Daily Readings - Mon Aug 07 2017
Numbers
4The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, "If only we had meat to eat!5We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost-also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic.6But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!"7The manna was like coriander seed and looked like resin.8The people went around gathering it, and then ground it in a handmill or crushed it in a mortar. They cooked it in a pot or made it into cakes. And it tasted like something made with olive oil.9When the dew settled on the camp at night, the manna also came down.10Moses heard the people of every family wailing, each at the entrance to his tent. The LORD became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled.11He asked the LORD, "Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me?12Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their forefathers?13Where can I get meat for all these people? They keep wailing to me, 'Give us meat to eat!'14I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me.15If this is how you are going to treat me, put me to death right now-if I have found favor in your eyes-and do not let me face my own ruin."
Matthew
22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.23After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,24but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.25During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.26When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.27But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."28"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."29"Come," he said.30Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"32And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.33Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."34When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret.35And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him36and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, trust, and God's providence. The first reading from Numbers describes the Israelites' discontent with the manna provided by God in the wilderness, expressing a deep-seated longing for the comforts of Egypt. This passage highlights their lack of trust in God's provision and Moses' subsequent plea for relief from the burden of leadership. The second reading from Matthew presents a dramatic scene where Jesus walks on water, calming the disciples' fears and inviting Peter to step out in faith. Despite Peter's initial courage, fear creeps in, and he begins to sink, only to be saved by Jesus' merciful hand.
These readings, though separated by time and context, share a common theme: the human struggle with faith and trust in the face of uncertainty. The Israelites, despite God's repeated acts of deliverance, allow their physical hunger to overshadow their spiritual trust. Similarly, Peter, in his moment of doubt, learns that even the smallest faith can be the foundation for growth. Jesus' gentle rebuke—"O little faith, why did you doubt?"—is not a condemnation but an invitation to deeper trust.
In our daily lives, we often find ourselves in situations where fear and doubt arise. Like the Israelites, we may grumble against God's provision, forgetting the ways He has already blessed us. Like Peter, we may step out in faith only to feel the waves of uncertainty crashing against us. Yet, in these moments, Jesus extends His hand, reminding us that even our imperfect faith is enough to draw us closer to Him. The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God's providence, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. Let us learn to embrace the moments of doubt as opportunities to grow in faith, knowing that Jesus is always with us, ready to save us from the storms of life.