Daily Readings - Mon Aug 07 2023
Numbers
4Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, "Oh that we had meat to eat!5We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic.6But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at."7Now the manna was like coriander seed, and its appearance like that of bdellium.8The people went about and gathered it and ground it in handmills or beat it in mortars and boiled it in pots and made cakes of it. And the taste of it was like the taste of cakes baked with oil.9When the dew fell upon the camp in the night, the manna fell with it.10Moses heard the people weeping throughout their clans, everyone at the door of his tent. And the anger of the LORD blazed hotly, and Moses was displeased.11Moses said to the LORD, "Why have you dealt ill with your servant? And why have I not found favor in your sight, that you lay the burden of all this people on me?12Did I conceive all this people? Did I give them birth, that you should say to me, 'Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries a nursing child,' to the land that you swore to give their fathers?13Where am I to get meat to give to all this people? For they weep before me and say, 'Give us meat, that we may eat.'14I am not able to carry all this people alone; the burden is too heavy for me.15If you will treat me like this, kill me at once, if I find favor in your sight, that I may not see my wretchedness."
Matthew
22Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,24but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.25And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea.26But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear.27But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid."28And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water."29He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me."31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"32And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.33And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."34And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret.35And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick36and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.
Sermon
Dear friends,
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on trust and faith in the face of adversity. The first reading from Numbers recounts the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness, where they express dissatisfaction with the manna provided by God, longing instead for the comforts of Egypt. This passage highlights their struggle with gratitude and trust in God’s providence. Moses, burdened by their complaints, turns to God for relief, illustrating the human frailty even in leadership.
The Gospel from Matthew presents a different yet complementary scenario. After feeding the multitude, Jesus sends His disciples into a stormy sea while He prays alone. In the midst of turmoil, Jesus walks on water, and Peter, though initially faithful, falters when fear overtakes him. Jesus’ rescue of Peter underscores the importance of unwavering faith, even in the face of doubt and fear.
These readings remind us that faith and gratitude are essential in navigating life’s challenges. Like the Israelites, we may sometimes yearn for past comforts, forgetting God’s present provisions. Like Peter, we may waver in our trust when circumstances seem insurmountable. Yet, Jesus’ words to Peter, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” encourage us to anchor our trust in Him.
In our daily lives, we face storms—be they personal struggles or global crises. Let us recall that Jesus is ever-present, walking beside us, even when the winds howl. Let us strive to maintain faith, knowing that His hand is always outstretched to save us. May we cultivate gratitude for His daily bread and trust in His divine plan, even when the path seems uncertain.
As we navigate our own wilderness journeys, may we remember that true strength lies not in our own abilities but in our willingness to trust in God’s providence. Let us approach each challenge with the courage of Peter, stepping out in faith, and when we falter, may we hear Jesus’ gentle rebuke, urging us to deepen our trust in Him. In doing so, we find peace amidst life’s tempests and grow closer to the heart of God.