Tuesday 5 August 2025. Readings: Numbers 12:1-13, Ps. 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 6cd-7, 12-13, Matthew 14:22-36
“I, the Lord, make myself known to them in visions; I speak to them in dreams. Not so with my servant Moses; he is entrusted with all my house. With him, I speak face to face-- not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the Lord. Why were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? (Numbers 12:6-8)
In today’s first reading, we observe that along the journey to the Promised Land, Miriam and Aaron spoke certain uncharitable words against Moses. The Eighth Commandment forbids bearing false witness against others. Even more, the scriptures say, “Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!” (1 Chronicles 16:22).
We respect our spiritual leaders not because of who they are but because of the office they occupy. Jesus was critical of the religious leaders of his time, yet He said, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach.” (Matthew 23:2-3).
There is a difference between correcting a person and insulting them. Rather than give reasons for her disapproval of Moses’ marriage, Mariam and Aaron said, “Is Moses the only one who is hearing from God?” God heard this and proved to Mariam and Aaron that Moses had a special place in His heart. Avoid speaking ill of others. One great saint said, “If you have nothing good to say about someone, then be silent.”
On the other hand, never glory in the downfall of those who offend you. Moses had every reason to celebrate Miriam’s leprosy, but chose to ask God for forgiveness. “Heal her, O God, I beseech thee.” God heard the cry of Moses, and Miriam’s health was restored. Are you a leader who is constantly insulted by your followers? Leadership requires putting on a tough skin. Learn to accept criticism graciously, forgive those who hurt you and intercede for them like Moses. Leadership entails sacrifice; do not use your authority or power to fight your people.
After feeding the multitude, Jesus, a leader par excellence, dismisses the crowds, sends his disciples to go on ahead of him and retreats to a quiet place to pray. Any leader who wants to succeed must develop a habit of prayer. The more time you spend alone with God, the better equipped you become. A leader who fails to pray ends up a failure. Jesus said, “Cut off from me, you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
While Jesus was praying, he saw that the disciples were in danger due to the bad weather. As a leader, when you are prayerful, God will reveal many things to you about your flock. Prayer often serves as a sixth sense by helping us see beyond our natural sight. As a leader or parent, be attentive to God’s voice regarding your flock (or children).
This was now the second time the disciples were facing a possible shipwreck. Previously, Jesus was with them, but he was sleeping on a cushion. When his disciples woke him, he rebuked them for their lack of faith. This time, Jesus could see they were even more scared knowing He wasn’t with them in the boat, so He went to them walking on the sea. This was a lesson to the disciples, a proof that no matter how tough and challenging their journeys may be, they must never be afraid.
As a leader, you will face many storms at sea. Sometimes, it would seem as if the whole world is crumbling beneath your feet. Moses had several moments like this, but what kept him going was his solid relationship with God. The road will be challenging, but do not be afraid. Do not be carried away by challenges. Try to picture Jesus walking on water, walking on top of your problems. Jesus did not command the sea to be calm from where he was praying, but walked on it to prove a point – the existence of the issues does not mean God is asleep or powerless. God is still God even when the storms are raging.
Peter was willing to jump into the sea to walk with Jesus, but was soon carried away by fear. This tells us how fear drowns us when we take our gaze away from Jesus. Instead of dwelling on your challenges, take time to meditate on the wonders of God from the past. Say to yourself, if God did it for them, He will do it for me. As long as your faith does not waver, you will walk on water – you will sleep peacefully even when your problems are not over, you will sing like Paul and Silas even when the chains remain fastened. Your faith will cause earthquakes.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, come to our aid when we face crises in life. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Tuesday of week 18 in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Numbers 12:1-13, Ps. 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 6cd-7, 12-13, Matthew 14:22-36)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu