Daily Readings - Tue Aug 05 2025
Numbers
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.
Matthew
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 stories that invite us to reflect on faith, trust, and God’s presence in our lives. The first reading from Numbers tells the story of Miriam and Aaron questioning Moses’ leadership because of his marriage to an Ethiopian woman. Their jealousy and pride lead them to challenge Moses, but God defends him, affirming Moses’ unique role as a faithful servant. Miriam is afflicted with leprosy as a consequence of their rebellion, but Moses’ prayer for her healing shows his compassion and intercession. This story reminds us of the dangers of envy and the importance of humility, while also highlighting Moses’ exceptional relationship with God.
The Gospel reading from Matthew shifts our focus to Jesus walking on the water. After feeding the crowds, Jesus sends his disciples ahead in a boat while he prays alone on a mountain. The disciples face a storm, and in their fear, they see Jesus walking toward them and think he is a ghost. Peter, in a moment of boldness, asks to join Jesus on the water, but his faith falters when he feels the strong wind. Jesus rescues him, gently rebuking his lack of faith. This story underscores the importance of trusting in God’s presence, even when circumstances seem impossible or frightening. It also shows that even in our doubt, Jesus is always ready to save us.
Both readings call us to examine our own faith and trust in God. Like Miriam and Aaron, we may sometimes let jealousy or pride cloud our judgment, but God’s justice and mercy are always at work. Like Peter, we may waver in our faith when challenges arise, but Jesus’ promise to be with us remains steadfast. These stories remind us that faith is not about being perfect; it’s about turning to God in every moment, even when we feel weak or uncertain. Let us ask for the grace to trust in God’s plan, to humbly acknowledge our limitations, and to reach out for his saving hand, just as Peter did. In doing so, we can walk more confidently on the “waters” of our own lives, knowing that Jesus is always with us.