Daily Catholic Mass Readings for August 3, 2021
First Reading: Numbers 12.1-13
1And Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses, because of his wife, an Ethiopian2and they said: "Has the Lord spoken only through Moses? Has he not also spoken similarly to us?" And when the Lord had heard this3(for Moses was a man exceedingly meek, beyond all the men who were living upon the earth4immediately he spoke to him, and to Aaron and Miriam, "Go out, you three only, to the tabernacle of the covenant." And when they had gone out5the Lord descended in a column of cloud, and he stood at the entrance of the tabernacle, calling to Aaron and Miriam. And when they had advanced6he said to them: "Listen to my words. If there will be among you a prophet of the Lord, I will appear to him in a vision, or I will speak to him through a dream7But it is not so with my servant Moses, who is the most faithful in all my house8For I speak with him mouth to mouth, and plainly. And not through enigmas and figures does he perceive the Lord. Therefore, why were you not afraid to disparage my servant Moses?9And being angry against them, he went away10Likewise, the cloud which was over the tabernacle withdrew. And behold, Miriam appeared to be white with a leprosy, like snow. And when Aaron had looked upon her, and he had seen the spreading of the leprosy11he said to Moses: "I beg you, my lord, not to impose upon us this sin, which we have committed foolishly12Do not let this one be like one who is dead, or like an abortion that has been cast from the womb of her mother. Behold, half of her flesh is already consumed by leprosy.13And Moses cried out to the Lord, saying, "O God, I beg you: heal her.
Psalm 51
1Unto the end. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came to him, after he went to Bathsheba. Be merciful to me, O God, according to your great mercy. And, according to the plentitude of your compassion, wipe out my iniquity2Wash me once again from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin3For I know my iniquity, and my sin is ever before me4Against you only have I sinned, and I have done evil before your eyes. And so, you are justified in your words, and you will prevail when you give judgment5For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sinfulness did my mother conceive me6For behold, you have loved truth. The obscure and hidden things of your wisdom, you have manifested to me7You will sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be cleansed. You will wash me, and I will be made whiter than snow8In my hearing, you will grant gladness and rejoicing. And the bones that have been humbled will exult9Turn your face away from my sins, and erase all my iniquities10Create a clean heart in me, O God. And renew an upright spirit within my inmost being11Do not cast me away from your face; and do not take your Holy Spirit from me12Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and confirm me with an unsurpassed spirit13I will teach the unjust your ways, and the impious will be converted to you14Free me from blood, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue will extol your justice15O Lord, you will open my lips, and my mouth will announce your praise16For if you had desired sacrifice, I would certainly have given it, but with holocausts, you will not be delighted17A crushed spirit is a sacrifice to God. A contrite and humbled heart, O God, you will not spurn18Act kindly, Lord, in your good will toward Zion, so that the walls of Jerusalem may be built up19Then you will accept the sacrifice of justice, oblations, and holocausts. Then they will lay calves upon your altar
Gospel: Matthew 14.22-36
22And Jesus promptly compelled his disciples to climb into the boat, and to precede him in crossing the sea, while he dismissed the crowds23And having dismissed the multitude, he ascended alone onto a mountain to pray. And when evening arrived, he was alone there24But in the midst of the sea, the boat was being tossed about by the waves. For the wind was against them25Then, in the fourth watch of the night, he came to them, walking upon the sea26And seeing him walking upon the sea, they were disturbed, saying: "It must be an apparition." And they cried out, because of fear27And immediately, Jesus spoke to them, saying: "Have faith. It is I. Do not be afraid.28Then Peter responded by saying, "Lord, if it is you, order me come to you over the waters.29And he said, "Come." And Peter, descending from the boat, walked over the water, so as to go to Jesus30Yet truly, seeing that the wind was strong, he was afraid. And as he began to sink, he cried out, saying: "Lord, save me.31And immediately Jesus extended his hand and took hold of him. And he said to him, "O little in faith, why did you doubt?32And when they had ascended into the boat, the wind ceased33Then those who were in the boat drew near and adored him, saying: "Truly, you are the Son of God.34And having crossed the sea, they arrived in the land of Genesaret35And when the men of that place had recognized him, they sent into all that region, and they brought to him all who had maladies36And they petitioned him, so that they might touch even the hem of his garment. And as many as touched it were made whole
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that explore the themes of faith, doubt, and trust in God. The first reading from Numbers 12 tells the story of Miriam and Aaron questioning Moses' leadership, driven by jealousy over his Ethiopian wife. Their envy leads them to challenge Moses' unique role as God's prophet. God intervenes, affirming Moses' special relationship with Him and punishing Miriam with leprosy. Moses' compassionate prayer for her healing underscores his humility and faith.
The Gospel from Matthew 14 shifts the focus to Jesus and His disciples. After feeding the 5000, Jesus sends His disciples into a stormy sea while He prays alone. As the disciples struggle against the waves, Jesus walks on water to them, reassuring them. Peter's initial faith, walking on water, falters as doubt creeps in, causing him to sink. Jesus rescues him, teaching a lesson on the perils of doubt. The passage concludes with the disciples worshiping Jesus and the people of Genesaret seeking His healing touch.
Both readings highlight the importance of maintaining faith amidst challenges. In Numbers, the Israelites are in the wilderness, facing leadership struggles, while in Matthew, the disciples face a literal storm. These contexts remind us that faith is tested in adversity. The connection between the readings lies in their emphasis on trusting God's plan, even when circumstances seem insurmountable.
In our daily lives, we often face personal storms—challenges that test our faith. These readings encourage us to seek God's presence and healing, just as Moses prayed for Miriam and the people touched Jesus' garment. The moral lesson is clear: faith can overcome fear and doubt. By trusting in God's providence, we find the strength to navigate life's turbulent waters, seeking His guidance and healing. Let us strive to maintain unwavering faith, knowing that God is always with us, even in the most uncertain times.