Daily Readings - Mon Aug 07 2023
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
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.