Daily Readings - Tue Aug 08 2017
First Reading - Numbers 12.1-13
Numbers
1And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.2And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it.3(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)4And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out.5And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.6And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.7My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.8With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?9And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed.10And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.11And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned.12Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother's womb.13And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.
Sermon
The first reading from Numbers 12:1-13 presents a story of conflict and divine intervention. Miriam and Aaron, siblings of Moses, challenge his leadership and question God’s exclusive communication through him. They also criticize Moses for marrying an Ethiopian woman. God, displeased with their jealousy and lack of trust, appears in a column of cloud and rebukes them. Miriam is afflicted with leprosy, a visible sign of God’s displeasure, but through Moses’ intercession, she is eventually healed. This story highlights themes of humility, trust in God’s plan, and the importance of unity among leaders.
The context of this passage is set during the Israelites’ journey in the wilderness, where Moses is the primary leader and prophet. Miriam and Aaron, who also hold leadership roles, allow jealousy to cloud their judgment, forgetting that God can speak through anyone He chooses. Their actions reveal the dangers of envy and the importance of respecting the roles God has given to others. Moses’ meekness and his willingness to pray for his sister, even after her wrongdoing, demonstrate his deep humility and faith in God’s mercy.
This story invites us to reflect on our own relationships and attitudes. How often do we allow jealousy or pride to overshadow our trust in God’s plan? Like Miriam and Aaron, we may sometimes doubt God’s choices or feel threatened by the gifts He gives to others. Yet, the story reminds us that God’s ways are not our ways, and His wisdom surpasses human understanding. Moses’ example teaches us to respond to conflict with humility and compassion, rather than anger or resentment. Let us ask for the grace to trust in God’s plan and to love and support one another, even when we feel challenged or misunderstood.