has now passed. Dismiss the crowds, so that, by going into the towns, they may buy food for themselves.16But Jesus said to them: "They have no need to go. Give them something to eat yourselves.17They answered him, "We have nothing here, except five loaves and two fish.18He said to them, "Bring them here to me.19And when he had ordered the multitude to sit down upon the grass, he took the five loaves and the two fish, and gazing up to heaven, he blessed and broke and gave the bread to the disciples, and then the disciples to the multitudes20And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up the remnants: twelve baskets full of fragments21Now the number of those who ate was five thousand men, besides women and children
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two narratives that invite us to reflect on trust, provision, and leadership. The first reading from Numbers 11 finds the Israelites in the wilderness, discontent with the manna God provided. They yearn for the abundance of Egypt, despite God's consistent provision. Moses, burdened by their complaints, feels overwhelmed by the responsibility of leading such a discontented people. This story contrasts with the Gospel from Matthew 14, where Jesus, having withdrawn after hearing of John the Baptist's death, encounters a large crowd. Instead of turning them away, Jesus heals them and, with compassion, multiplies five loaves and two fish to feed over five thousand people.
The context of these readings highlights themes of provision and trust. The Israelites, despite God's miracles, fail to trust in His plan, while Jesus exemplifies trust and compassion, turning scarcity into abundance. Moses' struggle with leadership contrasts with Jesus' selfless care for the crowd, showing two approaches to responsibility and provision.
In our daily lives, these readings remind us to trust in God's plan and find contentment in His provision. Like the Israelites, we may sometimes feel discontent, but Jesus teaches us to approach life's challenges with faith and compassion. As leaders or followers, we are called to emulate Jesus' example, turning to Him in trust and serving others with love. Let us learn to see God's abundance in our lives and serve with the compassion Jesus showed, transforming our struggles into opportunities for grace and growth.