Daily Readings - Tue Aug 05 2025
Numbers
1Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman.2And they said, "Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?" And the LORD heard it.3Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.4And suddenly the LORD said to Moses and to Aaron and Miriam, "Come out, you three, to the tent of meeting." And the three of them came out.5And the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud and stood at the entrance of the tent and called Aaron and Miriam, and they both came forward.6And he said, "Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the LORD make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream.7Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house.8With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?"9And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them, and he departed.10When the cloud removed from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, like snow. And Aaron turned toward Miriam, and behold, she was leprous.11And Aaron said to Moses, "Oh, my lord, do not punish us because we have done foolishly and have sinned.12Let her not be as one dead, whose flesh is half eaten away when he comes out of his mother's womb."13And Moses cried to the LORD, "O God, please heal her--please."
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
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.