Daily Readings - Mon Aug 02 2021
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
13When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns.14When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.15As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food."16Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat."17"We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered.18"Bring them here to me," he said.19And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.20They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.21The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two narratives that invite us to reflect on trust, provision, and leadership. The first reading from Numbers 11 finds the Israelites in the wilderness, discontent with the manna God provided. They yearn for the abundance of Egypt, despite God's consistent provision. Moses, burdened by their complaints, feels overwhelmed by the responsibility of leading such a discontented people. This story contrasts with the Gospel from Matthew 14, where Jesus, having withdrawn after hearing of John the Baptist's death, encounters a large crowd. Instead of turning them away, Jesus heals them and, with compassion, multiplies five loaves and two fish to feed over five thousand people.
The context of these readings highlights themes of provision and trust. The Israelites, despite God's miracles, fail to trust in His plan, while Jesus exemplifies trust and compassion, turning scarcity into abundance. Moses' struggle with leadership contrasts with Jesus' selfless care for the crowd, showing two approaches to responsibility and provision.
In our daily lives, these readings remind us to trust in God's plan and find contentment in His provision. Like the Israelites, we may sometimes feel discontent, but Jesus teaches us to approach life's challenges with faith and compassion. As leaders or followers, we are called to emulate Jesus' example, turning to Him in trust and serving others with love. Let us learn to see God's abundance in our lives and serve with the compassion Jesus showed, transforming our struggles into opportunities for grace and growth.