DAILY HOMILIES #complain

Apart from the fact that, as church leaders, we are prone to temptations, we could also become frustrated by our flock, as we see in today’s first reading. Moses was utterly fed up with the people’s constant complaining. (Like a parish priest whose parishioners criticise a lot). The Israelites complained bitterly about water in the wilderness of Zin. Moses was so fed up that he ignored God’s instructions. Instead of speaking to the rock, Moses poured out his anger by striking the rock twice with his rod.

Let us examine our conscience. Have I become ungrateful? Have my prayers become avenues to complain against God? Do I recognise the fact that I am only a pilgrim on earth? Like the Israelites, we are on a journey to our homeland (the bliss of heaven), and nothing in this world can satisfy us. Regardless of how wealthy you are, without contentment, you are poor. On the other hand, no matter how little you have, as long as you are grateful, you are rich.

Dear friend, do you constantly complain about others? Or are you a Jacob who knows how best to take advantage of whatever may be their situation? When did you last ask for a blessing from your parents or an older person?

If only we make efforts to clean our insides, we would not only live happier and healthier lives, God himself would be more pleased with us.