Tuesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Miriam and Aaron felt excluded and somewhat jealous of Moses, so they “grumbled” against him. It is safe to safe that jealousy in any circumstance can often lead to trouble. Resentments make for grumbling and gossip. All of this can result in a kind of blindness.
It is clear that Moses had a unique relationship with the God of old. Considered the meekest man on the face of the earth, God had called Moses to lead the people out of Egypt. God had revealed his name to Moses. Moses had accepted the Lord’s mission – even if somewhat reluctantly and with hesitation. God had spoken to Moses on the mountain, giving him the commandments of the law. And today – “Throughout my house, he bears my trust. Face to face I speak to him…” clearly Moses had God’s favor, as he was chosen for a special role.
The Gospel gives us St. Matthew’s account of Jesus walking on the water and calming the storm. The men in the boat were frightened by the storm – and Jesus came to them. “Do not be afraid.” In a characteristic exchange with Peter, Jesus invites him to come to him. In his excitement, Peter began to walk toward Jesus across the water but quickly began to sink. Jesus saved him. Again, Jesus saved the moment, calmed the storm, and saved Peter and the others. Do not be afraid.
We are all on a journey to and with Jesus. Again, and again, he bids us draw closer. That is always a welcome invitation. And as often as we accept it, we sure also falter along the way and need Jesus’ helping hand even more. We pray to be able to rise above all that might lead us to petty jealousies and resentment, remembering we’re all on the same journey – called by God, called by Jesus, protected, and sustained as well.
Reflection by Fr. Peter Ullrich, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections