Speaking Against God’s Servant is Indeed a Costly Affair!

August 5, 2025 Tuesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: Numbers 12:1-13; Matthew 14:22-36
 

The First Reading from Numbers recounts a painful family conflict with serious spiritual consequences. Aaron and Miriam speak against Moses not just for marrying a Cushite woman, but by challenging his unique authority and closeness to God. Moses remains silent, but God intervenes. Unlike other prophets, Moses speaks with God face to face and is entrusted with His entire household. For questioning this divine appointment, Miriam is struck with leprosy. Aaron repents, and Moses, humble and compassionate pleads for her healing. The message is clear: disrespecting God’s chosen instruments is not without cost.

The Gospel offers a rich complement to this theme. After the miracle of the multiplication of loaves, Jesus seeks solitude in prayer while the disciples sail ahead across the stormy sea. In the darkness and turbulence, Jesus walks toward them on the water. Mistaking Him for a ghost, they cry out in fear. Jesus reassures them: “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter, bold and impetuous, asks to come to Jesus on the water. At first, he walks, and faith sustains him. But when he notices the strong wind, fear creeps in, and he begins to sink. Jesus catches him and gently rebukes him: “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” It was not the wind that overpowered Peter; it was his loss of trust. This moment is an invitation for us to examine the quality of our faith. Like Peter, we may step out in courage, but do we continue in trust when storms arise?

Call to Action: We often say we believe in Jesus, but can we sustain that belief when the waves rise? Today, let us renew our trust in Him, especially in difficult moments. And let us also remember to speak with reverence about those who serve God, knowing how sacred their calling truly is.